Abstract: Disjunct populations of plant species often occur far from their typical ranges, usually in small refugia with localized microclimates atypical of surrounding habitat. In southern Missouri, Zigadenus elegans occurs with other Pleistocene relict species (Campanula rotundifolia and Galium boreale) on north-facing dolomite bluffs along the Jacks Fork River within the Ozark National Scenic Riverway. Disjunct Pleisitocene relict populations may have persisted for thousands of years in their refugia, yet little is known about the abiotic conditions that facilitate this persistence. Relict populations present an important opportunity to examine microclimatic thresholds and species ability to persist in small islands of suitable habitat.
Purpose: The purpose of this research is to quantify the microclimate within and outside poopulations of the boreal relic Zigadenus elegans in Missouri and determine if microclimate restricts Z. elegans population boundaries.
Supplemental Information: The objectives of this study are to: 1) characterize and compare microclimate inside and outside population boundaries of Z. elegans; 2) described population demographics in each refugia; 3) assess genetic diversity and gene flow between the three Missouri populations; and 4) compare genetic diversity of Missouri populations to disjunct and non-distjunct populations of Z. elegans in other states.

Progress: In work
Update Frequency: As needed

Theme Keywords: None, Air Temperature, Humidity, Monitoring, Boreal Relic, Bluff Community, Rare Plant
Place Keywords: Missouri, Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Access Constraints: None
Usage Constraints: Dataset credit required