(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species BIDENS, CUNEATE
Species Id ESIS701026
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - BIDENS, CUNEATE
OTHER COMMON NAMES - BIDENS and CUNEATE
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Angiosperm
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - MAGNOLIOPHYTA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - MAGNOLIOPSIDA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - ASTERALES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - ASTERACEAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - BIDENS,
SPECIES AND SSP - CUNEATA,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - BIDENS CUNEATA
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Cuneate Bidens
Bidens cuneata Sherff
KINGDOM: Plant GROUP: Angiosperm
DIVISION: Magnoliophyta CLASS: Magnoliopsida
ORDER: Asterales FAMILY: Asteraceae
Decumbent, spreading herb generally less than 1 m ht. Leaves
simple, rhomboidovate, toothed, acute at apex, 2.5 - 5 cm long, 1 -
2.5 cm wide. Flower heads yellow, solitary on peduncles 7-19 cm long
Ray florets about 7-10, 17-25 mm long, 9-11 mm wide. Disc florets
generally 13-33. Achenes straight, black, wingless, glabrous or
slightly hairy on margin, 6-12 mm long (01,02).
Bidens cuneata was described by E.E. Sherff in 1920 (03). It
closely resembles B. mauiensis and B. molokaiensis because of its
sprawling habit, simple leaves and solitary flower heads, but can be
distinguished from the former by its wingless achenes, and from the
latter by leaf shape and serration. Recent experiments in
hybridization by Gillett and Lim (04) have shown that interspecific
hybrids among Hawaiian Bidens can be readily induced and the resulting
highly fertile progeny is indicative of a general lack of genetic
barriers within the group. They concluded that B. cuneata was a
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species BIDENS, CUNEATE
Species Id ESIS701026
Date 13 MAR 96
natural hybrid between B. molokaiensis and the simple leaf form of B.
mauiensis (var. cuneatoides) despite the fact that one parent occurs
on Molokai, the other on Maui and the presumed hybrid on Oahu. Thus
it was proposed that B. cuneata be reduced to hybrid status with the
hybrid formula B. mauiensis var. cuneatoides x B. molokaiensis (05).
Alternatively, the taxon may be simply denoted as B. x cuneata (06).
More recently, extensive hybridization experiments,
chemotaxonomic analyses and greenhouse observations attendant to a
monographic revision of the Hawaiian Bidens have revealed that Bidens
cuneata is in fact identical to B. molokaiensis (07). After numerous
repetitions of Gillett's crosses between the two presumed parents and
close examination of his experimental vouchers, it was concluded that
Gillett's presumed hybrids upon which his conclusions were formulated
were mostly accidental self-fertilizations. In addition, the supposed
differences between "B. cuneata" and B. molokaiensis disappear when
grown under the same conditions.
The status of B. molokaiensis was listed by Fosberg & Herbst (08)
as "uncertain" with insufficient information for formal status
determination. It subsequently has never been proposed for Endangered
or Threatened status by USFWS. In addition to the very small
population on Diamond Head, small populations occur on the sea cliffs
on the north coast of Molokai from Hoolehua east to Halawa (02,07).
One specimen has been seen from Kahoolawe (02). It is believed that
the population(s) on Kahoolawe is (are) probably as precarious as the
one on Diamond Head (02). Although no formal survey has been
conducted to determine the size, extent and status of the Molokai
populations, repeated visits to several sites in conjunction with the
monographic treatment presently in progress indicate that perhaps a
"Threatened" status for B. molokaiensis may be appropriate.
Type Specimen: Oahu, Diamond Head. Bryan, sn (BISH)
Additional Specimens:
1 Oahu, Diamond Head, on arid, windswept crest of NW rim. Elev. 400'
C. Lamoureax, E. Ozaki & K. Kosaki. 8 April 1955 (HAW).
2 Oahu, Diamond Head, on outer north slope just below crater rim. C.
Lamoureax. 5 March 1969 (HAW).
3 Oahu, Diamond Head, 200 m north of highest peak at west end of
crater. Elev. 700'. C. Lamoureaux, D. Herbst & H. St. John. 7
March 1969 (HAW).
4 Oahu, Diamond Head, inside portion of crater rim, sw portion of
Leahi Peak. Elev. 700'. K.M. Nagata. 1 March 1971 (HLA).
5 Oahu, Diamond Head, interior slope of seaward crest on steep, rocky
incline exposed to strong winds. G.W. Gillett. 28 July 1971 (BISH
HLA).
References: (04,05,07,09,10,11).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species BIDENS, CUNEATE
Species Id ESIS701026
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
E: Federal Endangered
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
Cuneats biden< (Bidens cuneata$ ha< bee$ designateS a$
Endangered species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (50
CFR 17.12; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1540), as
amended. The species has this status wherever found including the
State of Hawaii.
This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to possess
any wild plant (including roots, seeds, and other parts) within U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in 18 U.S.C.
7); or to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or
purchase in interstate or foreign commerce any wild plant (including
roots, seeds, and other parts) taken, possessed, transported, or sold
in violation of any State law or regulation. It is also unlawful to
import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any
wild plant (including roots, seeds, and other parts) taken or
possessed in violation of any U.S. law, treaty, or regulation or in
violation of Indian tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Hawaii
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: State Dept. of Land and Natural Resources
STATE STATUTE: Hawaii Rev. Stat., Chapter 195D
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
None.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
None known.
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species BIDENS, CUNEATE
Species Id ESIS701026
Date 13 MAR 96
75/07/01:40 FR 27823/27924 - Notice of review
76/06/16:41 FR 24523/24572 - Proposed rule
78/04/26:43 FR 17909/17916 - Summary of comments on proposed rule
79/12/10:44 FR 70796/70797 - Withdrawal of proposed rule
82/08/23:47 FR 36675/36678 - Reproposed as endangered
84/02/17:49 FR 06099/06101 - Final rule
85/09/27:50 FR 39526/39527 - Notice of Review
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
LAND USE -
Bare Exposed Rock
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The single remaining population of Bidens cuneata is found
near the crest of the north-facing inner slopes of the southwest wall
of Diamond Head crater at approximately 700 ft (213 m) elevation. The
soils of Diamond Head have been classified as "rock land" which is
characterized by extensive rock outcrops, steep to precipitous slopes
that are well drained or excessively drained and the presence of only
very shallow soil (12). The colony is situated in a pocket of very
shallow soil on a very steep slope with excessive drainage (02).
Although few other shrubs grow in the habitat area, those species that
are able to survive are well adapted for arid conditions and are
aggressive. Scrubby Leucaena leucocephala and Waltheria americana are
the predominant shrubs and Tridax procumbens, Sonchus oleraceus and
Pennisetum setaceum comprise the herb layer (01,02). Vegetational
cover during the rainy season may approach 100 percent in vegetated
areas but during prolonged dry spells most of the plants are
dessicated and defoliated. Bidens cuneata constitutes less than 1
percent of the vegetation in the habitat (02).
Bidens cuneata is easily grown under greenhouse conditions with
no special attention other than maximum sunlight and adquate drainage
indicating minimal edaphic and climatological requirements (02).
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species BIDENS, CUNEATE
Species Id ESIS701026
Date 13 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
AUTOTROPH
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species BIDENS, CUNEATE
Species Id ESIS701026
Date 13 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Coastal Features: Vegetated offshore islands
G Terrestrial Features: Bottomland
G Terrestrial Features: Cliffs/ledges
G Terrestrial Features: Rock outcrops
G
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species BIDENS, CUNEATE
Species Id ESIS701026
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
HABIT:
Bidens cuneata is a shrub (01,02,03,07,09,10,11).
LIFE CYCLE:
Perennial (02).
TYPE OF REPRODUCTION:
Sexual (02).
REPRODUCTIVE PHENOLOGY:
Germination, leafing, and budding dates are unknown. Flowering,
fruiting and seed/fruit dispersal occur between December and July
(01).
SEX OR SPORE STATUS:
Monoecious (01).
POLLINATION, SPORE AND SEED DISSEMINATION:
Pollen dissemination is accomplished through insects. Seed
dissemination is due to the wind (01,02).
SEED BIOLOGY:
Not known, although seed germination of most Hawaiian species of
Bidens is not known to be difficult under greenhouse conditions (02).
Seedlings have been observed in the wild but survival is minimal (01,
02).
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
A single extant colony is known from the steep inside slopes of
Diamond Head crater. Only two census of the population are known to
have been conducted. In February 1979, 10 established individuals and
16 seedlings were counted in an area appoximately 15 m in diameter.
In May 1980 less than 10 established plants and no seedlings were
counted in a strip 1.5 m in length (01). Although the factors
responsible for the population dynamics and seedling mortality have
not been identified, seasonal drought and encroachment by aggressive
exotic species are believed to be involved (02).
Collections of B. cuneata have been made in other sites along the
crater rim and herbarium labels indicate that these colonies were
generally larger than the one presently known. These facts suggest a
pattern of general decline but the overall impression obtained from
available sources of information is that the total population has
always been small and highly localized (01). The extent of its
reproductive success and recovery potential appears minimal because of
the extirpation of historically known colonies, the fact that B.
cuneata has never been found outside its historic range, and the fact
that the population has always been small (01).
ECOLOGICAL/EDAPHIC FACTORS:
The soils of Diamond Head have been classified as "rock land" by
the USDA (12). Diamond Head soils consist largely of former volcanic
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species BIDENS, CUNEATE
Species Id ESIS701026
Date 13 MAR 96
ash and lapilli altered to palagonite and also talus breccia (13).
Thin pockets of eroded ash and accumulated litter are found on ledges
and outcrops on the steep crater walls.
The colony is situated at approximately 215 m elevation on the
steep north-facing slope exposed to the prevailing trade winds.
Although the region receives an annual rainfall of approximately 76 m
(14) the available soil moisture is thought to be correspondingly less
because of excessive drainage and thin soils. Most of the rainfall
occurs during the winter and early spring with only 5-10 cm occurring
between April and September (15). The environmental impacts of
dessicating prevailing winds, low rainfall with severe summer drought
and relatively little available soil moisture are profound, especially
during the summer when the temperature is generally highest. Although
the average annual temperature at Waikiki approximately one mile west
of Diamond Head is 24.5 degrees Celsius (16) the actual temperature
inside the crater is probably higher due to insolation and large doses
of incident radiation unimpeded by topographic or vegetative
interception.
TROPHIC STATUS:
Phototrophic (02).
CHARACTERISTIC DOMINANCE:
Component (02).
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY:
Almost nothing is known of the ecology of the associated plant
community. The vegetation is composed of common, exotic, drought
resistant species (01). No successional trends have been determined.
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
None.
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species BIDENS, CUNEATE
Species Id ESIS701026
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Suppressing wildfire
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Maintaining Early Stages of Succession
Beneficial Maintaining Sperm/Seed Banks
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Transplanting Wild Eggs/Wild Seeds
Beneficial Restricting Poaching
Adverse Incidental Capturing/Killing
Existing Incidental Capturing/Killing
Adverse Collecting
Existing Collecting
Adverse Hiking/Camping
Existing Hiking/Camping
Adverse Low Gene Pool
Existing Low Gene Pool
Adverse Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Existing Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Adverse Competition
Existing Competition
Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Adverse Erosion
Existing Erosion
Adverse Vegetation Composition Changes
Existing Vegetation Composition Changes
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Direct, man-induced threats were probably not significant
until after 1906, due to the relative isolation of the habitat. In
subsequent years, however, extensive military construction occurred in
the habitat area and although the direct impact of these activities is
unknown, it is plausible that uncharted populations may have been
destroyed and aggressive weed species proliferated because of such
disturbance. In more recent times a popular hiking trail has been
established around the rim of the crater. The presence of this trail
remains a constant and significant threat to the population as all
reported sightings of B. cuneata has occurred at or near the crest of
the crater rim and along the trail. Thus, habitat deterioration due
to trampling of plants, soil compaction and promotion of erosion,
rockfall and landslide remains a constant threat to the population.
Encroachment by aggressive exotic species also represents a possible
threat to the population. Only one species found in association with
B. cuneata is native. The most recent census (1980) indicates that
the taxon is restricted to a single colony of less than 10 established
plants (01). The gene pool is thus severely limited and it is
doubtful whether the remaining population possesses sufficient
diversity to enable it to survive a serious environmental challenge.
Finally, over collecting by zealous professional botanists and amateur
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species BIDENS, CUNEATE
Species Id ESIS701026
Date 13 MAR 96
naturalists may also threaten the integrity of the colony. Judging
from the few collections available, the evidence seems to be to the
contrary. However, the collections of amateurs and unscrupulous
collectors do not usually find their way into herbaria (01,02).
No future potential threats are perceived at this time.
UNAPPROVED PLAN:
At the present time, there is no approved recovery plan.
Management actions that are recommended for the recovery of the
Cuneate Bidens include:
1) protection of the plant from accidental or intentional damage due
to trampling by hikers or vandalism;
2) artificial propagation to increase its numbers;
3) establishment of several other populations along the rim of Diamond
Head crater;
4) maintenance of early successional stages of the transplants until
they become established;
5) development of a plan to protect the new colonies against trampling
vandalism, and fires;
6) monitor the species;
7) maintain a representative sample of the gene pool in the form of a
cultivated population and/or stored seed; and
8) Restrict poaching of existing and future populations.
The State Division of Forestry and Wildlife plans to propagate
the plant and establish new populations on Diamond Head. As the
species is presently being cultivated at the University of British
Columbia, parent stock is available and propagation techniques are
known.
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species BIDENS, CUNEATE
Species Id ESIS701026
Date 13 MAR 96
References
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species BIDENS, CUNEATE
Species Id ESIS701026
Date 13 MAR 96
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Takeuchi, W. 1980. Unpublished status report on Bidens cuneata
Sherff. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Honolulu, HI.
02 Nagata, K.M. Pers. observ. Lyon Arboretum, Honolulu, HI 96822.
03 Sherff, E.E. 1920. Studies in the genus Bidens V. Bot. Gaz.
70:102.
04 Gillett, G.W. and E. Lim. 1970. An experimental study of the
genus Bidens (Asteraceae) in the Hawaiian Islands. Univ. Cal.
Publ. Bot. 56:1-63.
05 Gillett, G.W. 1975. The diversity and history of Polynesian
Bidens section Campylotheca. Harold L. Lyon Arboretum, Honolulu,
HI. 32 pp.
06 St. John, H. 1973. List and summary of the flowering plants in
the Hawaiian Islands. Pac. Trop. Bot. Gard. Memoir No. 1. Lawai.
519 pp.
07 Ganders, F.R. and K.M. Nagata. In prep. Monograph of the Hawaiian
species of the genus Bidens.
08 Fosberg, F.R. and D. Herbst. 1975. Rare and endagered species of
Hawaiian vascular plants. Allertonia 1(1):1-72.
09 Sherff, E.E. 1937. The genus Bidens. Field Mus. Nat. Hist. Publ.
388. Chicago. 163 pp.
10 Degener, O. 1940. Flora Hawaiiensis Fam. 344. Bidens cuneata.
11 Kimura, B. and K.M. Nagata. 1980. Hawaii's vanishing flora.
Orietal Publ. Co. Honolulu, HI. 88 pp.
12 Foote, D.E., et al. 1972. Soil survey of the islands of Kauai,
Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, State of Hawaii. USDA.
13 Macdonald, G.A. and A.T. Abbott. 1970. Volcanoes in the sea.
Univ. Press of Hawaii. Honolulu. 441 pp.
14 State of Hawaii. 1973. Climatologic stations in Hawaii. Dept. of
Land and Natural Resources. Report R42. 187 pp.
15 State of Hawaii. 1959. Rainfall of the Hawaiian Islands. Hawaii
Water Authority. n.p.
16 United States. 1983. Climatoligical data. Annual summary.
Hawaii and the Pacific. NOAA 79(13).
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Takeuchi, W. 1980. Unpublished status report on Bidens cuneata
Sherff. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Honolulu, HI.
02 Sherff, E.E. 1920. Studies in the genus Bidens V. Bot. Gaz.
70:102.
03 Gillett, G.W. and E. Lim. 1970. An experimental study of the
genus Bidens (Asteraceae) in the Hawaiian Islands. Univ. Cal.
Publ. Bot. 56:1-63.
04 Sherff, E.E. 1937. The genus Bidens. Field Mus. Nat. Hist.
Publ. 388. Chicago, IL. 163 pp.
05 Degener, O. 1940. Bidens cuneata. Flora Hawaiiensis Fam. 344.
06 Kimura, B. and K.M. Nagata. 1980. Hawaii's vanishing flora.
Oriental Publ. Co., Honolulu, HI. 88 pp.
References - 2