(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species GOOSEBERRY, MICCOSUKEE
Species Id ESIS704018
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - GOOSEBERRY, MICCOSUKEE
OTHER COMMON NAMES - GOOSEBERRY, MICCOSUKEE; GOOSEBERRY, FLORIDA;GOOSEBERRY and SPINEY
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Angiosperm
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - MAGNOLIOPHYTA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - MAGNOLIOPSIDA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - ROSALES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - SAXIFRAGACEAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - RIBES,
SPECIES AND SSP - ECHINELLUM,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - RIBES ECHINELLUM
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Miccosukee Gooseberry
Ribes echinellum (Coville) Rehder
KINGDOM: Plant GROUP: Angiosperm
DIVISION: Magnoliophyta CLASS: Magnoliopsida
ORDER: Rosales FAMILY: Saxifragaceae
Ribes echinellum (Miccosukee gooseberry) is a shrub 0.5 to 1.0
meter in height, often forming patches several meters in diameter, the
branches spreading and recurved. The stems with one, two or three
stout, dark reddish brown spines at the nodes, the spines reaching a
length of 1.5 cm. The outer bark of 1-year-old branches is dull white
to almost buff, splitting with growth of the twig and exposing the
inner dark reddish-brown bark. Petioles pubescent, to 3 cm long; the
leafblade 1 to 2 cm long, sometimes reaching 3 cm, orbicular in
outline, truncate to rounded at the base, 3 lobed, sparingly pubescent
or nearly glabrous on both surfaces. The peduncles 5 to 12 cm long,
pubescent and usually with gland-tipped hairs, pendulous one-flowered
or occasionally two-flowered. The pedicels 1 to 6 mm long, densely
pubescent and glandular, subtended by 2 small bracts. The flower 15
to 20 mm in length, green to greenish-white. Ovary densely covered
with long glands; calyx tube green, pubescent, 3 to 4 mm long, calyx
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species GOOSEBERRY, MICCOSUKEE
Species Id ESIS704018
Date 13 MAR 96
lobes 5, linear, pubescent, 4 to 6 mm long, reflexed; petals 2 to 3 mm
long, inrolled and appearing tubular. The filaments 9 to 12 mm long,
scattered pilose, exserting the reddish-pink pilose anthers out from
the petals. The pistil has a shallowly divided style, 10 to 15 mm
long. The fruit is a green berry, 2 to 3 cm in diameter (including
spines), densely covered with gland-tipped spines up to 8 mm long (01,
02).
The species was first named Grossularia echinella by Coville in
1924 (02), this was later revised to the present nomenclature in 1926
by Rehder (03). In 1985, Sinnott (02) noted that the species should
not be included with the hairy-styled type species in section
Grossularia. The lack of style pubescence, tubular petals, and
greenish calyx are features found in species of the western group
related to Ribes lobbii. There have been some morphological
differences observed between Florida and South Carolina plants grown
in cultivation at Woodlanders (a native plant dealer). Apparently,
the spines of Florida plants occur primarily at the nodes while
specimens of South Carolina origin have spines along the internodes as
well. In addition, South Carolina plants are flowering slightly
earlier and usually have smaller fruit (04).
Common names used for this species include Miccosukee gooseberry,
Florida gooseberry, and spiney gooseberry.
The type specimen (No. 1, 112, 807), collected by Coville on
March 2, 1924 (01), was deposited in the United States National
Herbarium. Technical descriptions and drawings useful for species
identification are available by reference to the published papers of
Coville (1924) (01) and Sinnott (1985) (02). Living specimens from
both the Florida and South Carolina populations may be simultaneously
viewed by appointment at Woodlanders (04).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species GOOSEBERRY, MICCOSUKEE
Species Id ESIS704018
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Florida; Federal Threatened
Florida; Officially Listed
Florida; Unofficially Listed
South Carolina; State Recognized
South Carolina; Unofficially Listed
T: Federal Threatened
Commercial
Game (Consumptive Recreational)
Ornamental
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Miccosukee gooseberry (Ribes echinellum) has been designated
a Threatened 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
States of FL and SC. Critical Habitat has not been designated.
Removal and reduction to possession of any Federally listed plant
from an area under Federal jurisdiction is unlawful (50 CFR 17.61 and
17.71).
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.
USFS -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for management/recovery on Forest Service lands.
Forest Service Regulations prohibit the removal,
destruction, or damaging of any plant classified as
threatened, endangered or rare (36 CFR 261).
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species GOOSEBERRY, MICCOSUKEE
Species Id ESIS704018
Date 13 MAR 96
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species and to utilize
their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of the
species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Florida
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Florida Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services
STATE STATUTE: Florida State Law, Chapter 65-426, Status Section
581.185-187 ("Preservation of Native Flora of
Florida Act").
UNOFFICIAL LIST: Endangered; In: Ward, D.B., ed. 1979. Rare
and endangered biota of Florida. Vol. 5:
Plants. Univ. Presses of Florida. 175 pp.
STATE: South Carolina
DESIGNATED STATUS: Recognized Threatened
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: SC Wildlife and Marine Resources Dept.
STATUTE: SC Limited Authorities Cooperative Agreement; Append. A
UNOFFICIAL LIST: Endangered; Unofficial list: "Native Vascular
Plants Endangered, Threatened, or Otherwise in
Jeopardy in South Carolina"
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
None.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
Gooseberries and currants are cultivated for their edible fruits
and for their ornamental habit and bloom. Ribes echinellum
(Miccosukee gooseberry) is not in demand for these purposes at present
(05). It is cultivated commercially by at least one nursery.
75/07/01:40 FR 27823/ - Smithsonian petition
76/06/16:41 FR 24523/ - Proposal to list 1700 plants
78/04/26:43 FR 17909/ - Comment summary for 76/06/16 publication
79/12/10:44 FR 70796/ - Withdrawal notice
80/12/15:45 FR 82480/ - Review, list as Endangered or Threatened
84/01/20:49 FR 2485/ - 1-year petition finding
84/08/31:49 FR 34535/ - Proposal to list as threatened
84/10/22:49 FR 41266/ - Notice of Public Hearing
85/07/18:50 FR 29338/29341 - Final rule listing species as Threatened
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
LAND USE -
Deciduous Forest Land
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Ribes echinellum (Miccosukee gooseberry) is associated with a
deciduous, mixed hardwood forest with an overstory canopy dominated by
species of oak and hickory (Quercus and Carya).
The species was originally discovered in March of 1924 along the
northeast shore of Lake Miccosukee, Jefferson County, Florida near
Judge Hopkins Landing (01,02). Four additional segments of the
Florida population totaling 5 to 10 acres (in Section 7, Range 4E,
Township 2N) are described by Schultz and Hardin (03) one-half to one
mile east of the original location. In South Carolina, the species
was discovered in 1957 (04) along the western and southern side of
Stevens Creek. The population is 1.5 miles northeast of Clark's Hill,
McCormick County, South Carolina within the boundaries of the Stevens
Creek Natural Area (05). Ribes echinellum also occurs outside the
boundaries of the Stevens Creek Natural Area. This disjunct segment
was located by Jones in 1981 (06). This colony occurs on Sumter
National Forest, Edgefield Ranger District.
Harper (10) described the site of the type location in Florida as
wooded bluff slopes with an unusual absence of evergreen species. It
was estimated that only one-tenth of the vegetation is evergreen.
Harper listed Quercus schneckii (Quercus shumardii), Q. michauxii,
Liquidamber styraciflua, Tilia sp., Fraxinus americana, Acer
floridanum (Acer barbatum), Ulmus fulva (Ulmus rubra), and U. alata as
the most abundant tree species. Within the small tree size-class,
Prunus caroliniana, Cercis canadensis, and Ilex opaca were listed as
the dominants. Bignonia crucigera, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, and
Smilax rotundifolia were the most abundant woody vines. Grossularia
echinella (=Ribes echinella) was the most abundant shrub associated
with Adelia ligustrina and Aesculus pavia. The most abundant herbs
were Tovara virginiana, Calycocarpum lyoni, Tillandsia usneoides,
Arisaema dracontium, Spigelia marilandica, and Tradescantia sp.
Schultz and Hardin (11) surveyed essentially the same area in
1985. According to their estimates, the dominant tree canopy was
composed of Carya glabra, Fraxinus americana, Ulmus alata, Celtis
laevigata, and Quercus virginiana. Common subdominant trees included
Acer barbatum, Prunus serotina, P. caroliniana, Liquidamber
styraciflua, Cercis canadensis, Magnolia grandiflora, Quercus nigra,
Q. michauxii, and Tilia americana. Ribes echinellum, Aesculus pavia,
Aralia spinosa, and Rhus radicans were abundant in the shrub layer.
The predominant herb species were Trillium underwoodii, Polygonatum
biflorum, and Arisaema dracontium. On the eastern side of the
peninsula at Lake Miccosukee the dominant tree canopy included Acer
barbatum, Carya glabra, Magnolia grandiflora, and Quercus michauxii.
In addition to the species listed as present on the west side on the
peninsula, Carpus carolinianus was a common sub-dominant tree and
Arundinaria gigantea was abundant in the understory. The estimated
number of individuals of Ribes echinellum was 5000 over 100 acres.
The largest number of individuals were found to be 200 to 300
feet south of the boat landing on the western side of the peninsula at
Lake Miccosukee. The site was characterized as a westerly aspect,
with the topographic position ranging from mid-slope to bottom-slope
and slope ranging from 0-10 percent to 10-35 percent. Light
Habitat Associations - 1 conditions were filtered to shady with a mesic moisture status.
Elevation ranged from 80 to 120 feet.
Schultz and Hardin (11) also surveyed the Florida
population-segment in Section 7, Range 4E, Township 2N. The dominant
trees were Fagus grandiflora, Magnolia grandiflora, and Acer barbatum
while other associated tree species included Quercus michauxii, Q.
nigra, Q. virginiana, Carya glabra, and Fraxinus americana. The shrub
layer was composed of Ribes echinellum, Aralia spinosa, Aesculus
pavia, Euonymus americanus, and Rhus radicans. Arisaema dracontium,
Polygonatum biflorum and Zephyranthes atamasco were dominant herbs.
The estimated number of individuals of Ribes echinellum was 3000 to
5000 over five to ten acres. The site was characterized as flat
relief approximately five feet above the level of the surrounding
swamp. The soil moisture status was defined as mesic and apparently
well drained at an elevation of 80 to 90 feet.
In South Carolina the forest community was originally described
as mixed mesophytic by Radford in 1959 (12). The composition of the
tree canopy was approximated as 25 percent Carya cordiformis, 15
percent Acer barbatum, 12 percent Quercus prinus, (probably Q.
michauxii misidentified), 12 percent Q. rubra, 10 percent Ulmus rubra,
8 percent Celtis laevigata, 8 percent Carya ovata, 3 percent Juglans
nigra, 2 percent Liriodendron tulipifera, 2 percent Liquidamber
styraciflua, 2 percent Ulmus alata, and 2 percent Quercus alba.
Within the subcanopy were Ostrya virginiana, Acer barbatum, Quercus
prinus, Q. alba, and Carya cordiformis. The more abundant shrubs
were Lindera benzoin, Asimina triloba, Philadelphus inodorus,
Staphylea trifolia, Aesculus sylvatica, and Ribes echinellum. The
more common herbs included Isopyrum, Claytonia, Trillium, Tiarella,
Dentaria, Geranium, Senecio, Dodecatheon, Desmodium, Agrimonia,
Phyrma, Helianthus, and Campanula.
Jones (08,13,14) established six 1/10 acre circular plots on the
primary bluff where the Ribes echinellum population is best developed.
Importance value 200 [(Rel. Den. + Rel. BA.) div. by 2] was calculated
by species for the tree and sapling class, relative density for the
seedling size class, and relative frequency for herbs and vines. The
major tree species and their importance values are as follows: Ulmus
rubra 25, Fraxinus americana 11, Quercus alba 10, Carya glabra 10,
Acer barbatum 8, Carya cordiformis 8, Quercus michauxii 7. The tree
canopy was composed of species of Carya and Quercus in association
with occassional individuals of Fraxinus americana. The mid-canopy or
intermediate tree size-class was composed of Ulmus rubra and Acer
barbatum in association with scattered individuals of the Carya,
Quercus, and Fraxinus species mentioned above. Basal area levels of
the tree size-class ranged from 10 sq m/ha to 32 sq m/ha. The
sapling and seedling size-classes were dominated by Acer barbatum 45,
29, Ostrya virginiana 31,25, Ulmus rubra 12,18, respectively.
Ribes echinellum was by far the dominant shrub with a mean
density of 54,000 stems/ha and a range of 13,000 stems/ha to 161,000
stems/ha. Associated shrub and woody vines were Philadelphus
inodorus, Euonymus americanus, Vitis sp., and Parthenocissus
quinquefolia. The herb layer was unusually rich for a Piedmont upland
forest with 62 herb species identified on 72 1.0 sq m quadrats. The
predominate spring herb species by relative frequency were Senecio
obovatus 76, Geranium maculatum 75, Osmorhiza longistylis 50,
Erythronium americanum 47, Hexastylis arifolia 47, Stellaria media 47,
Claytonia virginica 47, Cardamine angustata 46, and Isopyrum
biternatum 43. The predominate fall species by relative frequency
were Bromus purgans 50, Bignonia capreolata 39, and Solidago caesia
36. Results of the area sampled do not indicate a dominant tree layer
with the composition of mixed-mesophytic forest as defined by Braun
(15). Species of Quercus and Carya had Importance Values of 24 and
Habitat Associations - 2 33, respectively, accounting for over 50 percent of the composition of
the tree size-class. Therefore, the community would be best defined
as a mesic variant of the oak-hickory type.
The site where the vegetative survey was conducted is a lower
slope with a northwest to northeast aspect and 28 deg. to 40 deg.
slope. Elevation ranges from 220 to 380 feet. The soil pH of the
A-horizon ranged from 6.7 to 7.4 and the texture was a sandy loam. In
the A-horizon, the level of exchangable calcium was 1000+ ppm,
magnesium 51+ ppm, potassium 50 to 105 ppm, and phosphorus 6 to 25
ppm. The soil less than 20 feet up-slope from the area vegetatively
sampled is a Wateree series which is a coarse-loamy, mixed, thermic,
Typic Dystrochrepts. The pH ranged from 4.6 to 5.1 and the base
levels were lower than found in the sample area. Ribes echinellum was
present here only as scattered individuals (08). Rock outcrops of
cataclastic granatoid gneiss with potassium feldspars and plagioclase
(16) are common along the bluffsite. According to Griffin (16), the
high pH and calcium levels are likely due to the presence of marble.
This is in agreement with Smith (17) and Hodges (18) who are of the
opinion the base levels are too high to be attributed to the presence
of high base tolerant plant species.
The disjunct population segment in South Carolina located by
Jones in 1981 is in a forest community dominated by Liquidamber
styraciflua and Ostrya virginiana. The stand was heavily disturbed by
logging activity approximately 25 to 30 years ago. The understory is
open and sparse. The site is characterized as a lower slope position,
10 to 20 percent slope with an easterly aspect. The soil is a Tatum
which is derived from fine-grained phyllite and is a clayey, mixed,
thermic, Typic Hapludults (08).
Habitat Associations - 3 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species GOOSEBERRY, MICCOSUKEE
Species Id ESIS704018
Date 13 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
AUTOTROPH
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species GOOSEBERRY, MICCOSUKEE
Species Id ESIS704018
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 Terrestrial Features: Rock outcrops
G
G
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species GOOSEBERRY, MICCOSUKEE
Species Id ESIS704018
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
HABIT:
Ribes echinellum (Miccosukee gooseberry) is a woody shrub (01,02
03).
LIFE CYCLE:
Perennial (01,02,03).
TYPE OF REPRODUCTION:
Sexual and vegetative (04,08). Reproduction from seed has been
observed, with the best germination condition probably being bare
mineral soil (04,19). Vegetative reproduction occurs commonly by
rooting at the stem tips whenever they touch the ground (19). The
species is also easily rooted from cuttings.
REPRODUCTIVE PHENOLOGY:
Germination occurs in late spring, leafing in October, and
budding in February. Anthesis dates are from March to April, fruiting
dates from April to July, and fruit dispersal is from June to August
(08,10). Flowering and fruiting occurs approximately two weeks
earlier in Florida than in South Carolina (10,11,19,).
SEX OR SPORE STATUS:
Monoclinous (01).
POLLINATION, SPORE AND SEED DISSEMINATION:
Seed dissemination agents are birds. Possible disseminators are
mockingbirds, catbirds or thrushes (01). Coville (01) postulated that
birds with long bills ( mockingbirds, catbirds or thrushes) would be
adapted to open the berries to eat the seed. These species of birds
are common and would have a low vulnerability to disturbance, habitat
modification, or predation. The daily range of these species would be
limited, therefore the potential dispersal distance would be limited.
Dissemination by these agents would be internal.
SEED BIOLOGY:
The production of seed does not appear to be a problem. Seed
germination tests have been conducted with many different
scarification and stratification treatments with no success. Limited
success was achieved by leaving the seed in the fruit and allowing the
fruit to rot on a germination medium under greenhouse conditions.
When fruit was partially buried in bare mineral soil in July at the
South Carolina site, some seed germination was observed the following
spring (08).
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
The major limiting factor may be competition from native and
non-native (Lonicera japonica is a potential problem on the South
Carolina site) plants. Other factors may include soil water status
(soil moisture) and poorly drained soils (19). In Florida, the
estimated number of individuals was 5,000 over an area of 100 acres in
the Section 12, Range 3E, Township 2N population segment and 3,000 to
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species GOOSEBERRY, MICCOSUKEE
Species Id ESIS704018
Date 13 MAR 96
5,000 over five to ten acres in the Section 7, Range 4E, Township 2N
population segment (11). In South Carolina, the density ranged from
13,000 to 161,000 stems/ha within the area where the species is best
developed. Approximately 20 to 25 percent of the plants were less
than one-foot tall (08,13). The populations are stable and
maintaining themselves (19,20).
ECOLOGICAL/EDAPHIC FACTORS:
Detailed information concerning the soil texture and moisture
(soil moisture status) requirements is not known. The occurrence of
the species is so local that Soil Conservation Service soil surveys
are not useful. The species appears to require loamy, well drained
soils with a mesic moisture status. Wateree and Tatum are soil series
that the species occurs on in South Carolina (08), but at the
periphery of the population. The series within the area where the
species is best developed is unknown. In Florida, the soil series
that the species occurs on is also unknown. In South Carolina, the
rock is cataclastic granatoid gneiss with potassium feldspars and
plagioclase, and it is suspected that marble is present (16). In
Florida, the rock is limestone (10).
Light conditions are filtered to shady. Slopes range from 0 to
35 percent in Florida and 30 to 45 percent in South Carolina. The
microclimate is cool-mesic. Elevation ranges from 80 to 120 feet in
Florida and 220 to 380 feet in South Carolina. Aspects are northerly.
In South Carolina, soils are neutral to slightly basic (pH 6.7 to 7.4)
but peripheral individuals are on acid soils (pH 4.6 to 5.1).
Disturbance is minimal (08,11).
TROPHIC STATUS:
Phototrophic (01).
CHARACTERISTIC DOMINANCE:
Subdominant (01,08,11). The species often forms dense patches
eliminating all other understory plants.
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY:
The associated plant community is a mesic-variant of the
oak-hickory forest. The canopy is dominated by species of oak and
hickory (Quercus and Carya) in association with Fraxinus americana. A
dense sub-canopy exists due to a large number of individuals of Acer
barbatum, Ulmus rubra, and U. alata. In the Section 7, Range 4E,
Township 2N population segment in Florida, Fagus grandifolia and
Magnolia grandiflora were also important components of the overstory
(08,10,11,12). The communities are steady-state (climax) to near
steady-state with single tree canopy gaps. It is not known what
effect disturbance has on the population biology of this species.
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
No information available.
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
No information available.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species GOOSEBERRY, MICCOSUKEE
Species Id ESIS704018
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Suppressing wildfire
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Off-Road Vehicles
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Herbicide Use
Beneficial Restricting Timber Harvest
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Nonnative Vegetation
Beneficial Maintaining Sperm/Seed Banks
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Transplanting wild animals
Beneficial Transplanting Wild Eggs/Wild Seeds
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Noncommercial Harvest
Beneficial Regulating commercial harvest levels
Adverse Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Existing Exotic/Feral/Introducted Species
Adverse Collecting
Existing Collecting
Adverse Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Existing Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Adverse Shoreline modification/development
Existing Shoreline modification/development
Adverse Low Gene Pool
Existing Low Gene Pool
Adverse Competition
Existing Competition
Adverse Fire
Existing Fire
Adverse Forest Alteration
Existing Forest Alteration
Adverse Harvesting
Existing Harvesting
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
The threat of habitat destruction or alteration which may be
detrimental to the continued existence of Ribes echinellum (Miccosukee
gooseberry) is greatest at the Florida site since the population is on
private owned lands and the site has potential for lakeside
development (06). Logging of the associated hardwoods and severe fire
could pose additional threats to this population. Logging occurred
near part of the site with observed detrimental effects (05).
Although the South Carolina population occurs on land managed as
a nature preserve by the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources
Department and on U.S. Forest Service land (Sumter National Forest)
that will be set aside and given special consideration (06), little is
known about management needs of the species. Although the South
Carolina Forestry Commission maintains firebreaks at the Stevens Creek
Natural Area, incendiary fires are always a threat. One such incident
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species GOOSEBERRY, MICCOSUKEE
Species Id ESIS704018
Date 13 MAR 96
occurred in 1978 (07) which burned one clump of the species. These
factors are still considered threatening to the population.
The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms was one reason
for the current status of the species. Cuttings and fruit have been
taken from these plants for cultivation. The Florida Endangered
Species Act offers additional protection under Florida State Law,
Chapter 65-426, which includes prohibitions concerning taking,
transport, and the sale of plants listed under the Florida law. In
South Carolina, the species is indirectly protected at the Stevens
Creek site under the Natural Area prohibitions against unauthorized
plant taking (05). The colony on Sumter National Forest in South
Carolina is protected by the Endangered Species Act and Forest Service
regulations which prohibit taking of protected plants on Federal
lands. This factor is no longer threatening to the population.
Other natural or manmade factors affecting the continued
existence of the species include the small size and number of both the
South Carolina and Florida populations (many of the plants may have
reproduced vegetatively not sexually). This factor results in both
populations being sensitive to even small-scale perturbations.
Lightning and incendiary fires are probably the major threat at this
time. Both populations are receiving localized competition from the
introduced vine, Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) (08,09).
This factor continues to be threatening.
Agricultural pressure around the Florida sites may lead to future
development of these sites for agricultural purposes. Another future
threat is the overutilization of this species for commercial purposes.
Gooseberries and currants are cultivated for their edible fruits and
for their ornamental habit and bloom. The species is not in demand
for these purposes at present (05).
UNAPPROVED PLAN:
A Recovery Plan has not yet been initiated; target date for a
draft plan is FY 1987.
Ribes echinellum (Miccosukee gooseberry), confined to two
populations in South Carolina and Florida, is potentially threatened
at the Florida site by development, unrestricted timber harvest,
herbicide use, agricultural development, and off-road vehicle use.
Although the current landowners of the Florida site appear
cooperative, a change in ownership or land use could be detrimental to
the plant. The South Carolina site is owned primarily (approximately
95 percent of the colonies) by the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine
Resources Department and managed by the state's Heritage Trust Program
for the benefit of this species. Uncontrolled exotic plants,
particularly Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and wildfire
are among the few threats to the integrity of this site. More
specific information is needed with regard to the effects of this
non-native plant invader, and on the specific environmental conditions
which may foster expansion of existing gooseberry populations. Some
State restrictions should be applied if collecting of wild material
becomes excessive. Acquisition of adjacent colonies which are now
unprotected should be pursued. Similarly, restrictions of
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species GOOSEBERRY, MICCOSUKEE
Species Id ESIS704018
Date 13 MAR 96
recreational use of sites may be desirable/necessary at some point to
reduce the potential for collecting and accidental destructive fires.
Other actions recommended for the recovery of this species would be to
establish a seed bank with seeds from each population, propagate
plants for reintroduction to suitable habitats, or reintroduce wild
plants or seeds if feasible.
Adjacent to the South Carolina population are commercial timber
lands which are periodically sprayed to control hardwoods during
reseeding operations. This spraying may or may not have an adverse
effect on Ribes echinellum but may need to be monitored or controlled.
A very small colony of this species occurs on the Sumter National
Forest (where "take" is Federally prohibited). The U.S. Forest
Service has agreed to manage the site for the species' benefit. The
State of South Carolina is pursuing acquisition of the remaining
privately-owned colonies in that state. Florida landowners have been
contacted and expressed willingness to cooperate in conservation
efforts for the species.
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species GOOSEBERRY, MICCOSUKEE
Species Id ESIS704018
Date 13 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Coville, F.V. 1924. Grossularia echinella, a spiny-fruited
gooseberry from Florida. J. Agri. Res. 28:71-76.
02 Sinnott, Q.P. 1985. A revision of Ribes L. Subg. Grossularia
(Mill.) Pers. Sect. Grossularia (Mill.) Nutt. (Grossulariaceae) in
North America. Rhodora 87:189-281.
03 Rehder, A. 1926. New species, varieties, and combinations from
the herbarium and collections of the Arnold Arboretum. Journal of
the Arnold Arboretum 7:148.
04 McCartney, R. July 1, 1986. Pers. comm. (telephone).
Woodlanders, 1128 Colleton Ave., Aiken, SC 29801.
05 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. July 18, 1985. Endangered and
threatened wildlife and plants; determination of threatened status
for Ribes echinellum (Miccosukee gooseberry). Fed. Reg.
50(138):29338-29341.
06 Gardner, J. and A. Boldog. June 20, 1986. Pers. comm. U.S. For.
Service, Sumter National Forest, P.O. Box 30, Edgefield, SC 29824.
07 Barr, W.L. February 28, 1978. [Letter to T. S. Kohlsaat]. South
Carolina State Comm. of Forestry, P.O. Box 21707, Columbia, SC.
08 Jones, S.M. 1986. Unpubl. data. Dept. Forestry, Clemson Univ.,
Clemson, SC.
09 Gholson, A. July 1, 1986. Pers. comm. (telephone). Catahootchie,
Florida.
10 Harper, R.M. 1925. A botanically remarkable locality in the
Tallahassee red hills of middle Florida. Torreya 25:45-54.
11 Schultz, G.E. and E.D. Hardin. 1985. Site survey summary.
Florida Natural Areas Inventory. The Nature Conserv. and the FL
Dept. of Nat. Resour. 13 pp.
12 Radford, A.E. 1959. A relict plant community in South Carolina.
J. Elisha Mitchell Sci. Soc. 75:33-34.
13 Jones, S.M. and B.A. Dunn. 1978. Compositional and soil-site
characteristics of a Ribes echinellum (Saxifragaceae) community.
ABS Bulletin 25(2):9.
14 Jones, S.M. and B.A. Dunn. 1983. Endangered and threatened forest
plants of South Carolina. Dept. of Forestry, Bulletin No. 37.
Clemson Univ., Clemson, SC. 117 pp.
15 Braun, E.L. 1950. Deciduous forests of eastern North America.
Hafner Press, N.Y. 596 pp.
16 Griffin, V.S. July 3, 1986. Pers. comm. Dept. of Chemistry and
Geology, Clemson Univ., Clemson, SC 29631.
17 Smith, B.R. July 3, 1986. Pers. comm. Dept. of Agronomy and
Soils, Clemson Univ., Clemson, SC 29631.
18 Hodges, S.C. July 3, 1986. Pers. comm. Dept. of Forestry,
Clemson Univ., Clemson SC 29631.
19 Jones, S.M. 1986. Pers. observations, field work dating from 1977
to 1981. Dept. of Forestry, Clemson Univ., Clemson, SC 29631.
20 Milstead, W.L. 1978. Status report on Ribes echinellum. U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, Georgia. 19 pp.
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species GOOSEBERRY, MICCOSUKEE
Species Id ESIS704018
Date 13 MAR 96
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Milstead, W.L. 1978. Status report on Ribes echinellum. U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, GA. 19 pp.
02 Coville, F.V. 1924. Grossularia echinella, a spiny-fruited
gooseberry from Florida. J. of Agri. Res. 28:71-76.
03 Schultz, G.E. and E.D. Hardin. 1985. Site survey summary. FL
Nat. Areas Invent. The Nature Conserv. & FL Dept. of Nat. Resour.
13 pp.
04 Radford, A.E. 1959. A relict plant community in South Carolina.
J. Elisha. Mitchell Sci. Soc. 75:33-34.
05 Jones, S.M. 1986. Personal observations. Department of Forestry,
Clemson University, Clemson, SC.
06 Jones, S.M. 1986. Unpubl. data. Dept. of For., Clemson Univ.,
Clemson, SC.
07 Rayner, D.A. 1986. Map to S. M. Jones. South Carolina Wildlife
and Marine Resources, P.O. Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202.
08 Sinnott, Q.P. 1985. A revision of Ribes L. Subg. Grossularia
(Mill.) Pers. Sect. Grossularia (Mill.) Nutt. (Grossulariaceae) in
North America. Rhodora 87:189-281.
09 Sinnott, Q.P. July 1, 1986. Pers. comm. (telephone). Database
Mgmt. Unit, Germplasm Resour. Info. Network, Plant Genetics and
Germplasm Inst., Bldg. 001, BARC-West, ARS Beltsville, MD 20705.
References - 2