(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species HOLLY, COOK'S
Species Id ESIS704047
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - HOLLY, COOK'S
OTHER COMMON NAMES - HOLLY and COOK'S; TE
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Angiosperm
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - MAGNOLIOPHYTA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - MAGNOLIOPSIDA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - CELASTRALES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - AQUIFOLIACEAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - ILEX,
SPECIES AND SSP - COOKII,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - ILEX COOKII
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Cook's Holly
Ilex cookii Britton & Wilson
KINGDOM: Plant GROUP: Angiosperm
DIVISION: Magnoliophyta CLASS: Magnoliopsida
ORDER: Celastrales FAMILY: Aquifoliaceae
Ilex cookii is an evergreen shrub 3 meters tall with light brown
bark and prominent lenticels. Leaves are minutely stipulate,
alternate, elliptic, simple, entire, thinly coriaceous from 2 to 3.5
centimeters (cm) long and 1.2 to 1.8 cm wide. The upper surface is
dark shiny green and the underside is pale green with microscopic
black dots. Petioles are thick, 2 to 3 cm long, strongly curved in
young seedlings. Flowers are dioecious, solitary or fascicled and
axillary. Petals are white and about as large as the sepals. Fruits
are 4-celled, 4-seeded drupes (03).
The species was collected for the first time in 1926 by Gleason
and Cook in what is considered one of the first botanical explorations
of the Cordillera Mountains. It was published as a new species by
Britton and Wilson in their addendum to the flora of Puerto Rico.
Ilex cookii is considered a valid species in the monograph of the
genus Ilex (01). It is named after the collector Melville Cook. The
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species HOLLY, COOK'S
Species Id ESIS704047
Date 13 MAR 96
holotype of the species is maintained at the New York Botanical
Garden. No other collections were known until completion of the
status report on the species (03). Another common name for this
species is "Te", as listed in the 1985 Federal Register Notice of
Review, 50:39529.
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species HOLLY, COOK'S
Species Id ESIS704047
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Puerto Rico; Federal Endangered
Puerto Rico; State Listed
E: Federal Endangered
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Cook's holly (Ilex cookii) has been designated an 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
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
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:
COMMONWEALTH: Puerto Rico
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Department of Natural Resources
STATE STATUTE: Regulation to Govern the Management of Threatened
and Endangered Species in the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, 1985.
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
None.
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species HOLLY, COOK'S
Species Id ESIS704047
Date 13 MAR 96
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
No known commercial potential.
85/09/27:50 FR 39526/39527 - Notice of review
86/09/25:51 FR 34103/34106 - Proposed rule, list as Endangered
87/06/16:52 FR 22936/22939 - Final rule, listed as Endangered
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
LAND USE -
Evergreen Forest Land
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Cook's holly occurs only in elfin or dwarf forests at
elevations greater than 830 meters. This is an evergreen montane
forest type in which trees are dwarfed (up to 5 m tall) and much
branched. Several factors have been cited as responsible for the
dwarfed nature of the vegetation: soil nematodes; water-logged soil
with low nutrient content; shallow and poor root systems; and
inefficient base pumping due to low transpiration rates. Leaves are
microphyllous, thick, and often limited to the tips of branches.
Roots form a superficial mat; aerial and adventitious roots are
common. Species composition is a subdivision of the forest types
which occur at lower elevations (03).
Maximum and minimum average daily temperatures are 19.9 and 17.4
degrees Celsius (C) respectively, with a mean monthly temperature of
18.3 deg. C. Precipitation exceeds evapotransporation throughout the
year but is lower than that received in the Luquillo Mountains of
northeastern Puerto Rico. Average annual rainfall is 250 cm (03).
Most of the Central Cordillera is of volcanic origin, upper
Cretacous. Igneous rocks cover most of the area. The Toro Negro area
is part of the central mountain chain that bisects the island from
east to west and the highest peaks are found here. Topography is
rough and deeply dissected by streams. The Torro Negro elfin forest
is found within the Humatas-Maricao-Los Guineous soil association.
These soils are well to moderately well-drained, very strongly acid,
clayey and overlay a thick layer of highly weathered rock. A deep
humus layer is usually present (03).
Ilex cookii occurs as a component of the dwarf or elfin forest
of the Central Cordillera. Associated species include trees such as:
Cyrilla racemiflora (Palo colorado), Didymopanax gleasonii
(yagrumillo), Rapanea ferruginea (maneyuelo), Persea urbanii
(aguaeatillo), Magnolia portoricensis (aleiba), Clusia grisebachiana
(cupeillo), Micropholis chrysophylloides (caimitillo), and
Calyptranthes krugii, Cyathea tenera and Alsophila bryophylla are
common tree ferns. The understory strata is composed of
Psychotria maleolens (caphimbo), Lasianthus lanceolatus (aroma),
Diplazium grandifolium, Psychotria berteriana (caphimbo), and
Lobelia portoricensis. Vines are much more common than in the elfin
forest of the Luquillo Mountains. Bromeliads are found on the forest
floor and mosses and liverworts are less common than in Luquillo.
Epiphytic species include bromeliads, orchids, mosses and hepatics
(03).
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species HOLLY, COOK'S
Species Id ESIS704047
Date 13 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
AUTOTROPH
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species HOLLY, COOK'S
Species Id ESIS704047
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
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species HOLLY, COOK'S
Species Id ESIS704047
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
HABIT:
Cook's holly is a shrub-tree (02).
LIFE CYCLE:
Perennial (03).
TYPE OF REPRODUCTION:
Reproduction is sexual in Cook's holly (03). The species is
thought to be dioecious, however, male flowers and ripe fruit have
been observed.
REPRODUCTIVE PHENOLOGY:
Germination, leafing, budding, anthesis, fruiting, and seed/fruit
dispersal dates are unknown for Cook's holly. At present no
information is available concerning reproductive phenology.
SEX OR SPORE STATUS:
Cook's holly is dioecious (03). Male flowers and ripe fruit have
been observed.
POLLINATION, SPORE AND SEED DISSEMINATION:
Pollen, and seed dissemination agents are unknown. The small
number of individuals known to exist and the dioecious habit makes
this species even more susceptible. Viable seed may rarely be
produced.
SEED BIOLOGY:
No information is available concerning seed biology.
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
No information is available concerning population biology.
ECOLOGICAL/EDAPHIC FACTORS:
Ilex cookii occurs on the Humatas-Marico-Los Guineous soil
association at elevations generally greater than 830 meters. Maximum
and minimum average daily temperatures are 19.9 and 17.4 degrees
Celsius (C) respectively, with a mean monthly temperature of
18.3 deg. C. Precipitation exceeds evapotransporation throughout the
year. Average annual precipitation is 250 cm with drier months
occurring during the summer and winter. Clouds and fog are not
continuously present as they might be in the Luquillo Mountains and
relative humidity is lower. Winds are also not as strong as in
Liquillo. The elfin forest in the Central Mountains is found on the
more rounded mountain tops with little slope (03).
TROPHIC STATUS:
Phototrophic (03).
CHARACTERISTIC DOMINANCE:
Cook's holly is a component species (03).
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species HOLLY, COOK'S
Species Id ESIS704047
Date 13 MAR 96
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY:
Ilex cookii occurs as a component of the dwarf or elfin forest
of the Central Cordillera. Associated species include trees such as:
Cyrilla racemiflora (Palo colorado), Didymopanax gleasonii
(yagrumillo), Rapanea ferruginea (maneyuelo), Persea urbanii
(aguaeatillo), Magnolia portoricensis (aleiba), Clusia grisebachiana
(cupeillo), Micropholis chrysophylloides (caimitillo), and
Calyptranthes krugii, Cyathea tenera and Alsophila bryophylla are
common tree ferns. The understory strata is composed of
Psychotria maleolens (caphimbo), Lasianthus lanceolatus (aroma),
Diplazium grandifolium, Psychotria berteriana (caphimbo), and
Lobelia portoricensis. Vines are much more common than in the elfin
forest of the Luquillo Mountains. Bromeliads are found on the forest
floor and mosses and liverworts are less common than in Luquillo.
Epiphytic species include bromeliads, orchids, mosses and hepatics
(03).
Strong winds are frequent in these forests and hurricanes occur
every 10 to 24 years. Trees are often broken off rather than uprooted
and usually these dense forests receive less damage than more open
forests (03).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
None.
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
None.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species HOLLY, COOK'S
Species Id ESIS704047
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Reforestation
Beneficial Restricting Timber Harvest
Beneficial Maintaining Sperm/Seed Banks
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Transplanting Wild Eggs/Wild Seeds
Adverse Inherent Reproductive Characteristics
Existing Inherent Reproductive Characteristics
Adverse Low Gene Pool
Existing Low Gene Pool
Adverse Transmission Lines/Towers
Existing Transmission Lines/Towers
Adverse Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Existing Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Adverse Forest Alteration
Existing Forest Alteration
Adverse Harvesting
Existing Harvesting
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Three principal factors may be considered to be responsible
for the endangered status of Ilex cookii (Cook's holly): habitat
destruction; inadequate regulatory mechanisms; and other natural
factors (03).
The summits of Cerro Punta and Cerro Jayuya have been stripped of
vegetation for the construction of communication facilities. During
this operation, although it is not known for certain, individuals of
Ilex cookii were probably destroyed. Any expansion of existing
facilities would adversely affect the species (03), which would
include heavy equipment use.
Only recently did the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico pass their
regulations the protection and management of endangered or threatened
species. Prior to this such species were not protected.
Natural factors which many contribute to the endangered status of
the species are its restricted distribution, the dioecious habit and
the slow growth rate. Populations are small and sufficient
individuals may or may not be present to ensure success of pollination
(03).
Future threats include the expansion of communication facilities;
the continuation of the practice of conducting military maneuvers in
the area which may destroy vegetation; and possibly, forest management
techniques.
UNAPPROVED PLAN:
An agency draft recovery plan for Cook's holly is anticipated to be
completed in 1988.
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species HOLLY, COOK'S
Species Id ESIS704047
Date 13 MAR 96
There are no ongoing recovery activities for this species.
Recovery actions recommended for Ilex cookii include:
1. restrictions on land development;
2. transplanting of seeds or vegetative material;
3. maintenance of seed bank;
4. restrictions on harvest;
5. habitat rehabilitation/revegetation;
6. propagation for reintroduction; and
7. limiting human access.
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species HOLLY, COOK'S
Species Id ESIS704047
Date 13 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Edwin, G. 1964. The genus Ilex in North America and in the
Guayana highlands of South America. Ph.D. Diss., George Wash.
Univ., Wash., D.C. 461 pp.
02 Little, E., R.O. Woodbury, and F.H. Wadsworth. 1974. Trees of
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. USDA, Forest Service Handbook.
44 pp.
03 Vivaldi, J.L., R.O. Woodbury, and H. Diaz-Soltero. 1981. Unpubl.
status report on: Ilex cookii Britton & Wilson. Submitted to: U.S.
Fish and Wildl. Serv., Atlanta, GA. 44 pp.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Densmore, David. 1986. Pers. comm. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv.,
Boqueron, Puerto Rico 00622.
02 Vivaldi, J.L., R.O. Woodbury, and H. Diaz-Soltero. 1981. Unpubl.
status report on: Ilex cookii Britton & Wilson. Submitted to: U.S.
Fish and Wildl. Serv., Atlanta, GA. 44 pp.
References - 1