(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species DAPHNOPSIS HELLERANA
Species Id ESIS704054
Date 13 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - DAPHNOPSIS HELLERANA
OTHER COMMON NAMES -
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Angiosperm
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - MAGNOLIOPHYTA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - MAGNOLIOPSIDA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - MYRTALES,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - THYMELAEACEAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - DAPHNOPSIS,
SPECIES AND SSP - HELLERANA,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - DAPHNOPSIS HELLERANA
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
No common name
Daphnopsis hellerana Urban
KINGDOM: Plant GROUP: Angiosperm
DIVISION: Magnoliophyta CLASS: Magnoliopsida
ORDER: Myrtales FAMILY: Thymelaeaceae
Daphnopsis hellerana is a dioecious shrub or small three which
may reach 6 m in height. Young branches are flexible, golden
tomentose and glabrescent, and have few leaves. Leaves are simple,
alternate, elliptic-obovate to oblanceolate, 3 to 16 cm long and 2 cm
wide. They are thinly coriaceous, the upper surface glabrous and the
lower golden-tomentose but glabrascent, both surfaces are light green
but become reddish-brown upon drying. Lateral veins are curved and
prominenet below. The petiole is 2 to 6 mm long (01,02).
The inflorescence is terminal on young stems, 3 to 5 flowered,
umbelliform, golden-tomentose to villous throughout. Male flowers
have tubular calyx lobes 4, greenish-white, petals 4, scale-like,
stamens 4, and pistil rudimentary. Female flowers are smaller, calyx
5 mm long and golden tomentose outside but glabrous inside, petals 4,
scale-like and minute, staminodes 8 or absent, pistil conical and
tapering to the stigma. The fruit is a white berry, elliptic-ovoid,
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species DAPHNOPSIS HELLERANA
Species Id ESIS704054
Date 13 MAR 96
10 to 15 mm long, 8 to 10 mm in diameter (01,02).
This species was first discovered by Amos Arthur Heller in 1900.
It was named by Urban in honor of Heller from duplicates distributed
from Heller's collection. The species was not reported again until
Mr. Roy O. Woodbury collected it again in 1958 and since that time it
has been seen only a few times. Nevling (03) monographed the genus
Daphnopsis in 1959 but upon rediscovery of the species he and
Woodbury published a revised description (04).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species DAPHNOPSIS HELLERANA
Species Id ESIS704054
Date 13 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Puerto Rico; Federal Endangered
Puerto Rico; State Recognized
E: Federal Endangered
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The Daphnopsis hellerana 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
State of Puerto Rico.
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).
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: Puerto Rico
DESIGNATED STATUS: Recognized endangered (when federally listed)
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: PR Dept. of Natural Resources
STATE STATUTE: Regulation to Govern the Management of
Threatened and Endangered Species in the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
None
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
This species is not known to have any commercial value.
87/07/06:52 FR 25265/25268 - Proposed Rule
88/06/23:53 FR 23740/23742 - Listed as Endangered
Status - 1 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
LAND USE -
Deciduous Forest Land
Cropland and Pasture
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The following is from the status report on Daphnopsis hellerana
(02).
Daphnopsis hellerana is endemic to the semi-evergreen seasonal
forests of the limestone karst region of northern and northwestern
Puerto Rico. The area is included in the subtropical moist forest
life zone of Ewel and Whitmore (05) but the vegetation, in accordance
with Beard (06), may be more adequately described as semi-evergreen
seasonal forest.
These forest types are composed of more than 200 tree species in
two strata. An upper canopy is continuous at 20 m although some
emergents reach 25 m in height. Here most species have compound,
mesophyllous, pale green leaves. From 33 to 66 percent are deciduous.
The second strata reached 10 m and contains primarily evergreen
species (02).
From 175 to 200 cm of precipitation are received annually. The
wetter season has two peaks, one in May and another in July. Mean
annual temperatures range from 26.1 deg. C in Quebradillas to 23 deg.
C in Lares, with the highest temperatures occurring from July to
September (02).
The northern belt of karst topography in the northwest and north
central part of the island is underlain by limestone. Solution has
been the primary geomorphologic agent. Elevation varies from sea
level to 550 m and topography ranges from rugged to gentle rolling
hills. Six geologic formations have been identified: Lares; Cibao;
Aguada; Aymamom; Camuy; and Mucarabones. All range from late
Oligocene to middle Miocene in age. Monroe (07) has subdivided the
karst region into valley features, hill features, trenches, caves,
and minor features. Hill features have been further subdivided into
cone karst, mogotes, and river coastal rampart. Evergreen and
semi-evergreen seasonal forests are present on the first two. These
are sharp-pointed or oval hills. In cone karst, the hills are
surrounded by limestone whereas mogotes are
surrounded by blanket deposits. The steepest side is often to the
west (07,02). Soils are well-drained, rocky, steep and shallow.
Pockets of humus are found scattered throughout; however, about 50
percent of the area is bare rock (02).
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species DAPHNOPSIS HELLERANA
Species Id ESIS704054
Date 13 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
AUTOTROPH
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species DAPHNOPSIS HELLERANA
Species Id ESIS704054
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: Rock outcrops
G
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species DAPHNOPSIS HELLERANA
Species Id ESIS704054
Date 13 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
HABIT:
Shrub-tree (01,03,04)
LIFE CYCLE:
Perennial (01,03,04)
TYPE OF REPRODUCTION:
Sexual (01,03,04)
REPRODUCTIVE PHENOLOGY:
Germination, leafing, budding, and seed/fruit dispersal dates
are all unknown (02). Anthesis dates are February to April (02).
Fruiting dates are in April (02).
SEX OR SPORE STATUS:
Dioecious (01,03,04,02)
POLLINATION, SPORE AND SEED DISSEMINATION:
Pollen and seed dissemination agents are unknown.
SEED BIOLOGY:
No information is available concerning seed biology.
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Rio Lajas population: A total of seven mature individuals were
observed in an area of approximately 3000 square meters. Seedlings
have been observed in the past. Previous surveys have indicated that
the majority of these individuals are female (02,08).
Sabana Seca population: A total of seven mature individuals
were observed in an area of approximately 200 to 300 square meters.
Seedlings have been observed in this area in all stages of growth
(02,08).
ECOLOGICAL/EDAPHIC FACTORS:
Soils of the semi-evergreen seasonal forests are well-drained
with no water logging. The soil is rocky and shallow. Pockets of
humus are scattered throughout; however, about 50 percent of the area
is bare rock. Soils are of the Tanama-Colinas-Soller association.
These are shallow to moderately-deep, moderately-steep to very steep,
well-drained soils (02,08).
TROPHIC STATUS:
Phototrophic (01,03,04)
CHARACTERISTIC DOMINANCE:
Component (02,08)
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY:
The most common species in the upper canopy strata are Bucidea
buceras (ucar or black olive), Bursera simaruba (almacigo or
turpentine tree), and Tabebuia heterophylla (roble blanco). In the
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species DAPHNOPSIS HELLERANA
Species Id ESIS704054
Date 13 MAR 96
second strata are Eugenia biflora (hoja menuda), E. foetida
(anguila), E. axillaris (grajo), Guaiacum officinale (guayacan
or lignumvitae), G. sanctum (guayacan blanco), Coccoloba
diversifolia (cucubano or mountain grape), C. microstachya
uverillo), and Coccothrinax alta (teyer palm) (02).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
No information available.
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
No additional information available.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species DAPHNOPSIS HELLERANA
Species Id ESIS704054
Date 13 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Agricultural Practice
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Reforestation
Beneficial Restricting Timber Harvest
Beneficial Maintaining Sperm/Seed Banks
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Transplanting wild animals
Beneficial Transplanting Wild Eggs/Wild Seeds
Adverse Transmission Lines/Towers
Existing Transmission Lines/Towers
Adverse
Existing
Adverse Inherent Reproductive Characteristics
Existing Inherent Reproductive Characteristics
Adverse Vegetation Composition Changes
Existing Vegetation Composition Changes
Adverse Forest Alteration
Existing Forest Alteration
Adverse Harvesting
Existing Harvesting
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
The most serious threats to this species are the modifications
and destruction of habitat. As is frequent throughout these
limestone hills, quarrying for fill and construction material have
destroyed large areas. Areas where Daphnopsis hellerana is found are
utilized for cultivation of yams and the digging and uprooting of
these continues to destroy these localities. Construction of
electrical towers and the maintenance of power line right-of-ways
also threaten the sites. The plant's dioecious habit and extreme
rarity make it even more susceptible to disturbance (02).
UNAPPROVED PLAN:
No approved recovery plan. It is anticipated that this will be
completed in 1989.
There is presently no approved recovery plan for Daphnopsis
hellerana, however, recommended recovery actions include the
following:
- Protection of habitat
- Propagation for reintroduction
- Maintenance of seed bank
- Transplant of wild individuals
- Restrictions on land development
- Control or restrict agricultural practices
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species DAPHNOPSIS HELLERANA
Species Id ESIS704054
Date 13 MAR 96
- Control or restrict cutting
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species DAPHNOPSIS HELLERANA
Species Id ESIS704054
Date 13 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Little, E., R.O. Woodbury, and F.H. Wadsworth. 1974. Trees of
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. U.S.D.A. Forest Service
Handbook 449.
02 Vivaldi, J.L., and R.O. Woodbury. 1981. Status report on
Daphnopsis helleriana Urban. Unpublished report submitted to the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, Georgia. 56 pp.
03 Nevling, L. 1959. A revision of the genus Daphnopsis. Ann. Miss.
Bot. Gard. 46:257-358.
04 Nevling, L. 1966. Rediscovery of Daphnopsis helleriana. J. Arnold
Arboretum 47:262-265.
05 Ewel, J.J., and J.L. Whitmore. 1973. The ecological life zones of
Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. U.S.D.A. Forest Service Res.
Paper No. ITF-18. 72 pp.
06 Beard, J.S. 1955. The classification of tropical American
vegetation types. Ecology 36:89-100.
07 Monroe, W.H. 1976. The karst landforms of Puerto Rico. U.S. Geol.
Survey Professional Paper 899:1-69.
08 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Caribbean Field Office. 1986.
Status review on Daphnopsis hellerana.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Caribbean Field Office. 1986.
Status review of Daphnopsis hellerana.
02 Vivaldi, J.L., and R.O. Woodbury. 1981. Status report on
Daphnopsis helleriana Urban. Submitted to U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Atlanta, Georgia. 56 pp.
03 Nevling, L., and R.O. Woodbury. 1966. Rediscovery of Daphnopsis
helleriana. J. Arnold Arboretum 47:262-265.
References - 1