Ecology, reproductive biology and conservation of Picris willkommii (Schultz Bip.) Nyman (Asteraceae): an endemic, protected species from therophytic grasslands of South-Western Iberian Peninsula

  • F. J. Monteagudo Sánchez-Movellán Universidad de Huelva. Escuela Politécnica Superior
  • I. Butler Sierra Universidad de Huelva. Escuela Politécnica Superior
  • F. Bastida Milián Universidad de Huelva. Escuela Politécnica Superior
Keywords: ASTERACEAE, LAND VARIETIES, ENDANGERED SPECIES, GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION, PLANT ECOLOGY, REPRODUCTION, NATURE CONSERVATION, SPAIN

Abstract

Current knowledge of the biology of Picris willkommii and his grade of threat, seem not to be sufficient to ensure longterm persistence of this plant species endemic to the South-Western Iberian Peninsula. In Spain, main populations of the species are narrowly restricted to therophytic grasslands around the town of Ayamonte, by the Guadiana river drainage. Results of the present study indicate that P. willkommii behaves as a very versatile, colonizing species in most of the habitats of their natural range, where it appears to be well suited to the cyclic disturbance dynamics imposed by local, traditional land uses, i.e. extensive rain-fed agriculture. Moreover, it is easy to grow under controlled conditions. Results could be helpful for conservation and population recovery purposes, as recent changes in land use, shifting from agricultural traditional systems to urban expansion or alternative agricultural systems, pose at risk P. willkommii populations due to habitat loss.

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Published
2009-04-01
How to Cite
Monteagudo Sánchez-Movellán, F. J., Butler Sierra, I., & Bastida Milián, F. (2009). Ecology, reproductive biology and conservation of Picris willkommii (Schultz Bip.) Nyman (Asteraceae): an endemic, protected species from therophytic grasslands of South-Western Iberian Peninsula. Forest Systems, 18(1), 28-41. https://doi.org/10.5424/fs/2009181-01048
Section
Research Articles