Liatris helleri
| Liatris helleri | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Tribe: | Eupatorieae |
| Genus: | Liatris |
| Species: | L. helleri |
| Binomial name | |
| Liatris helleri Porter | |
Liatris helleri is a rare species of flowering plant in the aster family known by the common names Heller's blazing star and Heller's gayfeather. It is endemic to the U.S. state of North Carolina, where it occurs only in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is threatened by recreational activities in its habitat, and is federally listed as a threatened species.
Liatris helleri is a perennial herb which grows to about half a meter in maximum height from a spherical corm. The leaves are variable in shape, from linear to lance-shaped, and measure 5 to 22 centimeters in length, with the largest ones located at the base and much smaller ones higher on the stem. The inflorescence is a spike-like flower head. The flowers have purplish bell-shaped involucres containing lighter purple corollas. Blooming occurs from July to September.[1] The fruit is an achene with a pappus of varying lengths, but generally shorter than those of other Liatris.[2]
A 2005 study expanded the species description of Liatris helleri to include plants with certain similarities. Populations of plants growing in West Virginia and Virginia previously included in another species (Liatris turgida) might now be included within the circumscription of L. helleri.[2][3] In that case it would be less rare and no longer a true North Carolina endemic.
This plant was added to the American endangered species list with a threatened status in 1987.[4] It was only known to grow on cliffs on the summits of the northern Blue Ridge Mountains. These areas were heavily used for recreational activities such as hiking and skiing, or were in danger of being altered during the development of utilities such as parking lots and bridges.[4] In 1987, there were only seven known populations of the plant;[4] an eighth was discovered by 2000.[5] The estimated global population of Liatris helleri is only 3,000 individuals, although more have been grown in greenhouses for planting in appropriate habitats.[6]
References
- ↑ Liatris helleri. Center for Plant Conservation.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Liatris helleri. Flora of North America.
- ↑ Nesom, G. L. 2005b. Broadened concept of Liatris helleri (Asteraceae: Eupatorieae). Sida 21: 1323–1333.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 USFWS. Determination of threatened status for Liatris helleri. Federal Register November 19, 1987.
- ↑ USFWS. Recovery Plan for Liatris helleri. Revision January 28, 2000.
- ↑ Liatris helleri. The Nature Conservancy.