December 2012 Number 1 - Utah Native Plant Society

Calochortiana December 2012 Number 1
1996-2000 in response to road construction that would
result in a loss of Arizona cliffrose habitat. The Arboretum
developed a protocol for propagating Arizona cliffrose
via cuttings (Figure 3), as recent droughts had prevented
the species from producing seed. Additionally,
The Arboretum examined ways in which the propagated
cuttings (Figure 4) could be put back in the field onto
protected sites. Since out-planting in 2001, the Research
Department has been involved in monitoring the new
populations. We are happy to report that the new populations
are doing well.
ARIZONA NATIVE PLANT PROPAGATION
In 2007, The Arboretum began a collaborative project
with the U.S. Forest Service and The Museum of
Northern Arizona to collect and propagate native seeds
for use in local restoration efforts (Figure 5). This project
arose in response to a high demand and lack of supply
of local seed genotypes that were crucially needed
after large scale forest fires hit the area in 2002.
The first phase of the project is to collect and propagate
seeds of native species that appeal to land managers
for use in re-vegetation projects. Plant species are being
chosen for their wildlife forage quality and likelihood of
propagation success. We are also focusing on species
that are not already in commercial production. Our goal
is to start small, but eventually produce a reliable source
for local seed genotypes that can be used by local land
managers.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Research Department at The Arboretum at Flagstaff
(a.k.a. Kris and Sheila) would like to thank all of
our wonderful volunteers and the following groups for
financial support: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Arizona Department of Transportation, and The U.S.
Forest Service.
Figure 4. An Arboretum volunteer helps re-pot Purshia
subintegra in the research greenhouse. Photo by K.
Haskins.
Figure 3. Sheila Murray collects cuttings of Purshia
subintegra in the Verde Valley, AZ. Photo by Joyce
Maschinski.
Figure 5. The research greenhouse at The Arboretum;
where plant propagation will take place. Photo by K.
Haskins.
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