A Historical Floristic Inventory of Pine Rockland Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Authors

Adel L. Pena, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Environmental Studies

First Advisor's Name

Suzanne Koptur

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Krishaswamy Jayachandran

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Third Advisor's Name

Bradley C. Bennett

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Keywords

Pine rocklands, Fabaceae, Leguminosae, Biodiversity, Herbaria, South Florida

Date of Defense

11-15-2017

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to investigate temporal changes in the diversity of pine rockland Fabaceae, induced by anthropogenic factors. Herbarium collections spanning 170 years were used to analyze species frequency and richness. The results indicated temporal fluctuations in diversity with frequency of native species highest previous to the year 1920, and exotic-invasive species richness peaking after the 1960s. The accompanying species list resulting from the inventory included 122 Fabaceae species, in 56 genera, with an additional 19 species not previously listed for pine rocklands. The results emphasize the damage caused by early and deliberate introductions of exotic species, and reinforces previous knowledge that exotic-invasives seem to be increasingly harmful to local biodiversity. The results also provide evidence of the historical distribution of species, helpful to conservation and restoration efforts. This study provides a needed review and status update for the Fabaceae taxa of the pine rocklands.

Identifier

FIDC004039

Recommended Citation

Pena, Adel L., "A Historical Floristic Inventory of Pine Rockland Fabaceae (Leguminosae)" (2017). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3527.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3527