Soaking the seeds in 500ppm of gibberellic acid for 24 hours and placing them on distilled water-dampened paper improves germination is one method used to promote germination. Germination studies revealed 30% success from seeds air dried at room temperature for 6 months and planted in potting soil mix. Plants were germinated in a greenhouse heated only when outdoor temperatures fell below freezing (Gilmore-McInnis 1990). Current seed bank at Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens contains seed from Cameron Parish, LA that date to 1988. Seeds collected from St. James Parish, LA in 1999 were received by Mercer from the LA Natural Heritage Program of LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries in 2002. Plants maintained at Mercer also arose from cuttings from Cameron Parish populations. As this species is a candidate species, maintenance of genetic integrity, documentation of provenance and gene banking is essential. At Mercer, plants are very easily propagated from cuttings or divisions. Plants are maintained at Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens for gene banking and also for public display. Plants propagated in our greenhouses are used for display in our Endangered Species Garden and for off-site conservation programs given by Mercer. The Endangered Species Garden, established in 1994 with support from Star Enterprises, displays rare native plants for the public to view year-round. In Spring 2002, the River Oaks Garden Club of Houston, TX provided a generous gift to begin the expansion and renovation of Mercers Endangered Species Garden. Plants produced for educational display gardens or for specific restoration and reintroduction projects are produced within Mercers nursery and greenhouses and within our Conservation Area. The Conservation Area provides secure, raised beds for mass propagation of plants/seeds. Each bed is provided with independently controlled irrigation and substrates that meet the unique requirements for each species.

A fairly widespread but rarely encountered species of wetland habitats; however in Louisiana it is found in roadside ditches. Its range is from southern Louisiana as to southern Texas and northern Mexico, but fewer than 15 occurrences are known, and many historic populations have not been verified recently. Its tendency to grow in habitats subject to disturbance and human use (roadside and irrigation ditches, creekbeds, etc.) makes each isolated population highly vulnerable.

Road widening, weed control and drainage alterations. Lack of genetic diversity in clones. Scattered and widespread distribution of small numbers of known populations increases this species' vulnerability.

Of the 8 historical sites in TX, LA and Mexico, an unknown number of individuals remain. An unknown number of individuals remain in 2-3 unprotected sites in LA. One site in Travis County, TX is being confirmed (Singhurst 2001). Its current status in Mexico is unknown. LA Natural Heritage Program reports (Faulkner 1999): from 4 sites in LA: Site 1 St. Charles Parish; presumed extirpated from this site; last observation 1975, no plants found during resurvey in 1986. Site 2 in Cameron Parish; last observation 1990 with 40 stems counted; flowers in mid-July. Site 3 St. Tammany Parish; last observation 1999 Site 4 St. James Parish; last observation 1999; 1998 100 to 200 stems in colony about 20 to 30 ft. long; flowering in mid-June.

Soaking the seeds in 500ppm of gibberellic acid for 24 hours and placing them on distilled water-dampened paper improves germination is one method used to promote germination. Germination studies revealed 30% success from seeds air dried at room temperature for 6 months and planted in potting soil mix. Plants were germinated in a greenhouse heated only when outdoor temperatures fell below freezing (Gilmore-McInnis 1990). Current seed bank at Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens contains seed from Cameron Parish, LA that date to 1988. Seeds collected from St. James Parish, LA in 1999 were received by Mercer from the LA Natural Heritage Program of LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries in 2002. Plants maintained at Mercer also arose from cuttings from Cameron Parish populations. As this species is a candidate species, maintenance of genetic integrity, documentation of provenance and gene banking is essential. At Mercer, plants are very easily propagated from cuttings or divisions. Plants are maintained at Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens for gene banking and also for public display. Plants propagated in our greenhouses are used for display in our Endangered Species Garden and for off-site conservation programs given by Mercer. The Endangered Species Garden, established in 1994 with support from Star Enterprises, displays rare native plants for the public to view year-round. In Spring 2002, the River Oaks Garden Club of Houston, TX provided a generous gift to begin the expansion and renovation of Mercers Endangered Species Garden. Plants produced for educational display gardens or for specific restoration and reintroduction projects are produced within Mercers nursery and greenhouses and within our Conservation Area. The Conservation Area provides secure, raised beds for mass propagation of plants/seeds. Each bed is provided with independently controlled irrigation and substrates that meet the unique requirements for each species.

Texas population is monitored by the lead group in Corpus Christi Texas, U.S .Fish and Wildlife Office, the Texas Parks and Wildlife, Austin, Texas. Louisiana populations are monitored by The Nature Conservancy and LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries in Baton Rouge, LA. Status of Mexican populations presently is unknown.

Basic biological and ecological studies are needed to facilitate the preservation of this plant. Continue surveys to discover and survey sites in TX, LA (and Mexico). When possible, rescue from those sites that are in peril. Plants are easily transplanted (Irving 1980). Genetic studies to determine distinct populations. As this species is a candidate species, maintenance of genetic integrity, documentation of provenance and gene banking is essential.

Expand gene bank. As this species is a candidate species, maintenance of genetic integrity, documentation of provenance and gene banking is essential. Continue to improve germination protocols.