Malheur Valley Fiddleneck / Center For Plant Conservation
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Plant Profile

Malheur Valley Fiddleneck (Amsinckia carinata)

Amsinckia carinata in bloom. Photo Credit: Kagan/Joyal/Yamamoto
  • Global Rank: G2 - Imperiled
  • Legal Status: N/A
  • Family: Boraginaceae
  • State: OR
  • Nature Serve ID: 159258
  • Lifeform: Forb/herb
  • Date Inducted in National Collection: 04/04/1991
Description:

A case of mistaken identity could lead to the extinction of the Malheur Valley fiddleneck. In 1993, Amsinckia carinata was listed as a synonym of the rare, though not endangered Amsinckia vernicosa (the populations are separated by nearly 500 miles (800km)). The decision was based on the examination of a single specimen from a herbarium sheet, as the populations in Oregon were believed to be extirpated. In contrast, local botanists believe that the two species are taxonomically distinct. Since 1993, the discovery of 6 extant populations and more scientifically rigorous research has shown that they are indeed different. Unfortunately, the original case of misidentification continues to influence its status and Amsinckia carinata remains unprotected. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed this species from consideration from listing under the Endangered Species Act, as A. carinata was not recognized as a distinct species in the 1993 taxonomic publication. While this rare Oregon endemic plant is listed as threatened in the state of Oregon, it is only found on federal property, where state plant conservation laws are unenforceable. Recently, mining claims for gold and other metals have proliferated in Malheur County. At least some of the populations are on potential mining sites, and mining activity would destroy the unique substrate that Malheur fiddleneck requires, potentially pushing this rare species to extinction.

Where is Malheur Valley Fiddleneck (Amsinckia carinata) located in the wild?

Habitat:

Specific yellowish talus slopes and gravel accumulations (large particle size and deep substrate) at an elevation of around 980 ft (300m) in Eastern Oregon. It is commonly found growing with Amsinckia tessellata.

Distribution:

OR: Owyhee Uplands, Malheur County.

States & Provinces:

Malheur Valley Fiddleneck can be found in Oregon

Which CPC Partners conserve Malheur Valley Fiddleneck (Amsinckia carinata)?

CPC's Plant Sponsorship Program provides long term stewardship of rare plants in our National Collection. We are so grateful for all our donors who have made the Plant Sponsorship Program so successful. We are in the process of acknowledging all our wonderful plant sponsorship donors on our website. This is a work in progress and will be updated regularly.

Conservation Actions

  • 08/26/2020
  • Seed Collection

Collect and store seeds from across range. Attempt to collect seed from plants not in vicinity of A. tessellata. Determine optimum germination conditions. Determine optimum propagation methods and reintroduction protocols.

  • 08/16/2020
  • Reproductive Research

Morphological measurements, cytological studies and molecular comparison were used to determine if Amsinckia carinata and A. vernicosa are taxonomically distinct. While molecular studies could not be finished due to limited funding, both morphological and cytological comparisons indicate that A. carinata and A. vernicosa are indeed distinct species. They have different chromosomes numbers and experimental cross-pollination between species resulted in no seed set (Meinke b). Investigation of Amsinckia carinata and A. tessellata reproductive biology revealed that the species are indistinguishable in terms of flower production, seed set, germinability of seeds, and seedling growth rates through eight weeks. Both species are fully self-fertile, but do outcross in nature and are pollinated by native bees (Osmia spp. and Megachile spp). These pollinators lack plant fidelity, and hybrid Amsinckia forms between the two species occur (Meinke a). [Less...] Public Profile by Edward [Less...]

  • 08/16/2020
  • Propagation Research

Morphological measurements, cytological studies and molecular comparison were used to determine if Amsinckia carinata and A. vernicosa are taxonomically distinct. While molecular studies could not be finished due to limited funding, both morphological and cytological comparisons indicate that A. carinata and A. vernicosa are indeed distinct species. They have different chromosomes numbers and experimental cross-pollination between species resulted in no seed set (Meinke b). Investigation of Amsinckia carinata and A. tessellata reproductive biology revealed that the species are indistinguishable in terms of flower production, seed set, germinability of seeds, and seedling growth rates through eight weeks. Both species are fully self-fertile, but do outcross in nature and are pollinated by native bees (Osmia spp. and Megachile spp). These pollinators lack plant fidelity, and hybrid Amsinckia forms between the two species occur (Meinke a). [Less...] Public Profile by Edward

  • 08/16/2020
  • Genetic Research

Morphological measurements, cytological studies and molecular comparison were used to determine if Amsinckia carinata and A. vernicosa are taxonomically distinct. While molecular studies could not be finished due to limited funding, both morphological and cytological comparisons indicate that A. carinata and A. vernicosa are indeed distinct species. They have different chromosomes numbers and experimental cross-pollination between species resulted in no seed set (Meinke b). Investigation of Amsinckia carinata and A. tessellata reproductive biology revealed that the species are indistinguishable in terms of flower production, seed set, germinability of seeds, and seedling growth rates through eight weeks. Both species are fully self-fertile, but do outcross in nature and are pollinated by native bees (Osmia spp. and Megachile spp). These pollinators lack plant fidelity, and hybrid Amsinckia forms between the two species occur (Meinke a).

Nature Serve Biotics
  • 05/02/2017

Six occurrences are known. At these few sites, the plants may be numerous in years of adequate rainfall. This species was thought to be extinct; it had not been seen since 1896 when it was rediscovered in 1984. It is intolerant of disturbance and is threatened by grazing and agriculture.

Edward Guerrant, Ph.D.
  • 01/01/2010

Mining, which destroys the talus substrate (Meinke a). Grazing and range improvements (Meinke, 1982). Agricultural conversion (Meinke, 1982). General surface disturbances (Meinke 1982). Hybridization and competition from Amsinckia tessellata (Dev

Edward Guerrant, Ph.D.
  • 01/01/2010

Six population centers, ranging from one to a few acres, each with several scattered subpopulations. The total range is less than 12 square miles (30 sq km) (in Meinke a). As of 1989 (last census), 1 site with 1 individual, 3 sites with 100-1000 individuals, 1 site with an estimated 5,800 and 1 site with an estimated 10,000 individuals. Because this is an annual species, numbers vary greatly between years depending on conditions (ONHDB 2000)

Edward Guerrant, Ph.D.
  • 01/01/2010

Morphological measurements, cytological studies and molecular comparison were used to determine if Amsinckia carinata and A. vernicosa are taxonomically distinct. While molecular studies could not be finished due to limited funding, both morphological and cytological comparisons indicate that A. carinata and A. vernicosa are indeed distinct species. They have different chromosomes numbers and experimental cross-pollination between species resulted in no seed set (Meinke b). Investigation of Amsinckia carinata and A. tessellata reproductive biology revealed that the species are indistinguishable in terms of flower production, seed set, germinability of seeds, and seedling growth rates through eight weeks. Both species are fully self-fertile, but do outcross in nature and are pollinated by native bees (Osmia spp. and Megachile spp). These pollinators lack plant fidelity, and hybrid Amsinckia forms between the two species occur (Meinke a).

Edward Guerrant, Ph.D.
  • 01/01/2010

State listing by Oregon Department of Agriculture as a Threatened taxa U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed species from consideration for listing under Endangered Species Act because it did not meet the Act's definition of ""species."" However, now that the taxonomic status has been verified, it may be reconsidered for listing (Meinke b). Seed from 2 of the 6 known populations centers banked at Berry Botanic Garden

Edward Guerrant, Ph.D.
  • 01/01/2010

Exclude cattle from sites. Analyze the genetic variability within and among populations (Meinke a) Study the extent of hybridization with A. tesselata (Meinke a)

Edward Guerrant, Ph.D.
  • 01/01/2010

Collect and store seeds from across range. Attempt to collect seed from plants not in vicinity of A. tessellata. Determine optimum germination conditions. Determine optimum propagation methods and reintroduction protocols.

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Nomenclature
Taxon Amsinckia carinata
Authority A. Nels. & J.F. Macbr.
Family Boraginaceae
CPC Number 112
ITIS 182240
USDA AMCA8
Duration Annual
Common Names Malheur Valley fiddleneck
Associated Scientific Names Amsinckia carinata
Distribution OR: Owyhee Uplands, Malheur County.
State Rank
State State Rank
Oregon S2
Ecological Relationships

Photos

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