Center for Research and Endangered Wildlife (CREW) has successfully developed a propagation protocol via tissue culture, as well as a protocol for cryopreserving shoot tips and storing them in liquid nitrogen. Tissue culture propagation from material propagated by the CREW lab has been used to produce plants to establish an experimental outplanting in the Danial Boone National Forest in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service (Pence et al., 2012).

M. cumberlandensis diverged from its nearest relative (M. glabra) in the distant past, and maintains broader phylogenetic diversity among haplotypes than M. glabra (Winder 2004). Majority of genetic variation within the species resides in a central cluster of populations in Picket, Co., Tennessee (Winder 2004). Observed heterozygosity is low, suggesting some populations are at risk of inbreeding depression (Winder 2004). Extremely reduced gene flow among populations results in most of the genetic variation being distributed among populations (Winder 2004). Center for Research and Endangered Wildlife (CREW) has successfully developed a propagation protocol via tissue culture. This tissue culture propagation has been used to produce plants to establish an experimental outplanting in the Danial Boone National Forest in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service (Pence et al., 2012). The population initiated in 2006 has reproduced and increased in size during over 10 years of monitoring by the USFS. Genetic studies are currently underway to document the genetic diversity of this population (Philpott et al. in prep.).

A tissue culture propagation protocol for this species was developed, as well as a protocol for cryopreserving shoot tips and storing them in liquid nitrogen. Tissue culture propagation from material propagated by the CREW lab has been used to produce plants to establish an experimental outplanting in the Daniel Boone National Forest in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service (Pence et al., 2012). The population initiated in 2006 has reproduced and increased in size during over 10 years of monitoring by the USFS. Genetic studies are currently underway to document the genetic diversity of this population (Philpott et al. in prep.).

Center for Research and Endangered Wildlife (CREW) has successfully developed a propagation protocol via tissue culture, as well as a protocol for cryopreserving shoot tips and storing them in liquid nitrogen. Tissue culture propagation has been used to produce plants to establish an experimental outplanting in the Daniel Boone National Forest in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service (Pence et al., 2012). The population initiated in 2006 has reproduced and increased in size during over 10 years of monitoring by the USFS. Genetic studies are currently underway to document the genetic diversity of this population (Philpott et al. in prep.).

A tissue culture propagation protocol for this species was developed, as well as a protocol for cryopreserving shoot tips and storing them in liquid nitrogen.  Tissue culture propagation has been used to produce plants to establish an experimental outplanting in the Danial Boone National Forest in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service (Pence et al., 2012).  The population initiated in 2006 has reproduced and increased in size during over 10 years of monitoring by the USFS. Genetic studies are currently underway to document the genetic diversity of this population (Philpott et al. in prep.).

Narrowly endemic to the Cumberland Plateau of northcentral Tennessee and adjacent Kentucky, where it is restricted to unusual cave-like sandstone overhangs. Within it's geographic range, there are over 50 sites. Threatened by recreational activities and timber harvest. At some sites threats have been successfully reduced by rerouting trails and erecting fences.

Alteration of site hydrology (USFWS 1996). Human activities: hiking, camping, rockclimbing, and digging for archaeological artifacts (USFWS 1996).

27 known occurrences in Tennessee, one in Kentucky (USFWS 1996). Plants can be numerous within their restricted areas.

M. cumberlandensis diverged from its nearest relative (M. glabra) in the distant past, and maintains broader phylogenetic diversity among haplotypes than M. glabra (Winder 2004). Majority of genetic variation within the species resides in a central cluster of populations in Picket, Co., Tennessee (Winder 2004). Observed heterozygosity is low, suggesting some populations are at risk of inbreeding depression (Winder 2004). Extremely reduced gene flow among populations results in most of the genetic variation being distributed among populations (Winder 2004). Center for Research and Endangered Wildlife (CREW) has successfully developed a propagation protocol via tissue culture. An experimental population was established in the Daniel Boone National Forest (Kentucky) from material propagated by the CREW lab.

Some measures, such as constructing guard rails around sensitive sites, have been taken in Pickett State Park. The majority of sites are at least partially within public ownership, including Pickett State Park and Pickett State Forest.

Determine population dynamics, especially which life-history stage is most important for population growth. Determine what ecological processes (e.g., dispersal, historical, or niche limitation) limit the distribution of this species in unoccupied and occupied rockhouse shelters. Conduct pollination ecology studies to determine whether plants are obligate outcrossers.

Continue to develop seed bank and determine the viability of seeds in long-term storage. Develop educational materials to inform the public about the status of the species.