Date: Tue, 28 Oct 1997 21:52:26 -0500 From: "Carl Mazur" <ccp@vaxxine.com> To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg4154$foo@default> Subject: Re: Introduction of non-native species
Paul et al,
>
> I personally believe most introductions of non-indigenous CP would
> result in the death of the new plants. (And now, a moment of stating
> the ludicrously obvious...) I think d. rotunds and intermedias and
> filiformis grow in NJ because the environment is right on the money for
> these plants here... I think that non-indigenous CP (but relatively
> nearby, as in two states away or so...) stay away for the same reason.
> I don't believe it has anything at all to do with our incredibly high
> property taxes and/or our ridiculously outrageous auto insurance rates.
> (Sorry, list... it's a gubernatorial election year here, and I'm in
> angry voter mode.)
>
Interesting comment, however, I really feel that many CP are just not found
in certain areas because of human intervention as opposed to preference.
Take humankind out of the equation, and I'm sure many CP would (ex Sarrs)
would migrate into all suitable habitat within reach. Take for example S.
flava. There are many habitats in Northern Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and
NJ where these plants would grow successfully, however, around 1500 or so
when the eastern US was being colonized, the migration of flava has
stopped, and infact is reversed. (pardon my timing for US history?)
Viginia flava is almost non existant in the state now, however, 100 years
ago, there were many, many more sites. However, the plants came to a
natural boundary, the Appomatix (spelling?) River. Now given time, and no
humans, and suitable habitat, I'm sure they'd have crossed and continued a
northern migration. S. psittacina too. Into Georgia they become common,
however, just north of GA in South Carolina, there are a few scattered
sites. Between SC and GA at that point is the Savannah River. A large
natural boundary. However, psitts have crossed, and I'm sure, if humans
weren't around to destroy the neighboring habitat, they'd be found much
north of there as well.
don't get me wrong, habitat has a lot to do with dispersion of CP. The
reason many CP are confined to certain areas, has much to do with geography
and geology. That's why plants like oreophila and jonesii are locked in an
ever shrinking area. However, with humans on the scene, I'm pretty sure and
natural range expansion of CP is now stopped, and definitely reversing!!!
Just a few thoughts. Comments are invited to anyone who *really* knows
anything about plant disperal and species migration and natual range
expansion!
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