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Home , Attalea speciosa, Cycad, Elaeis, Microcycas, Pandanus

MBC AND USDA STUDY RARE OF JAMAICA

he “Caribbean ” are a group of related DNA studies of the Caribbean zamias. Results of this research Toccurring in Florida and Georgia, the Bahamas, Puerto will increase understanding of genetic variation within the Rico, Cuba, Hispaniola, the Cayman Islands, and Jamaica. They group and help develop conservation priorities. share several features including subterranean clumping stems, smooth petioles, and the same basic chromosome number. FIELDWORK They are also taxonomically controversial. Over 40 scientific During the Jamaica 2008 expedition, we visited five popu- names have been published for Caribbean zamias, but currently lations of comprising three different forms. One form between one to six is a large with long are accepted by experts. narrow leaflets known Included in this group is a in cultivation as the zamia that grows wild on “Jamaican Giant.” The MBC’s property, com- only population of this monly known as the form known prior to this “Coontie” but called expedition was visited in many different names, 2003 by Sabra Turnbull including , for her Ph.D. research Z. integrifolia, and Z. with NYBG. She reported floridana. that development was Caribbean zamias are occurring throughout the a primary focus for population, and mature Montgomery Botanical plants were being illegally Center’s (MBC) ex situ harvested from the area. research and conservation Exactly five years after her collection: they are poorly report, we found all large understood plants, highly plants in the population threatened by habitat Ripe cones of narrow-leaflet Zamia surrounded by seedlings had been removed. Only destruction and over-col- immature plants or small lection. As South Florida is within the Caribbean basin, MBC male plants remained. Fortunately, we discovered another has the optimal environmental conditions to cultivate them. large, actively reproducing population of this form with sev- MBC has led expeditions to collect Caribbean zamias in The eral thousand plants. Bahamas (2002), Puerto Rico (2003), and Florida (2005). We also visited two populations of Zamia amblyphyllidia, From February 8-13, 2008, we had the unique opportu- a clumping plant with wide leaflets. This species is probably nity to participate on collaborative research in Jamaica with the most threatened in Jamaica, as it is very sparse along the botanist Andreas Oberli of the Plant Conservation Centre in western coast of Jamaica and is highly threatened by tourism Kingston, Jamaica. Along with Dr. Javier Francisco Ortega of development. The few plants we found were far apart from Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and Dr. Dennis Stevenson each other and reproduction was very low, with many female of New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), we are conducting cones failing to set . (continued on page 3) Montgomery Botanical Center Established 1959 Board of Directors Charles P. Sacher, Esq., President Karl Smiley, M.D., Vice President Walter D. Haynes, Esq., Sec./Treasurer Loyd G. Kelly, Assistant Secretary Nicholas D. Kelly Peter A. Manz Executive Director M. Patrick Griffith, Ph.D. Botanical Consultant F r o m t h e John Popenoe, Ph.D. Montgomery Botanical Executive Director Research Fellows John Dowe, Ph.D. William Hahn, Ph.D. Damon P. Little, Ph.D. Global conditions drive the mission and work of Montgomery Cristina Lopez-Gallego, Ph.D. Botanical Center. This year is a year of great concern. Mónica Moraes R., Ph.D. Silvia Salas-Morales Fuel and costs have risen sharply; increased prices drive Alberto S. Taylor B., Ph.D. increased . Looking at current trends, we know that after a slowdown of forest clearing in recent years, deforestation is speeding up To advance science, education, in 2008. Palm and populations are imperiled by this trend—one conservation and horticultural crucial way that world economics relates directly to the work of MBC. knowledge of tropical plants, emphasizing palms and cycads, How does MBC make a difference? In these times, our work in con- Montgomery Botanical Center collects servation is critical. Michael’s work in Jamaica (pages 1, 3) highlights from wild plant populations diverse threats to native cycads. MBC fieldwork in Brazil (p. 4), around the world and grows the (p.4), and Colombia (p. 5) advances conservation directly, by raising our resulting plants in population-based, documented, scientific collections, for understanding through basic botanical research. Articles by Tracy (p. 5) use by botanists, scientists, and and John (p. 6) highlight the palm’s role in production. Stella educators, in a 120-acre botanical (p. 7) describes the intensive care sometimes necessary for individual garden exemplifying excellent design. cycads in our conservation collection.

Montgomery Botanical Center Despite recent global uncertainties, the important work of MBC (originally The Montgomery Foundation) continues. Space limits what we can detail here, but you should antici- is a tax-exempt, nonprofit institution pate further successes—as I write, Michael and I just returned from established by Nell Montgomery fieldwork in Belize, Chad is preparing for work in New Caledonia, and Jennings in memory of her husband, Colonel Robert H. Montgomery, and Larry is describing new palm discoveries. Planning for fieldwork in 2009 his love of palms and cycads. is underway. We are also excited to host the Organization for Tropical Studies here for their annual meeting, and we are eagerly preparing for Montgomery Botanical News MBC’s own 50th anniversary next year. is published biannually by Montgomery Botanical Center. I wish you and yours good fortune and health, and I look forward to 11901 Old Cutler Road seeing all of you here soon. Miami, Florida 33156 Phone 305.667.3800 Fax 305.661.5984 [email protected] www.montgomerybotanical.org

Masthead photo of Veitchia arecina (formerly V. montgomeryana) Pictured: Dr. Griffith with Colonel Montgomery’s first by Harvey Bernstein calocoma—the largest individual of its species in the .

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2 Montgomery Botanical News | Fall/Winter 2008 D EVELOPING OUR COLLECTIONS JAMAICA 2008 (continued from front page)

Th e last form we visited had slightly narrower leafl ets and CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH longer than Z. amblyphyllidia and was well separated With the exception of the single, large population geographically. Interestingly, these plants rarely clumped, of the “Jamaican Giant”, the Zamia populations we visited and often produced aerial stems up to 50 cm tall. If this char- were small, sparse, and highly acteristic remains in cultivation, it would be unique among threatened by habitat destruc- Caribbean zamias. Th is population is the only known popula- tion and illegal harvesting, tion of this form, with fewer than 600 plants, too scattered which we witnessed fi rst-hand. for reproduction to be eff ective. Many seedlings from this Th e Jamaica 2008 expedition population lack pigment, which may indicate inbreeding extended our biogeographic depression. knowledge and understand- ing of Jamaican zamias, and secured valuable germplasm and genetic samples for sci- entifi c research and ex situ conservation at MBC and the USDA National Germplasm Repository. We are grateful to the National Environment and Planning Agency of Jamaica for granting us permits. Genetic analysis will uncover more Andreas Oberli with information about Zamia arborescent zamia populations, how these popu- lations are related to each other, and where they fi t within the Zamia pumila complex. Seeds collected during this trip have sprouted and are now healthy one- seedlings at MBC’s nursery. Michael Calonje, Cycad Biologist , Ph.D. Narrow-leafl et zamia (“Jamaican Giant”) Montgomery Botanical Center USDA Research Geneticist Alan Meerow (foreground) and Andreas Oberli [email protected] MBC Honorary Member

MBC RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

• Assembling the of (AToL), a large scale NSF-funded project, is making extensive use of the MBC collections. Dr. Damon Little and Dr. Dennis Stevenson of the New York Botanical Garden have collected cycad material from almost every species at MBC; Dr. Sarah Matthews of Harvard used many of the Tropical collections; Dr. Stevenson, Dr. Wendy Zomlefer of the University of Georgia, and Dr. Jerry Davis of Cornell collected from our palms.

• Recent M.S. graduate Ian Cole performed a phytochemical study on Nypa, investigating metabolic diff erences over time. Ian has begun doctoral study at Th e New York Botanical Garden this fall.

• Dr. John Dowe, Montgomery Botanical Research Fellow and Scientist at the Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research studied biogeographic variation in palms, and collected data from Sabal populations in Florida, in collaboration with Dr. Larry Noblick.

• Th eAttalea collections were recently studied by Jason Schonmann, doctoral student at Th e University of Texas at Austin. Jason is investigating how species are related. UT graduates Lee (Marine Science, 1973) and Patrick (, 1998) were happy to hear about how plant sciences are going in Austin.

• Th e MBC team also published a study on hurricanes and natural selection in palms. Dr. Patrick Griffi th, Dr. Larry Noblick, Dr. John Dowe, Chad Husby and Michael Calonje authored the work, which appears in a recent issue of Annals of Botany. Among the conclusions: Caribbean palms are more tolerant of high winds than other palms.

Fall/Winter 2008 | Montgomery Botanical News 3 EXPLORING FOR NEW PALM SPECIES IN BRAZIL ver a decade has passed since my last palm 5,000 kilometers through the states of São Paulo, Mato Grosso Ocollecting trip to Brazil. Henderson’s Palms of the Amer- do Sul, Minas Gerais, Goiás, Espírito Santo and Bahia, where icas and Harri Lorenzi’s I left Harri and continued Brazilian palm book to Pernambuco. stimulated new interest Harri is attempting in palms among Brazil- to detail every species ians. I began receiving of palm for a new book, tantalizing images and he needs names. We of possible new spe- speculate that there may cies. I also left behind still be seven possible new undescribed new species species of Syagrus, three of my own. Collections new species of Butia, in neighboring Paraguay a new species of Lyto- sparked more questions caryum and some new about Brazilian palms. species of Geonoma to So when Harri be described, plus some invited me to take a trip name changes. It was with him to explore our one of the most valuable questions together, the palm trips I have taken Montgomery Board gave to Brazil. their approval, and I One of several new species of Syagrus currently being described. started making plans. Larry Noblick, Ph.D., Palm Biologist The June trip was a marathon to see most of the new and Montgomery Botanical Center existing Syagrus and Butia species in Brazil. We traveled nearly [email protected]

MONTGOMERY BOTANICAL COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL CYCAD FIELDWORK IN CHINA ontgomery Botanical Center cycad biologist, project—to aid the forestry department in managing the MMichael Calonje, traveled extensively in China, population. developing collaborative relationships with Chinese cycad During the symposium, Michael presented Ex situ Cycad researchers and students while Conservation at Montgomery Botani- attending the International Sym- cal Center, detailing the critical role posium on Cycad Conservation at MBC’s ex situ conservation program Zhongkai University of Agriculture plays in preserving cycads. Michael and Engineering, Guangzhou, and also presented his talk at Shenzhen participating in a study tour orga- Fairy Lake Botanical Garden. nized by Willie and Limei Tang. Zhongkai University, the IUCN Michael visited and studied native Cycad Specialist Group, the Cycad populations of sexseminifera, Society of China, Wutonshan C. ferruginea, C. segmentifida, and Scenic Spot Administrative Office, C. debaoensis. and Shenzhen Fairy Lake Botanical Because of his GIS expertise, Garden sponsored the symposium. Michael was called upon to assist in Michael visited the South China a GPS and data-collecting survey of Botanical Garden, Dighushan Arbo- at the location of its retum, the cycad garden at Qing Xiu discovery. Using the data collected, Shan Park, and Shenzhen Fairy Lake Cycas ferruginea with rust-colored tomentum Michael prepared an accurate base on and rachis of new leaves Botanical Garden. map—as part of a cycad conservation

4 Montgomery Botanical News | Fall/Winter 2008 RESEARCH ON TROPICAL ZAMIA IN COLOMBIA s a Montgomery Botanical Re- in the Magdalena-Medio region. A search Fellow, I continue to work The main goal of the monitoring pro- on native Zamia populations, as detailed gram is to generate high-quality, detailed in the Spring 2007 Montgomery Botani- populational data. These data will help cal News. After completing graduate us understand conservation threats and study, I now teach plant ecology courses develop conservation strategies. at Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, With support from MBC and The and I am working on population Cycad Society, our research team at CIB research at Corporación para Investiga- is exploring the recruitment dynamics ciones Biológicas (CIB). (i.e. the establishment of seedling and Currently, I am developing a long- juveniles) of two populations of Zamia term research program for population obliqua at a site in the Colombia Chocó. biology of cycads in Colombia. With We are testing the hypothesis that a few the IUCN Cycad Specialist Group, I adult individuals contribute dispro- am working to establish several sites for portionably to the recruitment of the long-term population monitoring. population. Additionally, we are quanti- This research is also producing a pop- fying genetic versus environmental effects ulation database of cycads in Colombia, on these disproportionate contributions. for detailed documentation of species These initiatives could represent impor- distribution and population conservation tant contributions towards our common status. Our research team is initiating aim of advancing cycad conservation. long-term population monitoring sites Dr. Cristina Lopez-Gallego conducting research in the Chocó region of Colombia. Cristina Lopez-Gallego, Ph.D. for two species of Zamia: Z. obliqua, in Montgomery Botanical Research Fellow the Chocó region; and Z. aff. muricata, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin

BIODIESEL, PALM CONSERVATION, AND EX SITU COLLECTIONS

he African oil palm, neutral. A recent study by Dr. Paul Crut- Tguineensis, has long been culti- zen and others suggests that and vated as a high calorie food source and a fossil fuels may be equally detrimental in component in industrial oils. Its popular- this regard. ity is increasing via newfound interest in The necessity of clearing land for sustainable energy, renewable resources, planting oil palm is a primary concern and . for MBC. In many parts of the , South American palms such as Elaeis have been cut to plant and also produce guineensis. New legislation encourages industrial oil. Montgomery Botanical production of biodiesel on “degraded Center has 17 species and 213 individual land”—but what is considered degraded oil palms on site. Agricultural plants tend and how is this enforced? towards loss of genetic variety; inten- Increased demand for places sive breeding can remove useful genetic palm and cycad populations at risk. Ex variation, such as disease resistance, situ conservation has proven effective in from the population. Ex situ conserva- saving rare plants prior to the destruction tion collections like the ones housed of their habitat. Making new additions at Montgomery Botanical Center are a to our collection is a top priority at great insurance for the genetic diversity MBC, expecially with regard to retain- of palms. ing genetic diversity. There is increasing controversy about One of the oldest Attalea collections at MBC Tracy Magellan, MESc biodiesel production and whether it is Funding and Communications greenhouse gas positive, negative, or [email protected]

Fall/Winter 2008 | Montgomery Botanical News 5 NYPA FRUTICANS AT MONTGOMERY BOTANICAL

lthough widespread in South- tidal exchange for the dissemination of large sums of money are being invested east Asia and , Nypa its buoyant . in to develop refineries for the fruticansA is poorly represented in the The Nypa colony at Montgomery production of ethanol from Nypa. Stud- Botanical flourishes in a series of intercon- nected brackish lakes where fresh water springs lower the salinity to an accept- able level. In addition, the palm requires the fine silty mud of the estuarine habi- tat for its subterranean, dichotomously branched trunk to properly develop. This primitive palm was once con- sidered intermediate between palms and because of the unusual form of its inflorescence and fruiting head. Occurring naturally from to the and south to Catkin-like male flowers surrounding Nypa fruticans infructescence Queensland, Nypa has been introduced globular female inflorescence in Nigeria, where it is considered inva- world’s botanical gardens due to unique sive. Besides being used for thatch and ies show that as much as 1,530 gallons requirements for successful cultivation. fiber by native populations, the palm is per acre can be expected, which is twice Commonly known as the mangrove tapped for its sugary sap which is used as the yield of sugar cane and six times the palm, Nypa is not a true mangrove as it a confection and fermented to make vin- yield of corn. is unable to tolerate undiluted sea water, egar and alcohol. This little known palm John Harshaw, Assistant Curator but prefers estuarine habitat with regular is likely to become much better known as Montgomery Botanical Center

THE PALM WALK: EVOLUTION OF A LANDSCAPE

ur original Master Plan concept of “The Serpentine” Moving southward, populations of Bismarkia, Washingto- Oas an essential element of the Palm Walk is alive and nia, Sabal, Hyphaene, and Livistona are brought together to well, if not yet fully developed according to original plans. offer contrasts in size, color, texture, and shape, showing wide MBC continues design concepts of Col. Montgomery’s variation within a fan-leaved theme. Differing growth rates original landscape architect, Wil- also vary this focal point over the liam Lyman Phillips, often called the span of years. “Pioneer of Tropical Landscape Archi- The multi-tiered arrangement tecture.” Meandering pathways extend at the southern end is more com- into the collections from the main vista, plex: low, blue-tinted Serenoa repens, enticing aficionados and scientists to backdropped by glossy dark-green explore or study the groupings of palms, Arenga microcarpa and all framed by arranged to display interesting combi- towering Quercus virginiana displays nations of lines and planes, light and distinctive color and texture con- shadow, color and texture—elements trasts. Phillips felt were critical. Future plantings and maturing Although dozens of examples of existing specimens will enhance abound throughout the property, a few the subtle serpentine contours. In of the more spectacular ones can serve the interim the landscape team as a catalyst for more extensive discov- employs cultural strategies, and ery and study. varied mowing heights and widths The northern terminus of the Palm to enhance unified transitions, har- Walk, anchored by the grove of Robert mony and freedom of movement Montgomery’s Roystonea collection is a while avoiding inconsistency, inter- relatively simple but elegant arrange- ference and interruption, and the ment. Nell Montgomery felt that the disruption evoked by such vagaries royals made a good focal point for walk- of design. ing tour groups (as well as an ideal spot Lee Anderson, Superintendent for her yoga classes). Montgomery Botanical Center’s Palm Walk Montgomery Botanical Center [email protected]

6 Montgomery Botanical News | Fall/Winter 2008 ADVANCING REAL CONSERVATION MBC ecent study by Dr. David Aplin raises a critical issue: botanic garden TEAM R plants often have little conservation value. In one case, 90% of a “conservation collection” had no value. Th is fi nding prompts us to examine NEWS our own work. For decades, Montgomery Botanical Center has incorporated a rigorous conservation strategy for plant collections. Recently, we tested our conserva- John Harshaw has joined Mont- tion strategy with modern scientifi c tools. Our fi ndings – presented at the gomery Botanical Center as assistant Botany 2008 conference – show that MBC succeeds in conserving signifi cant curator, working with MBC’s horti- diversity. culture team. John brings a broad Your support of MBC enables real conservation, grounded in solid botani- range of experience to MBC includ- cal science – eff ective, effi cient, direct conservation, with solid, long-term, ing working with many South tangible success. Please help us continue this vital work by contributing your Florida nurseries, work controlling fi nancial gift. Contact me any time to discuss advancing plant conservation. invasive species, and working with the USGS as a hydro-biologist. He M. Patrick Griffi th, Ph.D., Executive Director (305) 667-3800 ext. 105 holds a Bachelor’s Degree (Botany, [email protected] University of Miami) and did post- graduate work in microbiology at their Institute of Marine Science. YCAD EPAIR ONSERVING ARE OLLECTIONS Jesse Jones joined Montgomery C R : C R C Botanical Center this year as a land- ll cycads are considered rare, cutting instrument, until healthy, white scaper with MBC’s grounds team. A and some species are repre- tissue is reached. (2) A diluted solution Jesse brings more than 20 years sented by very few living individuals of ZeroTol (fungicide, bactericide, and experience with turf grass manage- in botanic garden collections. In such algaecide) is poured over the aff ected ment in South Florida. Marino Valcourt cases, every single plant counts tremen- area to completely sterilize the wound. has moved dously—so extra intensive care for an (3) Th e wound is allowed to dry com- into the position of assistant cura- individual plant is needed. pletely. If rain is forecasted, the plant tor of cycads. Marino has been with Th e MBC cycad collections come needs to be covered. (4) Once the wound Montgomery Botanical Center since from a wide vari- is completely dry, 2000, starting as irrigation specialist ety of habitats, we apply insulat- with MBC’s facilities team. Ericka Witcher and in humid ing foam sealant*, is now South Florida, which seals the Montgomery Botanical Center’s trunk rot and root wound from mois- collections supervisor. Ericka joined rot at times need ture but allows air MBC in 2005 as assistant curator to be addressed. circulation. and moved into the position of col- Overwatering is If the rot can lections specialist in 2007. Ericka a common cause be removed and has two Bachelor’s Degrees (Ecol- of cycad rot, but stopped from spr- ogy and Plant & Microbial Biology, excessive fertiliz- eading, cycads are University of California Berke- ers and herbicides able to produce ley). While with the National Park and Forest Service, Ericka gained can also be a showing new off fsets following off sets below the cause. When a treatment. Insulating foam sealant on crown. cut to replace the valuable experience with plant cycad develops crown rot, leaves lose damaged stem within six months. population data collection and GIS their color, turn brown, and eventually Fungicide and foam treatment is time mapping. fall off completely. Th e apex below the consuming, but an eff ective way to heal Tracy Magellan is now working cataphylls becomes soft from the rot. trunk rot. For rare cycads—whose hope in Funding and Communications. Th is rot can continue to spread through- lies in botanic garden collections—spe- Her Bachelor’s Degree (Botany, out the entire plant if not dealt with cialized care is the order of the day. University of Florida) and Master’s immediately. (Environmental Science, Yale) pro- At MBC, the following proce- Stella Cuestas, Curator of Cycads vide a solid background in plant dure is used to treat crown rot: (1) Th e Montgomery Botanical Center research and conservation work. damaged area is removed with a sterile [email protected] Tracy has conducted fi eld research through the OTS at La Selva, Costa *Some experts shape and paint the sealer – see Rica and has a variety of writing, Greg Holzman’s excellent articles in Th e Cycad funding, and website experience. Newsletter, Vol. 28 and Vol. 30.

Fall/Winter 2008 | Montgomery Botanical News 7 MONTGOMERY BOTANICAL CENTER NON-PROFIT ORG. 11901 Old Cutler Road U.S. POSTAGE PAID Miami, FL 33156-4242 USA MIAMI FL PERMIT NO. 1302

n this 1938 photo, Colonel Robert Montgomery stands in front of the Arthur Montgomery Guest- houseI and a Syagrus romanzoffi ana. Montgomery Botanical Center’s commitment to the Syagrus continues today. Dr. Larry Noblick, Montgomery Botanical Center’s palm biologist, has studied Syagrus for over 25 years. He has collected Syagrus on MBC expeditions since the early 1990s, primarily from Brazil, Venezuela, and Paraguay. Larry discusses new Syagrus discoveries on page 4. Currently, 17 species of Syagrus are represented at Montgomery Botanical Center, totaling over 200 plants.