The Florida Torreya: A Question Of Conservation
By: Abigail U.
Age:17
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
By: Abigail U.
Age:17
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Along the Apalachicola, you may see skinny conifer trees grasping at any chance of survival. These are known as the Torreya taxifolia, or the Florida Torreya, one of the most endangered conifers in the world. Upon first glance, these small conifers with deep green needles do not offer much to the great canopy of trees. However, centuries ago, this tree was considered one of the most versatile woods used for construction, and this began to put pressure on their populations. This conifer is not as robust because it faces climate pressures; however, the main threats are “pests and pathogens”. (Marinelli 6) The most deadly fungal pathogen is Fusariam torreyae, and it is known to attack Torreya trees. These “Stinking Cedars” have only “’0.22% of the population” left, thus making them a high priority conservation species. (Marinelli 11)
There is a collective effort to preserve the Torreya taxifolia and its genetic diversity in the southeast through the propagation of cuttings, studying samples, and collecting and saving seeds. The Torreya seed cannot undergo the drying process, which makes their survival even more difficult. “Unlike most plants, the tree has so-called recalcitrant seeds, which cannot be preserved in conventional seed banks...” (Marinelli 11). In research labs, the seeds undergo a process called embryogenesis, where they can be safely stored in a cryogenic chamber. For me, this small conifer tells the great and urgent conservation story. I learned that every plant has value in the ecosystem, and while not the flashiest plant of a forest, they are necessary to the life around them. The Torreya taxifola is a beautiful example of a tree that shaped the forests in Florida, arguably some of the most beautiful and diverse forests in the U.S. It is essential for us to recognize the importance of every species and work towards the care and maintenance of the biodiversity around us.
One might ask why we need to be aware of a species of conifer that is almost extinct and how we can look to help in a situation as dire as this. The answer to that is, every species on the planet has a role to play, and it is a great loss whenever an ecosystem loses a plant, animal, or insect that was crucial to the food web. There are many essential pieces to the conservation effort; spreading awareness about plants, like the Florida Torreya, however, is a pivotal step to aid the conservation teams like the one at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Conservation is always a long-term effort, and this case is no different. The Torreyas have lost a significant amount of genetic diversity, and they are all still fighting this fungal pathogen. While we might not be able to directly save these Torreyas, we can advocate for these conifers that shine a light on the importance of biodiversity, donate to conservation efforts, and seek to appreciate and care for the natural world around us.
Bibliography
Marinelli, Janet. “For Endangered Florida Tree, How Far to Go to Save a Species?” Yale E360, 27 Mar. 2018, e360.yale.edu/features/for-endangered-florida-tree-how-far-to-go-to-save-a-species-torreya.
There is a collective effort to preserve the Torreya taxifolia and its genetic diversity in the southeast through the propagation of cuttings, studying samples, and collecting and saving seeds. The Torreya seed cannot undergo the drying process, which makes their survival even more difficult. “Unlike most plants, the tree has so-called recalcitrant seeds, which cannot be preserved in conventional seed banks...” (Marinelli 11). In research labs, the seeds undergo a process called embryogenesis, where they can be safely stored in a cryogenic chamber. For me, this small conifer tells the great and urgent conservation story. I learned that every plant has value in the ecosystem, and while not the flashiest plant of a forest, they are necessary to the life around them. The Torreya taxifola is a beautiful example of a tree that shaped the forests in Florida, arguably some of the most beautiful and diverse forests in the U.S. It is essential for us to recognize the importance of every species and work towards the care and maintenance of the biodiversity around us.
One might ask why we need to be aware of a species of conifer that is almost extinct and how we can look to help in a situation as dire as this. The answer to that is, every species on the planet has a role to play, and it is a great loss whenever an ecosystem loses a plant, animal, or insect that was crucial to the food web. There are many essential pieces to the conservation effort; spreading awareness about plants, like the Florida Torreya, however, is a pivotal step to aid the conservation teams like the one at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Conservation is always a long-term effort, and this case is no different. The Torreyas have lost a significant amount of genetic diversity, and they are all still fighting this fungal pathogen. While we might not be able to directly save these Torreyas, we can advocate for these conifers that shine a light on the importance of biodiversity, donate to conservation efforts, and seek to appreciate and care for the natural world around us.
Bibliography
Marinelli, Janet. “For Endangered Florida Tree, How Far to Go to Save a Species?” Yale E360, 27 Mar. 2018, e360.yale.edu/features/for-endangered-florida-tree-how-far-to-go-to-save-a-species-torreya.
Photo Credit: Abigail U Photo Credit: Atlanta Botanical Garden Photo Credit: Atlanta Botanical Garden
Editor's note
Wildlife In Spotlight collaborated with six students who attended the Summer High School Leadership Summit at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. As part of Abby's two-week program, she had to research, write, and present on a plant of her choice. She met with horticulturists, conservationists and other experts to explore the Garden's collections and gather information to write her article. Students were encouraged to select plants that not only interested them, but also had ecological, ethnobotanical, or economic value.
Many thanks to Lorin Boren, School Program Assistant Manager, Atlanta Botanical Garden, for coordinating and facilitating this partnership!
Wildlife In Spotlight collaborated with six students who attended the Summer High School Leadership Summit at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. As part of Abby's two-week program, she had to research, write, and present on a plant of her choice. She met with horticulturists, conservationists and other experts to explore the Garden's collections and gather information to write her article. Students were encouraged to select plants that not only interested them, but also had ecological, ethnobotanical, or economic value.
Many thanks to Lorin Boren, School Program Assistant Manager, Atlanta Botanical Garden, for coordinating and facilitating this partnership!