Population ecology and implications for conservation of Cleome droserifolia: a threatened xerophyte

Abstract

The population ecology of this perennial desert plant was studied in Egypt. Seed bank, seed rain, seed dispersal, seedling and juvenile establishment, and adult population were examined. Complete survivorship curve, life table and fecundity schedule were constructed. The following recommendations are essential to conserve the species and to assist in devising a management strategy: 1) at least one population should be maintained in situ for conservation, scientific interest, education and aesthetics; 2) harvesting in the remaining populations should be restricted to the oldest individuals; 3) plant collectors, botanical gardens and herbaria should collect seeds; and 4) experimental research is needed on in situ and ex situ propagation of the species. -from Author