Seed Germination, Post-fire Plant Growth and Conservation of the Rare Endemic and Endangered Chamaecrista glandulosa var. mirabilis (Fabaceae)

Abstract

Conservation has been challenged by biodiversity loss drivers. Also, fire disturbance can temporarily change ecosystems. Fire effects in soil nutrients and pH, plant abundance, reproduction, seed weight, seed germination, and plant growth were assessed. Four seed starting systems were used for germination and growth under laboratory conditions. We found significant differences in the means of iron, manganese, nickel, soil pH, and plant height, and a significant positive linear relationship between seed weight and plant height. Results indicate that fires increase soil pH and cause changes in micronutrients that can increase plant growth. Large size plants are produced from high weight seeds. Finally, ex situ conservation and species reintroduction were feasible conservation strategies that should be integrated with in situ conservation.