Texas Ayenia

(Ayenia limitaris)

Date of Listing: Endangered, 1994

© Photo courtesy Angela Brooks

In the United States, Texas Ayenia is known from a single locality. While we once thought that this population consisted of fewer than half a dozen plants, we have recently learned that more than twenty individuals occupy the site. The species also occurs in the state of Tamaulipas in Mexico. It is found on terraces and floodplains, and may be dependent on flooding for nutrient deposition and seed dispersal. However, little is know about the reproductive biology of the species. Propagation techniques are being developed.

Note: Special thanks to the photographers for providing images of Texas endangered and threatened plants. All rights to these images are reserved. Educational use permitted.

Habitat loss is thought to be the major threat to the continued existence of this species. Much of the native brush within the historical range of Texas Ayenia has been converted to agricultural or urban use. Flood control may be of particular importance to this species and the ecosystem upon which it depends. Introduction and spread of non-native species such as guineagrass (Panicum maximum) also poses a serious threat to the species. The small size of the existing U. S. population makes this species very vulnerable.

Size:

Unarmed shrub about two to five feet tall with alternate leaves that are oval and toothed.

Habitat (where it lives):

Low elevations in dense, subtropical woodland communities.

Range (where found in Texas):

The species had previously been reported from Cameron and Hidalgo Counties in Texas and the states of Coahuila and Tamaulipas in Mexico. Currently the species is known from Hidalgo County and the state of Tamaulipas.

Reproduction:

Flowers with are tiny and inconspicuous, about the size of an eraser head or smaller. There are five small green, pink, or cream colored petals which tend to fold back all the way to the stem. Fruit a warty five celled capsule about 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide.

Population Numbers:

One population known from the United States.