The hidden Heuchera: How science Twitter uncovered a globally imperiled species in Pennsylvania, USA

By

Schuette, Scott
Folk, Ryan
Cantley, Jason
Martine, Christopher T.

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2018

Original Publication

PhytoKeys

Volume

96

Pages

87-97

Subjects

Heuchera alba , iNaturalist , rare species conservation , social media networks , Susquehanna River Valley , Twitter

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers [2010]-

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.96.23667

 

Abstract

The genus Heuchera is recognized as one of the most diverse endemic radiations of Saxifragaceae in North America, yet species delimitation and geographic distribution within the group remain controversial. Many species remain difficult to identify, including Heuchera alba, a narrow Appalachian endemic and globally imperiled (G2) taxon recorded only from West Virginia and Virginia that occurs in sympatry with H. pubescens and H. americana. A recent survey of the cliffside flora of the Shikellamy Bluffs, PA recorded dozens of Heuchera individuals that, through the use of social media, were positively identified as H. alba. Aided by examination of historical herbarium records, subsequent searches of similar habitats in Pennsylvania led to the discovery of seven more populations and established a significant range expansion for this rare species. The uncovering of H. alba in Pennsylvania is an exciting conservation outcome and an example of what can happen when botanists embrace a combination of modern and classical approaches to discovery and collaboration.