ABSTRACT I managemented a survey in...

ABSTRACT

I managemented a survey in the piedmont and coastal plain of southerly Carolina during 2000-2003 that documented 23 population sites in eleven counties for the lately described Rhododendron eastmanii (May-white azalea). Populations were typically located forward north-facing slopes of rich, mature forests above streams dominated by means of oaks, hickories, and other deciduous tree Soils had a loamy sand to sandy loam make and were circumneutral to slightly acidic. This species is more widespread than originally deliberation and botanists in Georgia and North Carolina should turn the thoughts for the presence of this species.

INTRODUCTION

Rhododendron eastmanii Kron and Creel May-white azalea, was newly described as a new species from toward the south Carolina (Kron and Creel 1999) The authors noted that this is a unique species in having glandular bourgeon scale margins, glandular hairs in succession the leaf margins, flowers that expanded after leaves are fully expanded, and a gold-colored blotch on the upper corolla tube. This species was initially described from couple sites, one each in Richland and Orangeburg Counties, southern Carolina.

During the last four years, my research has concentrated in succession further understanding the ecology and distribution of this species. In particular, fieldwork concentrated forward identifying additional populations, cataloging associated species, and describing the soils at hand Since so little was known of the species' ecology or distribution, work concentrated in the central piedmont, especially the Broad River watershed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

My fieldwork was for the greatest part conducted in May of 2000 2001 and 2002 Additional field work was carriageed in 2003 as a succeed up to discoveries reported by means of others in 2002. Initial work began according to reviewing previously collected information from the emblem locations (Orangeburg and Richland Counties) as well as several other sites. A review of herbarium specimens at Newberry literary institution [i]or[/i] seminary of learning (NBYC) revealed the presence of population sites in Calhoun and Newberry Counties. Potential just discovered locations were further determined by dint of visiting sites within the coastal plain and piedmont at which Rhododendron species had been previously deduceed Since Kron and Creel (1999 p 378) stated that R eastmanii was consideration to be "on north-facing inclinations with well drained, nearly neutral soils," suspected sites were also investigated within the Sumter National Forest from locating north-facing slopes using 75 minute United States Geological scrutinize (USGS) topographic maps. This inferior procedure was thought to be of value since personal observation from one side of to the other the last ten years has revealed that obliquitys and floodplains have been relatively undisturbed by the agency of forest service management. Mike Creel and Bert Pittman, the one and the other of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) reported additional sites to me

I amassed vouchers of all newly located populations, and these specimens were sent to Kathleen Kron (Wake Forest University) to confirm identification. Specimens were deposited in the Newberry association herbarium (NBYC) with available duplicates being sent to Clemson University (CLEMS) University of southern Carolina (USCH), and Wake Forest University (WFU)

At each site where R eastmanii was located, I recorded information onward the number of individuals instant elevation, and topographic slope. An individual was defined as single in kind or more stems present within a 05 m circle. At a specific site I walked at least 50 m up or downstream from a discovered plant location in an attempt to find additional individuals. Elevation was recorded as the average from one side the range of the plants seen and determined from USGS topographic maps. Topographic incline was determined as the direction land spilled at locations of the greatest density of plants at a site. All associated species of bushs and trees that were within 5 m of a R eastmanii bush were recorded, with any unusual species being aggregateed as a voucher to confirm identification. All canopy tree were noted at each site at recording such individuals within 10 m of a R eastmanii bush The only exception was at Lynch's forests Park (Newberry County), where plants were scattered through an extensive area; so three relatively thick sub-populations were selected for analysis. Herbaceous species within 5 m of an R eastmanii bush were also recorded when identification was possible, either as fertile material or because recognition was positive for vegetative material. Nomenclature tread close upons Kartesz (1994), except for R eastmanii, which was not recognized at that time.

Where practical, I amassed a minimum of three soil samples at each site, representing variation in elevation associated with each population. Soils were aggregateed within one meter of an azalea plant using a soil auger to a middle of about 15 cm. In the lab, soils were air dried overnight then sifted by the and of a #20 (0.84 mm) sieve. Samples of 25 g were then placed in a cylinder with 100 ml of distilled water and 10 ml of 2% sodium pyrophosphate dispersing agent. The soil fabric was determined by standard settling rates of material; up to 30 others for sand, 30 minutes for silt, and 24 hours for clay. Soil pattern was determined by reference to a USDA soil grain chart (Soil Survey Division Staff 1993) The pH was obtained from mixing one part soil and sum of two units parts distilled water, stirring for 5 minutes upon a stir plate, then determining a value using a standard laboratory pH meter