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Author: Williams, Casey
Email: cw1107@gmail.com
Phone: 817 598 8602
Organization: Texas State University
Address:
PO Box 38,
Peaster,
TX,
76485
Abstract Title: DISTRIBUTION AND PHYSICAL HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS OF HYGROPHILA POLYSPERMA ALONG THE SAN MARCOS RIVER, HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS. Casey R. Williams1, Dr. Alan Groeger2 1.Presenting author, Aquatic Resources Graduate Student, Texas State University-San Marcos San Marcos, Texas 2. Advisor, Associate Professor, Texas State University-San Marcos, Aquatic Biology Department
Abstract Text: Hygrophila, Hygrophila polysperma (Roxb.) T. Anders (Acanthaceae), is an old world species native to Asia that has become well established in the San Marcos River, Hays County, Texas. Little is known regarding the introduction and dispersal of the species in regards to the San Marcos River system. Historical articles suggests the plant may have been introduced via the aquatic plant trade and one study indicates the plant has continued its expansion along the San Marcos River for at least 25 years. Characteristics such as fragmentation, axiliary rooting and rapid growth allow hygrophila to possibly displace native species such as Ludwiga repens and Zizania texana, an endangered species. Hygrophila has been labeled a Federal Noxious Weed by the USDA and is reportedly a major pest in Florida and Virginia. However, hygrophila has also been labeled moderately suitable habitat for the endemic and endangered fountain darter, Etheostoma fonticola. This study seeks to describe the habitat for the species in the San Marcos River System and determine areas suitable for continued expansion as well as cmap its distribution along the upper reaches of the San Marcos River. Both in situ and geospatial data were collected and analyzed.
Conference
Year: TIPPC_2011
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Presenter Type (Student or Regular):
Session: 4. Research
Submission Date: 2011-08-08
