TORREYA TRACKERS Discovery of 150 previously undocumented Florida torreya trees on private lands By Ashlynn Smith - Gulf Coast Coordinator
Knowing the population sizes of imperiled plants in the wild is fundamental to informing the type of conservation actions needed to protect them from extinction. Within the natural range of the critically imperiled Florida torreya (Torreya taxifolia), the number of wild trees on public lands is well-documented, but much less is known about the total number and health of trees located on private lands.
EVER GRINNING – Ashlynn Smith beside a small, newly discovered Florida torreya tree, found growing on private lands.
HURRICANE AFTERMATH – Lilly Anderson-Messec (Florida Native Plant Society) surveys for Florida torreya, whilst navigating the treacherous jumble of fallen trees caused by 2018’s Hurricane Michael.
This year the Southeastern Center for Conservation partnered with the Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS) to reach out to the public, in hopes of determining the true population size of Florida torreya in the wild. Thanks to the support and consent of landowners, we were able to survey 600 acres of private lands in search of undocumented Florida torreya trees. This concentrated effort on private lands resulted in the discovery of 150 new trees! When found, each tree was fitted with a permanent unique identification number and assessed for size and health. In addition, we collected leaf tissue for genetic analyses and cuttings to grow for ex-situ conservation. These newly discovered trees change what we once thought about the ratio of Florida torreya located on public versus private lands. While it once seemed that only a fifth of wild trees occurred on private lands, we now know that that figure is at least 34%. In collaboration with our partners, we will continue surveying in 2022 and 2023, in order to obtain a more complete picture of the population health and conservation status of Florida torreya in the wild.
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