Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - October 31, 2007
From: Bethesda, MD
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Rare or Endangered Plants
Title: Why is endangered Sandplain Gerardia (Agalinis acuta) helpful in the environment
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
My son is doing a report on endangered plants in Maryland and was assigned the Sandplain Gerardia. On-line we have been able to find much of the information we need for his report. However, there is one question we have not been able to find the answer to: Why is the species helpful in the environment?ANSWER:
You have doubtless seen all the online reports about Sandplain Gerardia (Agalinis acuta) that I could cite here (e.g., from New York, Massachusetts, Maryland). The question you ask is very interesting and isn't answered specifically in any of these. The answer is likely that Sandplain Gerardia isn't "helpful" in any significant way in the environment, but it is rare and its numbers are declining. If it is completely exterminated, the environment is less diverse by one species. Additionally, the extinction of one species may significantly affect other species in the same ecosystem, setting off a cascade of effects. The question you ask is closely tied to the question: "Why save endangered species—why go to the expense and effort to save species that don't show any obvious benefit to us or the environment?" The preamble to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 states that endangered species of fish, wildlife, and plants "are of aesthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational, and scientific value to the Nation and its people." It could be argued that Sandplain Gerardia is aesthetically pleasing, (i.e., beautiful), that it has some scientific or medicinal benefit as yet unknown, or it is significant in that it's disappearance is an indicator of environmental quality in the areas where it once thrived.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation has a very good discussion of "Why Save Endangered Species?". There is also an exposition of this question at EndangeredSpecie.com. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service also publishes a comprehensive, illustrated booklet, "Why Save Endangered Species?", available online in PDF format.
More Rare or Endangered Plants Questions
Smarty Plants on endangered Texas wildflowers
September 05, 2003 - We are interested in including a list of endangered Texas wildflowers in our garden club yearbook. Can you provide such a list?
view the full question and answer
Starting Venus Flytrap From Seed
September 05, 2013 - I am a high school student doing a project on the Venus flytrap and would like you to help me by answering the following questions: What are the Venus flytrap predators and prey? How to raise a Venus ...
view the full question and answer
Is crow's foot endangered from Delta PA
November 29, 2009 - I, too, used crows foot in Christmas Wreaths. I have recently heard that is endangered and you could be fined picking it and using it. Wondering if this is a true statement. There is still lots in ...
view the full question and answer
Location of Agalinis acuta, sandplain gerardia.
September 12, 2009 - Where can the sandplain gerardia be found?
view the full question and answer
Obtaining invasive weeds for biocontrol research in Florida
July 07, 2005 - I work at the Dept. of Entomology at the University of Florida doing host range testing for biocontrol agents (insects) of invasive weeds in Florida. I need some help in getting live plants of some e...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |