About This Project

Dubautia scabra is a native plant on the Hawaiian islands, and is the first flowering plant on new lava flows. I am investigating genetic and ecological patterns of colonization and succession of D. scabra on lava flows to understand mechanisms of plant colonization. I use leaf tissue as the DNA source to analyze evolutionary histories. This data helps us understand how plants colonize new habitats with direct implications for understanding responses to climate change.

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What is the context of this research?

The Hawaiian Silversword Alliance (Asteraceae) is a group of plants that are endemic to the Hawaiian islands. Each member of the Alliance has adapted to a unique habitat limited to one or more islands. One species in particular, Dubautia scabra, is the first angiosperm colonist of new lava flows. Colonization of these lava flows are crucial for the primary succession of the islands, and for other flora and fauna located in these habitats. Little research has been done on this species, and little is known about the mechanisms of plant colonization. Plants are faced with increasing pressures due to climate change, and many species will need to change distributions in order to survive. This system allows us to examine colonization of truly new habitat.

What is the significance of this project?

By studying colonizing organisms like D. scabra, we will be able to identify genetic patterns associated with colonization. For most plants we do not know how far seeds can travel, what the spatial dynamics of colonization are, or how old and young populations are connected. Plant responses to climate change will require passive or assisted dispersal so species can continue to track appropriate ecological conditions. This research serves as a model for understanding the basic properties of colonization with direct implications for species globally. Not only is D. scabra a fascinating plant, it is an ideal organism for understanding plant colonization and survival.

What are the goals of the project?

We seek to answer questions related to D. scabra to understand colonization patterns likely to be common in other plants, especially in response to climate change. First, how far do colonizing seeds travel? This information impacts the dynamics of seed dispersal and if human intervention is required for species survival. Second, how is colonization impacted by ecological factors (e.g. wind, precipitation, elevation)? If colonization is constrained by abiotic factors, land managers can plan accordingly. Finally, how much diversity is contained in newly established populations? If populations are diverse, multiple sources will have contributed to colonization. These questions will be addressed using modern genetic techniques (microsatellites and PCR) to trace ancestry and diversity.