Conservation genetics of Conradina glabra

The last century's poor land management activities have resulted in declining populations of C. glabra. But this is changing... The area is now being restored to its original state. 

Through a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Garden is using molecular genetic techniques to understand whether C. glabra is reproducing clonally or via sexual reproduction as well as what factors encourage seed germination.

In March of 2019, scientists from the Garden as well as volunteers from various organizations assisted with leaf tissue collection.

Our volunteers helped with whole plant measurements, leaf sampling, gathering GPS locations, and tagging plants for future study.

Our initial genetic analyses have found that plants more than one meter apart are distinct individuals, rather than clones.

In 2021, Garden staff will return to Torreya State Park to collect seed of Conradina glabra. Seed viability and germination studies will reveal whether this species is reproducing on its own in the wild.