RECOVERY PLAN FOR - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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16. Establish and maintain term vlasm reserve for both
species
Very few plants of either species are known to be in
cultivation and no seeds are in the NTBG seed bank. Yet it
is essential to create a back-up genetic reserve for these
species, particularly for Isodendrion hosakae which exists
in dangerously low numbers. Lipochaeta venosa plants grown
from cuttings are at the DOFAW Hilo Baseyard and the
University of Hawaii at Manoa. One Isodendrion hosakae
plant is in cultivation at the Lyon Arboretum and two at
NTBG. More plants should be grown in cultivation for
research purposes and as a genetic reserve, and should be
distributed among botanical gardens as germ plasm reserves.
A seed reserve should be established at NTBG and other
institutions. Since seed production of both species may be
low, seed should be carefully divided among those purposely
left for natural regeneration, those taken for research, and
those taken for a properly managed seed bank. This division
requires coordination of all parties working under this
recovery plan. Methods for long-term storage of seeds may
need to be determined.
2. Research factors limiting expansion of populations
Research on the impacts of and methods for removing alien plants,
and reproduction and cultivation, habitat requirements, and
methods of pollination for these species is necessary to expand
existing populations and establish new populations.
21. Research control of fountain grass and other alien
species within the sites
At the present time, fountain grass is the dominant plant
and largely determines the character of the habitat.
Because this species aggressively competes with Lipochaeta
venosa, Isodendrion hosakae, and other native plants for
water and light, and because it promotes fire, research is
needed to devise methods to achieve reduction of fountain
grass and other alien plants. In doing so, it may be
necessary to reestablish native plants to fulfill the
ecosystem roles of alien plants after their removal, In
accordance with research findings, care should be taken not
to disrupt the functioning of the ecosystem and thus further
endanger these plants.
211. Evaluate potential impact of removing alien
plants
Aside from the negative interactions mentioned above,
alien plants probably provide certain ecosystem
services such as soil stability, ground shading and
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