Texas Poppy Mallow: Documentation and Distribution Assessment

Webinar Description:

Found only along deep sand deposits near the Colorado River, the Texas poppy-mallow (Callirhoe scabriuscula) is a rare but charismatic endemic wildflower. Like other rare plants, much of the species’ distribution and natural history remains undocumented and this lack of knowledge hinders conservation efforts in our rapidly changing state. To fill these knowledge gaps, we undertook range-wide searches for Texas poppy-mallows across a four-county study area. Additionally, we monitored the reproductive performance of four populations to identify key points and causes of reproductive failure. Our results and experiences with landowners suggest challenges and opportunities for this unique member of the Texas flora.

Bio:

Dr. Ben R. Skipper is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Angelo State University. Dr. Skipper’s research largely concerns the reproductive ecology and natural history of secondary cavity nesting birds and the reproductive biology of birds of prey. Aside from birds, Dr. Skipper’s research has included the natural history of a variety of taxa including insects, mammals, and now, plants.

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