Creosote Bush: Long‐lived Clones in the Mojave Desert

Vasek, Frank C.

doi:10.1002/j.1537-2197.1980.tb07648.x

Cited by 143 publications

(39 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…1). Sampling strategy can be chosen for different research questions and species, but is typically limited to several hundred metres [4], [6], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19], [20], [21], [22], [23], [24]. A strong relationship can be seen between the maximum distance sampled and the maximum estimated clonal size among these studies (Table 1, Fig.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Implications of Extreme Life Span in Clonal Organisms: Millenary Clones in Meadows of the Threatened Seagrass Posidonia oceanica

et al. 2012

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The maximum size and age that clonal organisms can reach remains poorly known, although we do know that the largest natural clones can extend over hundreds or thousands of metres and potentially live for centuries. We made a review of findings to date, which reveal that the maximum clone age and size estimates reported in the literature are typically limited by the scale of sampling, and may grossly underestimate the maximum age and size of clonal organisms. A case study presented here shows the occurrence of clones of slow-growing marine angiosperm Posidonia oceanica at spatial scales ranging from metres to hundreds of kilometres, using microsatellites on 1544 sampling units from a total of 40 locations across the Mediterranean Sea. This analysis revealed the presence, with a prevalence of 3.5 to 8.9%, of very large clones spreading over one to several (up to 15) kilometres at the different locations. Using estimates from field studies and models of the clonal growth of P. oceanica, we estimated these large clones to be hundreds to thousands of years old, suggesting the evolution of general purpose genotypes with large phenotypic plasticity in this species. These results, obtained combining genetics, demography and model-based calculations, question present knowledge and understanding of the spreading capacity and life span of plant clones. These findings call for further research on these life history traits associated with clonality, considering their possible ecological and evolutionary implications.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Implications of Extreme Life Span in Clonal Organisms: Millenary Clones in Meadows of the Threatened Seagrass Posidonia oceanica

et al. 2012

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“…Clonal size often increases with latitude [5], elevation [6]–[8], and position at range edges [9], and is thought to allow persistence in harsh environments where sexual recruitment may be limited or episodic [10]–[12]. In some environments, clonal persistence can be dramatic, on the order of millennia [13]–[15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Widespread Triploidy in Western North American Aspen (Populus tremuloides)

et al. 2012

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We document high rates of triploidy in aspen (Populus tremuloides) across the western USA (up to 69% of genets), and ask whether the incidence of triploidy across the species range corresponds with latitude, glacial history (as has been documented in other species), climate, or regional variance in clone size. Using a combination of microsatellite genotyping, flow cytometry, and cytology, we demonstrate that triploidy is highest in unglaciated, drought-prone regions of North America, where the largest clone sizes have been reported for this species. While we cannot completely rule out a low incidence of undetected aneuploidy, tetraploidy or duplicated loci, our evidence suggests that these phenomena are unlikely to be significant contributors to our observed patterns. We suggest that the distribution of triploid aspen is due to a positive synergy between triploidy and ecological factors driving clonality. Although triploids are expected to have low fertility, they are hypothesized to be an evolutionary link to sexual tetraploidy. Thus, interactions between clonality and polyploidy may be a broadly important component of geographic speciation patterns in perennial plants. Further, cytotypes are expected to show physiological and structural differences which may influence susceptibility to ecological factors such as drought, and we suggest that cytotype may be a significant and previously overlooked factor in recent patterns of high aspen mortality in the southwestern portion of the species range. Finally, triploidy should be carefully considered as a source of variance in genomic and ecological studies of aspen, particularly in western U.S. landscapes.

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“…Our findings are not without precedent, as ancient clones have been identified in other woody taxa [28]–[30], including a nearly 12,000 year old clone of creosote ( Larrea tridentata Coville) found in the Mojave Desert [31]. Nonetheless, our 13,000 year estimate for the age of the Jurupa clone places it among the oldest of living plants.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 42%

A Pleistocene Clone of Palmer's Oak Persisting in Southern California

et al. 2009

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BackgroundThe distribution of Palmer's oak (Quercus palmeri Engelm.) includes numerous isolated populations that are presumably relicts of a formerly larger range that has contracted due to spreading aridity following the end of the Pleistocene.Principal FindingsWe investigated a recently discovered disjunct population of Palmer's oak in the Jurupa Mountains of Riverside County, California. Patterns of allozyme polymorphism, morphological homogeneity, widespread fruit abortion, and evidence of fire resprouting all strongly support the hypothesis that the population is a single clone. The size of the clone and estimates of annual growth from multiple populations lead us to conclude that the clone is in excess of 13,000 years old.ConclusionsThe ancient age of the clone implies it originated during the Pleistocene and is a relict of a vanished vegetation community. Range contraction after climate change best explains the modern disjunct distribution of Q. palmeri and perhaps other plants in California.

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Creosote Bush: Long‐lived Clones in the Mojave Desert

Cited by 143 publications

References 9 publications

Implications of Extreme Life Span in Clonal Organisms: Millenary Clones in Meadows of the Threatened Seagrass Posidonia oceanica

Implications of Extreme Life Span in Clonal Organisms: Millenary Clones in Meadows of the Threatened Seagrass Posidonia oceanica

Widespread Triploidy in Western North American Aspen (Populus tremuloides)

A Pleistocene Clone of Palmer's Oak Persisting in Southern California

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