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Details recorded in the Microsoft
Access database include data for both individual plants, and the
sub-populations from which they were collected. Fields in the
database include the following:
Genomic studies Madhupa Mukherjee (PhD student at University of KwaZulu-Natal) is investigating the molecular variation in Stangeria eriopus populations. Follow this link to read more about these genomic Studies.
Seed Behaviour Little is known about the storage behaviour of cycad seeds, including those of S. eriopus, and current cycad genetic resource conservation and propagation generally makes use of newly-shed seeds. The option of long-term ex situ storage of seeds would thus certainly be beneficial, especially for gene-banking purposes. Preliminary investigations conducted by E. Douwes indicate that S. eriopus seeds have relatively high water contents at the time of shedding, suggesting possible desiccation sensitivity. Desiccation sensitive seeds are deleteriously affected by comparatively little water loss, mostly due to the fact that they remain metabolically active throughout the course of their development, and post shedding. This research is ongoing at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Plant Cell Biology Research Unit, and will hopefully culminate in the cryo-storage (storage in liquid nitrogen) of seed embryos for long term preservation. Wet storage (i.e. storage at shedding water content) is also being be investigated. Invertebrate Interactions There is much to be learned about invertebrate interactions with Stangeria eriopus, and as such, relevant details are being recorded as part of the project. The most common browser on Stangeria leaves is the leopard magpie moth (Zerenopsis leopardina). Eggs and larvae of this renowned cycad pest are a common sight on the leaves, and they are also known to eat the outer fleshy covering of the seed. A more uncommon sighting is that of Millar’s tiger moth (Callioratis millari) which is now only known to occur in two locations in the Entumeni area of KwaZulu-Natal. This moth was originally recorded in the Kloof district near Durban 75 years ago, but has not been seen in the area since. It is not known if Stangeria is reliant on either of these, or other, insects for pollination, but the project hopes to bring some light to this subject. Dr Adrian Armstrong of KZN Wildlife (Biodiversity Division), in collaboration with others is researching the behaviour of this moth, and it's interactions with Stangeria. Mammal and bird interactions Birds known to eat and distribute the seeds include the purple-crested lourie (Tauraco porphyreolophus) and the trumpeter hornbill (Bycanistes bucinator). |
A database for storage and retrieval of
data was complied and linked to an archive of digital photographs.
The plants, data and photographs are now available to scientists
wishing to conduct research on these fascinating plants.
Population
size, locality (latitude and longitude), altitude, soil type;
Locality of plant origin (latitude and longitude), number of leaves,
pinnae, lignotuber heads, cones and seeds; measurements of leaves,
pinnae, lignotubers; fungal, invertebrate and vertebrate
interactions
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All content © Stangeria Conservation Project 2003