Fendler's pennycress

Description

Noccaea fendleri fendleri is a species of plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is commonly known as Fendler's penny-cress or Fendler's rockcress. This species is native to North America and is found in the western United States, primarily in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. Taxonomy and naming The species was first described by Asa Gray in 1852 as Arabis fendleri, and it was later reclassified as Noccaea fendleri by Rollins in 1941. The species name fendleri honors Augustus Fendler, a German plant collector who traveled extensively in North America during the mid-19th century. Physical Description Noccaea fendleri fendleri is a small, herbaceous plant that typically grows to a height of 10-30 cm. The leaves are basal, forming a rosette, and are sparsely hairy. The leaves are generally lanceolate to oblanceolate, with entire margins and are up to 6 cm long and 1 cm wide. The stem is slender, branched, and also sparsely hairy. The flowers are small, white to cream-colored, and are arranged in a raceme inflorescence. The petals are approximately 4-5 mm long and 1 mm wide, and the sepals are approximately 3-4 mm long and 1 mm wide. The fruit is a narrow silique, approximately 2-4 cm long, containing many small seeds. Habitat and Distribution Noccaea fendleri fendleri is adapted to rocky, gravelly soils, and is typically found in open, sunny areas such as talus slopes, rocky outcrops, and cliff faces. It is commonly found growing alongside other plants such as mosses, lichens, and other rock-loving plants. The species is found primarily in the southwestern United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. It is also found in adjacent regions of Mexico. Ecology The ecology of Noccaea fendleri fendleri is adapted to rocky, gravelly soils, and it is typically found in open, sunny areas such as talus slopes, rocky outcrops, and cliff faces. It is a plant species that is well adapted to stressful environments, such as nutrient-poor soils, drought, and exposure to high levels of solar radiation. Noccaea fendleri fendleri is also known to be associated with mycorrhizal fungi, which are important for nutrient uptake in plants. The plant may also provide habitat and food for insects, particularly bees, which visit the flowers to collect pollen and nectar. In addition, Noccaea fendleri fendleri may play a role in stabilizing soils and preventing erosion, particularly in rocky or steep areas where other vegetation may not be able to grow. Its adaptability to rocky soils and open, sunny habitats makes it a valuable species for ecological restoration projects in disturbed areas. Uses Noccaea fendleri fendleri is not typically used for ornamental purposes, but its adaptability to rocky soils and open, sunny habitats makes it a valuable species for ecological restoration projects in disturbed areas. Its ability to stabilize soils and prevent erosion makes it particularly useful in areas that have been impacted by mining, road building, or other human activities. In addition, Noccaea fendleri fendleri is occasionally used for scientific research on plant physiology and ecology. This species, along with other members of the Brassicaceae family, has been studied for its ability to accumulate heavy metals, making it a potential candidate for phytoremediation of contaminated soils. Overall, while Noccaea fendleri fendleri may not have direct economic or ornamental value, it plays an important role in ecological processes and has potential applications in ecological restoration and scientific research. Conservation status Noccaea fendleri fendleri is not considered to be a threatened species at the national or international level. However, it is rare in some parts of its range, and its populations may be impacted by habitat destruction or fragmentation. In the United States, Noccaea fendleri fendleri is listed as a species of "Special Concern" in Colorado, which indicates that the species is at risk due to factors such as rarity, declining population trends, and threats to its habitat. Conservation efforts for Noccaea fendleri fendleri may include habitat protection, restoration, and monitoring, as well as research on its ecology and distribution. In addition, efforts to control invasive plant species and reduce human disturbance in its habitat may help to support healthy populations of this species. Conclusion Noccaea fendleri fendleri is a small, herbaceous plant that is adapted to rocky, gravelly soils and open, sunny habitats. It is native to the southwestern United States and is primarily found in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. Although not considered to be a threatened species, its populations may be impacted by habitat destruction or fragmentation. Its adaptability to rocky soils and open habitats makes it a valuable species for ecological restoration projects.