Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.142593
Element CodePDLOA031N0
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicendemic to a single state or province
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderViolales
FamilyLoasaceae
GenusMentzelia
Other Common NamesSanta Fe blazingstar (EN) Santa Fe Blazingstar (EN) Springer's blazing star (EN)
Concept ReferenceKartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
Taxonomic CommentsIncluded within M. multiflora by Darlington (1934) despite its leaves, flowers, and capsules being smaller than the limits put forward for M. multiflora, and its having a bushier growth form and stem tips ending in single flowers (rather than clusters of 1-3 flowers) (Sivinski 1998). Darlington also assigned one very probable M. springeri specimen to M. multicaulis, which differs from M. springeri in its clustered, 5- petaled flowers, larger capsules, and geographic range (CO and UT) (Sivinski 1998). Included in M. pumila var. integra by Martin and Hutchins (1981), despite its having lighter-colored flowers and linear (rather than oblanceolate) leaves (Sivinski 1998). Recognized as distinct by Tidestrom and Kittell (1941), Sivinski (1998), Kartesz (1994 and 1999), and FNA (2016, vol. 12).
Conservation Status
Review Date2009-04-15
Change Date2009-04-15
Edition Date2009-04-15
Edition AuthorsGravuer, K.
Threat ImpactLow
Range Extent100-1000 square km (about 40-400 square miles)
Number of Occurrences1 - 80
Rank ReasonsEndemic to north-central New Mexico, where known from a small range on the slopes of the Jemez Mountains in Los Alamos, northeastern Sandoval, and northwestern Santa Fe counties. At least seven occurrences are known; more may eventually be documented since the species is poorly studied and much of the range is in remote areas. All currently known sites may comprise just a few metapopulations, given site proximity and likely pollinators. A few dozen to several hundred individuals are present at each of the known locations; at least 10,000 individuals may exist, but this number of plants has not yet been documented. There are no significant known threats.
Range Extent CommentsEndemic to north-central New Mexico, on the southern, southwestern, and eastern slopes of the Jemez Mountains in Los Alamos and northeastern Sandoval counties and in extreme northwestern Santa Fe County along White Rock Canyon near the Los Alamos County line (Sivinski 1998, 1999; R. Sivinski pers. comm. 2009). May also be present in similar habitat in southeastern Rio Arriba County (Santa Clara Indian Reservation), also on on the southwest slope of the Jemez Mountains (R. Sivinski pers. comm. 2009). Much of the range is found in and around Bandelier National Monument (Holmgren and Holmgren 2002). Using GIS tools, range extent was calculated to be approximately 350 square km.
Occurrences CommentsSix occurrences are mapped in the Natural Heritage New Mexico database. At least eight additional herbarium specimens have been collected since the most recent observation date in that database, so there may be one to a few more documented sites; there is almost certainly at least one more documented site, since several of the recent collections are from Los Alamos County, unlike any of the mapped occurrences. Bob Sivinski, who has made many observations of this species in the field, estimates that he has seen it in approximately 10 places, although many of these places are within a mile of other known locations (and so might be mapped as the same occurrence) (R. Sivinski pers. comm. 2009). All of these known (documented and observed) sites may comprise just a few metapopulations that are sufficiently isolated to have very infrequent gene exchange, as pollinators may frequently carry pollen among some of the known sites (R. Sivinski pers. comm. 2009). Nevertheless, it is probable that as-yet undocumented occurrences exist, as this species has not been adequately studied, and much of the range occurs in remote areas (such as the Bandelier National Monument Wilderness Area).
Threat Impact CommentsThere are no significant known threats to this species (R. Sivinski pers. comm. 2009). Much of the range occurs in remote areas, including the Bandelier National Monument Wilderness Area. In addition, it favorably responds to soil disturbance within its habitats and readily colonizes road cuts and pumice quarries (Sivinski 1999, R. Sivinski pers. comm. 2009).