Ipomoea gilana

Keith et al. (2017) describe Ipomoea gilana and present molecular study results and diagnostic characteristics. Ipomoea gilana resembles I. lindheimeri superficially, but molecular studies indicate closer relationships with I. orizabensis, of Mexico and Central America, which Ipomoea gilana is separated from by around 570 km (Keith et al 2017).

Known only from the Black Range of the Gila National Forest in southwestern New Mexico. There is one occurrence, with all plants occurring within 3.5 km. Threats include wildfire, increasing frequency and severity of drought, and forest management.

Endemic to the Black Range of the Gila National Forest, New Mexico (Keith et al. 2017).

Known from one occurrence, consisting of 3 sites within less than 2 miles of each other (D. Roth, pers. comm., 2018).

Threats that may affect the species are wildfire, climate change, and forest management. Considering the history of recent wildfires in the Gila National Forest, fire is a major threat (D. Roth, pers. comm., 2018). Climate change, with increasing frequency and severity of droughts, is also a threat which is estimated to impact this species. The area where this species is known, has undergone extreme drought in 2000-2003 and more recently, with pinyon die-offs (K. Kennedy, pers. comm., 2018). Known populations are immediately adjacent to a relatively little used forest road, albeit the main access road to that part of the forest; roads are often used as fire breaks or locations for forest thinning projects, which could impact the known sites significantly (D. Roth pers. comm., 2018).