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Mirabilis macfarlanei

Constance & Rollins

Macfarlane's Four-o'clock

G1Critically Imperiled Found in 15 roadless areas NatureServe Explorer →
G1Critically ImperiledGlobal Rank
Very highThreat Impact
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.148885
Element CodePDNYC0A0U0
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicendemic to a single nation
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderCaryophyllales
FamilyNyctaginaceae
GenusMirabilis
Concept Reference
Kartesz, 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.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2021-10-05
Change Date2020-02-29
Edition Date2021-10-05
Edition AuthorsRoth, E., rev. E. Joyal, rev. A. Treher (2012, 2020, 2021)
Threat ImpactVery high
Range Extent250-1000 square km (about 100-400 square miles)
Number of Occurrences6 - 20
Rank Reasons
Mirabilis macfarlanei is a perennial herb that is a narrow endemic of canyon slopes above the Snake, Salmon, and Imnaha Rivers in western Idaho and extreme northeastern Oregon in the western United States. Thirteen occurrences are currently known, and these vary in population size from a few to over 1000 plants. Threats at the majority of occurrences are actively managed but any lapse, especially in the control of invasive species, would be detrimental for the species. Canyon grassland communities at most sites have been degraded by past management, land use, and invasive species. The primary threat to this species is the invasion of exotic plants with the subsequent increase in wildfires. Minor threats include human trampling, off-road vehicle use, construction, pest damage, maintenance of roads and trails, and roadside herbicidal treatments. With management, this species population is considered stable.
Range Extent Comments
Mirabilis macfarlanei is a narrow endemic of the northwestern United States where it occurs in portions of the Snake, Salmon, and Imnaha river canyons in Wallowa County in northeastern Oregon, and adjacent Idaho County in Idaho. The species global range is approximately 28.5 miles (46 km) by 17.5 miles (28.5 km).
Occurrences Comments
There are 13 documented occurrences for Mirabilis macfarlanei: 4 in Oregon and 9 in Idaho (USFWS 2009b, 2015).
Threat Impact Comments
The primary threat to this species is invasive species, like Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), which are present at all occurrences. In addition to a myriad of negative impacts to the species from displacement to competition for pollinators, they can alter many aspects of the ecosystem including fire regimes. Historical livestock grazing degraded the habitat and led to the the invasion of exotic plants (USFWS 2009b). This threat is highly dependent on human intervention to manage, and in the absence of management, invasive species can quickly displace the Mirabilis (L. Kinter, pers. comm., 2021, L. Wise, pers. comm., 2021).

Most populations of Mirabilis macfarlanei face few serious direct threats but they may include human trampling, off-road vehicle use, construction, pest damage, maintenance of roads and trails, and roadside herbicidal treatments. Spittlebug nymphs (Aphrophora spp. and Philaenus spp.) can cause shoot death and floral abortion, lepidopteran larvae of families Arctiidae, Heliodinidae, and Sphingidae are known to feed on the leaves, and heliodinid moth (Lithariapteryx sp.) larvae mine leaves and are apparently host specific to M. macfarlanei (Baker 1985). These pests are damaging at times but not a serious threat.

Historically, fires were disrupted but with the more continuous coverage of vegetation across the landscape by invasive grasses fires may increase in frequency. Plants of Mirabilis macfarlanei are susceptible to injury and top kill by fire. Wildfires that occur when plants are dormant would have minimal effects. Seed production and set post-fire is unknown.

Mirabilis macfarlanei has been grazed to some extent by domestic livestock since the 1870's. In addition, grazing by native and introduced species has been detected but the degree of the threat is unclear. Grazing may have a negative effect on plant height. Trampling and consuming plants can result in reduced seed production. Long term persistence of Mirabilis macfarlanei may be adversely affected by habitat conditions and ecological integrity. Grazing has been reduced or cut-off from occurrences on BLM and FS lands, as well as, on some private lands. H

Construction and maintenance of roads and trails, historically, have explained the loss of plants at some sites. This could be a threat in the future, in the case of landslides that block roads, requiring construction which is the reason for previous damage to a site.

Species in the genus are cultivated and Mirabilis macfarlanei is described as an attractive plant with showy flowers. Only one site is easily accessible to the public and the degree or existence of collection is unknown. There are signs of decline in the species at that location.
Ecology & Habitat

Description

Mirabilis macfarlanei is a perennial forb with a stout, deep-seated taproot, and freely branched, decumbent or ascending stems forming small to large clumps. Leaves are opposite, somewhat succulent, green above, and glaucescent below. The lower leaves are orbicular or ovate-deltoid in shape, becoming progressively smaller towards the tip of the stem. The inflorescence is comprised of a cluster of 4-7 flowers subtended by an involucre. The striking, 5-merous, bright magenta-colored flowers are up to 25 mm long and 25 mm wide. They are funnel-form shaped with a widely expanding limb and exerted stamens.

Diagnostic Characteristics

The clusters of showy, bright magenta flowers help readily identify this species. The often spreading stems, and nearly round and somewhat succulent opposite leaves are other good field characteristics.

Habitat

Mirabilis macfarlanei occurs on gentle to very steep, open river canyon slopes characterized by regionally warm and dry conditions.. Aspects vary, but are usually southeast to west. Soils are often sandy but can be rocky and underlain by talus; several sites are relatively unstable and prone to erosion. Precipitation occurs mostly as rain during the winter and spring. Sites are dry and open, or with scattered shrubs. The associated vegetation is usually in early to mid-seral condition, and the grasslands are typically grazing modified versions of Agropyron spicatum communities. Sporobolus cryptandrus, Aristida longiseta, and Poa secunda are other common native bunchgrass associates. Other commonly associated species include Bromus tectorum, Bromus mollis, Alyssum alyssoides, Hypericum perforatum, Phacelia heterophylla, Achillea millefolium, Oenothera ceaspitosa, Astragalus inflexus, Rhus glabra, Chrysothamnus nauseosus, and Celtis reticulata. In a habitat analysis study conducted at a site in Oregon, the vegetation associated with a population of M. macfarlanei appeared to be influenced by aspect, soil development and topographic position, at least on a local scale (Kaye 1992). Nearby sites without M. macfarlanei had a higher number of weedy annual species, and more gentle slopes with deeper, more stable soils.

Ecology

Mirabilis macfarlanei is a taprooted perennial that reproduces by seed, but also colonizes via long spreading rhizomes. Individual plants tend to produce a few to several hundred stems in clusters ranging up to about nine square meters in size (Callihan 1988). The species has been able to persist in areas historically grazed by livestock since the 1870's, and presently in poor ecological condition. Preliminary data suggests grazing may have a negative effect on plant height, but additional research is needed (Kaye 1995). The most serious consequences of livestock grazing are likely indirect, most notably habitat degradation. At one site in Idaho, the number of M. macfarlanei plants appears to be stable several years after a range fire. An increase in Bromus tectorum, however, suggests that habitat degradation is an ongoing problem. The underground stems of M. macfarlanei would survive most natural fires, especially since they would likely occur later in the summer, when the plant is dormant. Genetic studies (Barnes 1995, Wolf et al. 1994) have shown that measures of genetic diversity in M. macfarlanei were lower than for plants with a similar life history. The greatest level of gene flow occurred between populations that were 0.5 km apart. Levels of gene flow decreased as distances between populations increased.

Reproduction

Mirabilis macfarlanei reproduces by seed, as demonstrated by the presence of seedlings with cotyledons and the documented survival of some of these seedlings in population monitoring studies (Kaye 1992). Vegetative reproduction by off-shoots beneath the soil surface also occurs. M. macfarlanei is primarily an outcrosser, but is able to produce a small proportion of one-seeded fruits through autogamy (self-pollination). Inflorescences bagged to exclude pollinators produced fewer fruits than open-pollinated inflorescences. Seed dispersal has not been studied, but apparently seeds fall to the ground and are transported by gravity and rain (Kaye 1992). Seed viability is low.
Terrestrial Habitats
Grassland/herbaceous
Other Nations (1)
United StatesN1
ProvinceRankNative
OregonS1Yes
IdahoS1Yes
Threat Assessments
ThreatScopeSeverityTiming
2 - Agriculture & aquacultureSmall (1-10%)Moderate or 11-30% pop. declineHigh - low
2.3 - Livestock farming & ranchingSmall (1-10%)Moderate or 11-30% pop. declineHigh - low
4 - Transportation & service corridorsRestricted (11-30%)Slight or 1-10% pop. declineModerate - low
4.1 - Roads & railroadsRestricted (11-30%)Slight or 1-10% pop. declineModerate - low
5 - Biological resource useUnknownUnknownUnknown
5.2 - Gathering terrestrial plantsUnknownUnknownUnknown
6 - Human intrusions & disturbanceLarge - smallSlight or 1-10% pop. declineUnknown
6.1 - Recreational activitiesLarge - smallSlight or 1-10% pop. declineUnknown
7 - Natural system modificationsPervasive - largeModerate or 11-30% pop. declineHigh (continuing)
7.1 - Fire & fire suppressionPervasive - largeModerate or 11-30% pop. declineHigh (continuing)
8 - Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseasesPervasive (71-100%)Extreme or 71-100% pop. declineHigh (continuing)
8.1 - Invasive non-native/alien species/diseasesPervasive (71-100%)Extreme or 71-100% pop. declineHigh (continuing)
8.2 - Problematic native species/diseasesLarge (31-70%)Moderate - slightHigh (continuing)
9 - PollutionRestricted (11-30%)UnknownHigh (continuing)
9.3 - Agricultural & forestry effluentsRestricted (11-30%)UnknownHigh (continuing)
9.3.3 - Herbicides and pesticidesRestricted (11-30%)UnknownHigh (continuing)

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Plant Characteristics
DurationPERENNIAL, Long-lived
Economic Value (Genus)No
Roadless Areas (15)
Oregon (15)
AreaForestAcres
BuckhornWallowa-Whitman National Forest17,180
BuckhornWallowa-Whitman National Forest17,180
Cook RidgeWallowa-Whitman National Forest19,617
Cook RidgeWallowa-Whitman National Forest19,617
DeadhorseWallowa-Whitman National Forest10,690
DeadhorseWallowa-Whitman National Forest10,690
Imnaha FaceWallowa-Whitman National Forest29,575
Imnaha FaceWallowa-Whitman National Forest29,575
Lord Flat Somers PointWallowa-Whitman National Forest67,738
Lord Flat Somers PointWallowa-Whitman National Forest67,738
Mountain SheepWallowa-Whitman National Forest19,457
Sheep DivideWallowa-Whitman National Forest16,201
Sheep DivideWallowa-Whitman National Forest16,201
Snake RiverWallowa-Whitman National Forest31,229
Snake RiverWallowa-Whitman National Forest31,229
References (33)
  1. Baker, C. 1985. Insects associated with <i>Mirabilis macfarlanei</i> (Nyctaginaceae) with emphasis on the life cycle of <i>Lithariepteryx </i>n. sp. (Lepidoptera: Heliodinae). Proceedings of the Washington State Entomological Society April/September 1985. 47: 756. Abstract.
  2. Barnes, J.L., P.G. Wolf, and V.J. Tepedino. 1995. Genetic diversity, gene flow and clonal structure of the Salmon River populations of Macfarlane's four o'clock. Cooperative Challenge Cost-share Project, Utah State University and Upper Columbia - Salmon Clearwater Districts BLM, Cottonwood Resource Area.
  3. Barnes, J. L., V. Tepedino, and P. Wolf. 1993. Population genetics, breeding systems, and pollinators of MacFarlane's Four O'Clock. Proposal summary submitted to Dennis Mackey for USFWS permit. Utah State University, Logan, UT.
  4. Brooks, P.J., K. Urban, E. Yates, and C.G. Johnson Jr. 1991. Sensitive plants of the Malheur, Ochoco, Umatilla, and the Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region.
  5. Callihan, R. H. 1988. Research and development proposal to the W. Alton Jones Foundation for repopulating MacFarlane's Four-o'clock. University of Idaho, Department of Plant, Soil, and Entomological Sciences.
  6. Constance, L., and R. Rollins. 1936. New or otherwise noteworthy northwestern plants - II: two new species from the Grand Canyon of the Snake River. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 49: 147-150.
  7. Flora of North America Editorial Committee (FNA). 2003b. Flora of North America north of Mexico. Vol. 4, Magnoliophyta: Caryophyllidae, part 1. Oxford University Press, New York. xxiv + 559 pp.
  8. Heidel, B. 1979. Endangered and threatened plants in the Northern Idaho BLM District. Unpublished report. 100 pp.
  9. Hitchcock, C.L., A. Cronquist, M. Ownbey, and J.W. Thompson. 1964. Vascular plants of the Pacific Northwest. Part 2: Salicaceae to Saxifragaceae, by C.L. Hitchcock and A. Cronquist. Univ. Washington Press, Seattle. 597 pp.
  10. Johnson, C. 1988. Proposed experimental Macfarlane's Four-O'Clock (<i>Mirabilis macfarlanei</i>) planting. Unpublished study plan. 3 pp.
  11. Johnson, C.A. 1983. Helicopter survey of the lower Salmon River Canyon for Macfarlane's four o'clock (<i>Mirabilis macfarlanei</i>). Prepared for U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Coeur d' Alene District, Cottonwood, ID. not paged.
  12. Johnson, C.A. [n.d.]. An endangered plant's (<i>Mirabilis macfarlanei</i>) response to cattle grazing and protection from grazing, and other ecological effects. Unpublished report on file at Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Conservation Data Center, Boise, Idaho.
  13. Kartesz, 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.
  14. Kaye, T.N. 1992. Status report update for MIRABILIS MACFARLANEI. Oregon Dept. of Agricuture (for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 40 pp + Appendices.
  15. Kaye, T. N. 1995. Evaluation of population monitoring for <i>Mirabilis macfarlanei</i>, 1990-1995. Cooperative Challenge Cost Share Project between Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and Oregon Department of Agriculture, Plant Conservation Biology Program. 11 pp.
  16. Kinter, Lynn. Personal Communication. Botany Program Leader. Idaho Natural Heritage Program. Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Boise, ID
  17. Mancuso, M., and R. K. Moseley. 1991. Summary of 1991 surveys for threatened, endangered and sensitive plants in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. 13 pp. plus appendices.
  18. Meinke, R.J. 1982. Threatened and Endangered Vascular Plants of Oregon: An Illustrated Guide. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1, Portland, Oregon. 326 pp.
  19. Moseley, R. K. 1993a. Inventory for Macfarlane's Four-o-clock (<i>Mirabilis macfarlanei</i>) in the Lower Salmon River Area of Critical Environmental Concern, Coeur d'Alene District, BLM. Cooperative Challenge Cost Share Project, Coeur d'Alene District BLM and Idaho Conservation Data Center, Idaho Department of Fish and Game. 2 pp. plus maps.
  20. Moseley, R. K., and S. Bernatas. 1991. A floristic and vegetation survey of Lucile Caves Area of Critical Environmental Concern, Coeur d'Alene District, BLM. Technical Bulletin 91-3. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Idaho State Office, Boise Idaho. 31 pp. plus appendices.
  21. Oakley, G. 1988. The <i>Mirabilis </i>and the moth. Boise State University Focus XIII(4): 28-29.
  22. Parenti, R. 1993. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; Proposed reclassification of Mirabilis macfarlanei (MacFarlane's four-o'clock) from endangered to threatened status. Federal Register 58(164): 45085-45091.
  23. Pilz, G. E. 1978. Systematics of <i>Mirabilis </i>subgenus <i>Quamoclidion </i>(Nyctaginaceae). Madrono 25(3): 113-132.
  24. Siddal, J.L. 1978. Status report for <i>Mirabilis macfarlanei</i>.
  25. Steele, B., F. Johnson, and S. Brunsfeld, eds. 1981. Vascular plant species of concern in Idaho. Forest, Wildlife and Range Experiment Station, Moscow, ID. 161 pp.
  26. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1985. Recovery plan for the Macfarlane's Four-o'clock, <i>Mirabilis macfarlanei</i>. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon. 47 pp.
  27. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 1999. Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; availability of draft revised recovery plan for MacFarlane's four o'clock (<i>Mirabilis macfarlanei</i>) for review and comment. Federal Register 64(64):16478-16479.
  28. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2000. Revised Recovery Plan for Macfarlane's Four-O’Clock (<i>Mirabilis macfarlanei</i>). U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 1, Portland, Oregon.
  29. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2009b. MacFarlane's Four-o'clock (<i>Mirabilis macfarlanei</i>) 5-Year review Summary and Evaluation. USFWS, Idaho Fish and Wildlife Office, Boise, Idaho. 26 pp.
  30. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2015. Five Year Review, Short Form Summary: MacFarlane's Four-o'clock (<i>Mirabilis macfarlanei</i>). USFWS, Idaho Fish and Wildlife Office, Boise, Idaho. 10 pp.
  31. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Endangered Species Program. 1979. Service lists 32 plants. Endangered Species Technical Bulletin 4(11): 1-8.
  32. Wise, Lindsey. Personal Communication. Biodiversity Data Manager, Oregon Biodiversity Information Center, Portland, Oregon.
  33. Wolf. P.G., J. Barnes, and V.J. Tepedino. 1994. Population genetics of the Salmon River populations of MacFarlane's Four O'clock, <i>Mirabilis macfarlanei. </i>Proposal for research submitted to Challenge Cost Share Program, USDI Bureau of Land Management, Coeur d'Alene District. Utah State University, Logan. 8 pp.