Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.132501
Element CodePDCAR0X160
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicendemic to a single nation
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderCaryophyllales
FamilyCaryophyllaceae
GenusStellaria
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.
Conservation Status
Rank MethodLegacy Rank calculation - Excel v3.1x
Review Date2013-11-11
Change Date2013-06-12
Edition Date1996-09-23
Edition AuthorsMaybury, K., rev. S. Schuetze (2011-08-04)
Threat ImpactUnknown
Range Extent<100 square km (less than about 40 square miles)
Number of Occurrences1 - 5
Rank ReasonsA relatively newly described species, known only from the Chiricahua and Chuska mountains of southeastern and eastern Arizona, and a single peak in adjacent Pinos Altos Mountain range in southwestern New Mexico. Little is known about this shade loving, drought intolerant plant. Closely related to S. longipes and S. longifolia, and hard to distinguish from S. longigripes. Genetic studies including chromisomal numbers are needed, along with other studies to determine phenology, biology, habiat, trend and threats.
Range Extent CommentsCurrent population in Arizona from the Chiricahua Mountains in Cochise County, ranges over approximately 2.3 sq km. Historical populations from the Chuska Mountains and near Mount Baldy, Apache County. Also known from the Pinos Altos Range in New Mexico.
The two disjunct populations (Chiricahua Mtns, AZ and Pinos Altos Range, NM) are separated by about 160 km.
Occurrences CommentsTwo of the 4 occurrences in Arizona are considered Historical, including the Mount Baldy population (last observed 1973) and the Chuska Mountains (last observed 1967). There is 1 disjunct population from a single peak in New Mexico.
Threat Impact CommentsDrought reported as a threat. Effects of forest fires, livestock grazing and possible recreational impacts have not been studied. Major fire swept through Chiricahua Mountains in spring-summer 2011, along with a large fire that may have affected the historical locality on Mount Baldy.