Ecology and reproductive biology of the endangered Pondberry, Lindera melissifolia (Walt) Blume

Lindera melissifolia [Walt] Blume (pondberry) is an endangered woody plant that grows in seasonally flooded wetlands and on the edges of sinks and pon ds in six states of the southern United Stares: Arkansas, Georgia, Mississi ppi, Missouri, North Carolina, and South Carolina. It is a stoloniferous, c lonal shrub up to 2 m in height and is dioecious, with small yellow flowers that bloom in spring. Information on its ecology and reproductive biology is sparse. The species has been affected by habitat destruction and alterat ion, especially timber cutting, clearing of land, and drainage or flooding of wetlands. Stem dieback was noted in populations in five states, but popu lation, monitored fur three years do not appear to be declining. Three fung al pathogens were isolated from stems. Flowers covered with mesh bags produ ced no fruit, and flowers that received supplemental pollination did not se t more fruit than open-pollinated flowers. Seed production was erratic in p opulations in Mississippi and Arkansas, and no seedlings were noted even af ter seed production was high. Individual ramets can be easily transplanted and multiply rapidly. Successful dispersal is very limited now due to restr ictive land use in areas surrounding pondberry populations and to changes i n hydrology. Introduction of plants to new areas may be necessary if the sp ecies is to recover.