Phylogeography of Listed Chorizanthe in the Monterey Bay Region: Implications for Recovery

Brinegar, Chris

Brief Description: A phylogeographic analysis of endangered species in the Chorizanthe genus found in the Monterey Bay region and Point Reyes National Seashore. Full Description: This report was done to summarize a study that was completed to determine whether the robust spineflower and the Monterey spineflower were hybridizing in locations where both plant species were present. This issue of hybridization arose from observations of unusual phenotypes in an area of Sunset State Beach where the two different habitats each species thrives in are essentially contiguous. Another question brought up by the study was: can genetic analysis confirm the recent discovery of two populations of robust spineflower and Point Reyes National Seashore. The results of this study will help point out areas where modifications are necessary in the recovery plan for the robust spineflower. The study then developed into a phylogeographic analysis of the entire C. robusta/C. pungens complex (robust and Monterey spineflower). It was hoped that a phylogeographic study could help explain the”gray” areas of the taxonomy of these closely related taxa.