XVI International Botanical Congess

Propagation of rare plants provides a means for producing transplants to replace extirpated populations or create new populations. Selection of appropriate genotypes for created populations contributes to reintroduction success. Observations of Plagiobothrys hirtus suggested that natural populations of this species differ in phenology and morphology. Greenhouse studies of plants grown from wild-collected seed demonstrate significant among-population differences of life history and morphological traits. These results suggest that populations of this species may be locally adapted, supporting the concept that reintroduction efforts should employ transplants grown from local stock whenever possible.