In October 1996, with the help of Elon Flack of Metter, Georgia, GPCA collected seed from three populations. Over 200 seedlings are now being grown at the State Botanical Garden and Atlanta Botanical Garden. In order to determine which factors trigger germination and maturation in the wild, these seeds were subjected to a number of different treatments, including the use of giberellic acid (a growth hormone), cold stratification, and several combinations of smoke treatments. Results of the experiment will be analyzed and follow-up experiments will begin in winter 1998.

With the assistance of Dr. George Rogers from Statesboro, Georgia, seeds were also collected from several populations in fall of 1997 to test their viability and to allow for further experimentation in propagation techniques. These experiments include outdoor germination tests and the effects of smoke, light, and soil moisture on Elliottia seeds. GPCA will also plant-out several one gallon pot size plants from greenhouse collections and track their survival in the wild at TNC's R. G. Daniell Conservation Easement.

Dr. Mary Jo Godt and Dr. Jim Hamrick of the University of Georgia received a grant in 1997 from the Department of Natural Resources Non-game Wildlife small grants program to perform a genetic survey of several Georgia plume populations. This species is thought to be reproducing asexually through cloning and not sexually in the wild. The allozyme survey will provide a measure of clonal vs. sexual reproduction. Preliminary trails for this study were sponsored by a grant from The Nature Conservancy of Georgia in 1996.

We would like to thank Elon Flack, Jay Averett, Albie Smith, Hugh Nourse, Carol Nourse, John Bozeman, Martha Joiner, and George Rogers for their assistance with this project.

For an update on this research project, see GPCA News.

Ron Determann, Jennifer Ceska, Malcolm Hodges, Madelein Groves, and Jay Averett