1. discovery and description of Juncus digitatus www.vernalpools.org Carol W. Witham, VernalPools.Org

2. www.vernalpools.org PG&E Gas Pipeline Expansion Project 1991-1993 Surveys vernal pool sites wetland crossings rare plants/animals many biologists CASH COW !!!

3. www.vernalpools.org first collected in 1991 by Dean Wm. Taylor… along a tributary to Shingle Creek plants were immature mixed collection with Juncus triformis

4. www.vernalpools.org then in 1992… then in 1992…

5. www.vernalpools.org on May 20, I sent a fax to several people…

6. www.vernalpools.org then in 1993… then in 1993…

7. www.vernalpools.org between 1992 and 2006… between 1992 and 2006…

8. www.vernalpools.org also between 1992 and 2006… also between 1992 and 2006…

9. www.vernalpools.org also between 1992 and 2006… also between 1992 and 2006…

10. www.vernalpools.org also between 1992 and 2006… also between 1992 and 2006…

11. www.vernalpools.org enter Peter Zika about Juncus… enter Peter Zika about Juncus…

12. www.vernalpools.org Juncus digitatus (finger rush)… Juncus digitatus (finger rush)…

13. www.vernalpools.org Juncus digitatus (finger rush)… Juncus digitatus (finger rush)… Discovery goes to press measure, measure & measure select material for illustration mature material features that are important respect your illustrator rely on reviewers for good info

14. www.vernalpools.org Juncus digitatus (finger rush) current status… Described in 2008 by Witham and Zika (JBrit 2(2):775-781) Section Caespitosi comprised of 17 delicate annuals 12 indigenous to California with 5 endemic One of the smaller Juncus, but has the longest capsules California Rare Plant Rank (CNPS List) 1B.1 Only 2 known populations Private property Significant habitat modification threats

15. www.vernalpools.org a take home message for all botanists… Plants previous thought to be extinct are being rediscovered Arctostaphylos franciscana About ten species of new plants are discovered in California every year A number that has stayed steady since the 1850s Most discoveries are made just off the beaten path California’s native plants need you!