Abstract
The literature covering the biology, ecology, horticulture, and conservation of the critically endangered tree Serianthes nelsonii Merr. was reviewed. The roots, stems, and leaves of this charismatic legume tree revealed highly plastic traits and responded positively to horticultural manipulations to improve the quality of container-grown transplants. Pre-sowing seed treatments of seed coat scarification and 1 h of imbibition generated 85% to 90% germination at a temperature optimum of 26 °C. Adventitious root formation on air layers and successful unions on approach grafts were 100%. Seedling and sapling growth was maximum under 25% to 50% sunlight transmission, limited irrigation to ensure adequate root zone aeration, repetitive stem tip pruning to increase root:shoot quotient, and thigmic stress to retain an orthotropic orientation of stems. In situ regeneration on Guam was substantial but recruitment from seedling to sapling was nil. High quality leaf litter chemistry enabled rapid decomposition, and soils beneath the tree exhibited unique chemical traits that increased ecosystem health by creating spatial heterogeneity. The greatest unanswered questions focus on plant mortality. Research is needed to determine the reasons for the mortality of in situ seedlings, mortality within transplantation projects on Guam, and the mortality of 60% of the mature in situ tree population during the 26-year implementation of the national recovery plan. Horticultural researchers are ideally positioned to answer these urgent questions.
Highlights
The endemic Serianthes nelsonii tree was described in 1919 [1] when the global population spanning the adjacent Mariana Islands of Rota and Guam was already limited in size
This attractive legume tree was added to the United States Endangered Species Act (ESA)
1994 national recovery plan was based on the global population of the 122 trees constricted to Guam and Rota that was described here
Summary
The endemic Serianthes nelsonii tree was described in 1919 [1] when the global population spanning the adjacent Mariana Islands of Rota and Guam was already limited in size This attractive legume tree was added to the United States Endangered Species Act (ESA). CHamoru peoples to have an adequate voice concerning the ecocide of the natural systems that define their heritage and culture [9,10] These unique facets of conserving this endangered charismatic tree indicate the stakeholders deserve for military decision-makers to conduct all conservation efforts with transparency and the best available knowledge. We used the literature and the reported progress on the species recovery efforts to list recommendations that may improve impending species recovery efforts These recommendations may have application to other case studies of endangered tree species comprised of extremely small global populations that have not been conserved successfully despite long-standing formal conservation programs
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