Abstract
The distribution and population size of Hieracium stenolepiforme (Pugsley) P. D. Sell & C. West, Cheddar Hawkweed (Asteraceae) has been assessed. It is endemic to Cheddar Gorge and the adjacent Black Rock Nature Reserve, Somerset, England (vice-county 6, North Somerset). Historical records show that it has been recorded in Cheddar Gorge and at Black Rock but has declined. On 11 June 2000, 52 plants were counted in the main gorge and 5 plants at Black Rock; on 14 June 2016, 59 plants were recorded in Cheddar Gorge but none at Black Rock. Hieracium stenolepiforme is IUCN (2001) threat status ‘Critically Endangered’.
Highlights
West is a rare English endemic confined to Cheddar Gorge (v.c. 6 North Somerset)
The first population estimate was carried out by EJM and TCGR on 11 June 2000 when 52 plants were counted in the main gorge between Bone Hole and the covered reservoirs, and five plants at Black Rock (NMW; Rich & McDonnell, 2001)
In contrast to the observations of Ley (1906), the commonest hawkweed in Cheddar Gorge in 2016 was H. argillaceum (H. acuminatum sensu lato) with H. stenolepiforme scarce
Summary
Introduction Cheddar hawkweed Hieracium stenolepiforme (Pugsley) P.D. Sell & C. West is a rare English endemic confined to Cheddar Gorge (v.c. 6 North Somerset). There is already concern that the rare hawkweeds have declined in Cheddar Gorge (FitzGerald & McDonnell, 1997), and Rich et al (2008) noted a marked reduction in H. cyathis (Ley) W.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
