Genetic diversity and population structure of a rare flowering tree endemic to Appalachia, Stewartia ovata.

ABSTRACT: Stewartia ovata (cav.) Weatherby, commonly known as mountain stewartia, is an understory tree native to the southeastern United States (U.S.). This relatively rare species occurs in isolated populations in Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. As a species, S. ovata has largely been overlooked, and limited information is available regarding its ecology, which presents obstacles to conservation efforts. Stewartia ovata has vibrant, large white flowers that bloom in summer with a variety of filament colors, suggesting potential horticultural traits prized by ornamental industry. However, S. ovata is relatively slow growing and, due to long seed dormancy, propagation is challenging with limited success rat

SUBMITTER: Yadav LK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11199121 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature