Amaranthus pumilus
Encyclopedia
Amaranthus pumilus, the seaside amaranth or seabeach amaranth, is a species
of amaranth
. This annual plant is now a threatened species, although it was formerly scattered along the eastern coast of the United States, its native range.
by habitat loss and recreational activities.
s. It flourishes at the base of dune
s above the high water mark. Although the seaside amaranth is found in the neighborhood of other beach plants, it is intolerant of all but American sea rocket (Cakile edentula). The plant is important in the sandy beach ecosystem, accumulating sand around itself to form dunes.
s, off-road vehicle
activity, and other forces. Along the North Carolina Coast the deposits of tanker oil left on the beach from the ships torpedoed during the 2 world wars is the main cause for the demise of the Sea Beach Amaranth.
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
of amaranth
Amaranth
Amaranthus, collectively known as amaranth, is a cosmopolitan genus of herbs. Approximately 60 species are recognized, with inflorescences and foliage ranging from purple and red to gold...
. This annual plant is now a threatened species, although it was formerly scattered along the eastern coast of the United States, its native range.
History
The seaside amaranth once ranged widely from South Carolina to Massachusetts. It was first identified in New Jersey, but disappeared in that state by 1913. It is now gone from two thirds of its original range. This plant has reappeared on some areas where is was formerly extirpatedLocal extinction
Local extinction, also known as extirpation, is the condition of a species which ceases to exist in the chosen geographic area of study, though it still exists elsewhere...
by habitat loss and recreational activities.
Description
The plant consists of many low and prostrate stems with fleshy leaves. Larger plants with hundreds of stems may cover an area of about a meter. Yellow flowers are obscure, but many seeds are produced in July. The lengthy viability of these seeds may account for the reappearance of Amaranthus pumilus in places where it had formerly vanished.Habitat
This plant is found on sandy beaches, especially on barrier islandBarrier island
Barrier islands, a coastal landform and a type of barrier system, are relatively narrow strips of sand that parallel the mainland coast. They usually occur in chains, consisting of anything from a few islands to more than a dozen...
s. It flourishes at the base of dune
Dune
In physical geography, a dune is a hill of sand built by wind. Dunes occur in different forms and sizes, formed by interaction with the wind. Most kinds of dunes are longer on the windward side where the sand is pushed up the dune and have a shorter "slip face" in the lee of the wind...
s above the high water mark. Although the seaside amaranth is found in the neighborhood of other beach plants, it is intolerant of all but American sea rocket (Cakile edentula). The plant is important in the sandy beach ecosystem, accumulating sand around itself to form dunes.
Conservation
The plant was listed as a threatened species of the United States in 1993. There are perhaps 50 populations remaining. Threats include disturbance of its beach habitat through development, construction of seawallSeawall
A seawall is a form of coastal defence constructed where the sea, and associated coastal processes, impact directly upon the landforms of the coast. The purpose of a seawall is to protect areas of human habitation, conservation and leisure activities from the action of tides and waves...
s, off-road vehicle
Off-road vehicle
An off-road vehicle is considered to be any type of vehicle which is capable of driving on and off paved or gravel surface. It is generally characterized by having large tires with deep, open treads, a flexible suspension, or even caterpillar tracks...
activity, and other forces. Along the North Carolina Coast the deposits of tanker oil left on the beach from the ships torpedoed during the 2 world wars is the main cause for the demise of the Sea Beach Amaranth.