Distribution and growth status of the threatened plant species Limonium sinense (Girard) O. Kuntze

Abstract

Limonium sinense (Girard) O. Kuntze is a threatened plant species that grows only on Nakanokamishima Island in the Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa, Japan. To obtain information that will contribute to its conservation, we investigated the detailed distribution of the species on the island and its growth status, including the flowering period, based on photographic records for 5 years from 2017 to 2021. Limonium sinense formed several clumps on the northeastern coast and was also distributed on the southern coast and central portion of the island. Plants grew at a relatively high density on gravel deposits near the coast, and were sparse on bare rock, such as ledges, and on steep slopes with soil. The L. sinense inflorescences developed beginning in February. Although the flowering period of L. sinense lasted up to 5 months from March to July, flowering peaked in April.