Ascension : Conservation Weekly
Submitted by The Islander (Conservation Office) 22.09.2011 (Article Archived on 06.10.2011)

The Anogramma ascensionis is from the Pteridaceae family and was thought to be extinct according to the Ashmoles.

Ascension Island Conservation Department

Anogramma

The Anogramma ascensionis is from the Pteridaceae family and was thought to be extinct according to the Ashmoles.

The Anogramma is sometimes placed in a separate family, Hemionitidaceae. This endemic species is very distinct from other members of its genus and may now be extinct. It grows in tufts and is small and slender, with delicate, fan-shaped or lob-shaped pinnae and sori in a double row on the undersides. It is an annual species, depending on moist conditions but with drought-resistant spores. This fern originally grew on wet rocks and banks on the weather side of Green Mountain, from middle to high levels. It was last seen in 1958, and searches in 1976 and 1998 both failed to locate it; however, both these years were dry.

However in 2009 the Anogramma was rediscovered on a routine plant survey where three members of the Conservation Team departed from the regular path and by chance it was spotted poking out from an almost bare rock face. A detailed search soon revealed 4 minute plants, clinging to a precarious existence despite harsh, dry conditions at the time.

Upon rediscovering the fern, the survival of the plants seemed chancy, but the relocation was not practical due to the difficulties of the site. Using safety rope twice a week the plants were visited and nursed through to maturity. Water was taken to the plants every week during the long, hot dry period to ensure their survival through to spore producing stage. Two of the original four survived long enough to produce spores.

The best chance of securing their future was to get the spores into a sterile laboratory conditions so they were transported to Kew. The spores were reared and flourished well in cultivation.

Last week we visited the same site where we saw two new Anogramma plants surviving and also another above Breakneck Valley, a good size plant and growing very well.

This is great news for the endemic plants of Ascension.

Litter and Fire

When out picnicking, barbecuing and enjoying yourselves, please keep Ascension green by placing your litter in the appropriated bins or take it home. Please do not litter.

Extinguish your cigarettes ends and BBQs safely; there is lots of dried grass about.

FIRES-think safely

Please be advised that due to on-going field work the Conservation Office will open from 7.30am -10am during week days. We open as normal on Saturdays, 10am-12noon. Volunteers welcome. Please contact Natasha Williams. Ascension Island Conservation Department. Georgetown. Tel: 6359.Email: natasha.williams@ascension.gov.ac