Cayman Islands National Biodiversity Action Plan 2009 3.S.1.

5 Coastal Species - Plants Tea Banker

Rev: 19 March 20112

MAT COTTAM

Tea Banker / Mint Pectis caymanensis (Urb.) Rydb. var. robusta Proctor var. caymanensis Proctor Taxonomy and Range Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Magnoliophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Asterales, Family: Asteraceae Genus: Pectis, Species: Caymanensis, Variety: caymanensis A tropical / temperate American genus of about 70 species (Proctor 2009). Two species of Pectis are present in the Cayman Islands: Pectis linifolia (neotropical distribution) and Tea Banker Pectis caymanensis. The latter is represented by two distinct subspecies, P.c. caymanensis, found on all three Cayman Islands and also in Cuba, and P.c. robusta, which is endemic to Grand Cayman. This action plan will address the conservation management of both subspecies of Pectis caymanensis. Status Distribution: Pectis caymanensis robusta species endemic to Grand Cayman. Pectis caymanensis caymanensis single neighbour endemic. Conservation: Both subspecies are Critically endangered CR A2acd; B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v) +2b (i,ii,iii,iv,v), (The Red List, Burton 2008a).
For Reference and Acknowledgement: Cottam, M., Olynik, J., Blumenthal, J., Godbeer, K.D., Gibb, J., Bothwell, J., Burton, F.J., Bradley, P.E., Band, A., Austin, T., Bush, P., Johnson, B.J., Hurlston, L., Bishop, L., McCoy, C., Parsons, G., Kirkconnell, J., Halford, S. and Ebanks-Petrie, G. (2009). Cayman Islands National Biodiversity Action Plan 2009. Cayman Islands Government. Department of Environment. Final Formatting and production by John Binns, International Reptile Conservation Foundation.

Section: 3.S.1.5 Coastal Species - Plants - Tea Banker

Page: 1

Legal: Tea Banker Pectis caymanensis has no legal protection in the Cayman Islands. Pending legislation, Pectis caymanensis robusta would be protected under the National Conservation Law (Schedule I). The Department of Environment would be the lead body for legal protection. Natural History Tea Banker Pectis caymanensis is a mat-forming perennial herb, producing a yellow, daisy-like flower with five petals. The variety robusta is generally larger in form than the variety caymanensis. Tea Banker is of cultural significance in the Cayman Islands, being traditionally used in the preparation of an aromatic tea. Tea Banker is associated with coastal areas, sand and gravel. Loss of natural coastal habitat has resulted in fragmented populations, remnant in man-modified areas, most notably beachside cemeteries. Associated Habitats and Species for Tea Banker ASSOCIATED HABITAT PLANS 2.S.2 Sandy Beach and Cobble 2.S.4 Invasive Coastal Plants 2.S.5 Coastal Shrubland 2.T.7 Urban and Man-modified Areas Current Factors Affecting Tea Banker Restricted habitat: surviving specimens appear confined to fragmented remnant populations in beach ridge areas. Habitat loss: clearance of coastal forest for development has contributed to a reduction in habitat of this otherwise common species. Invasive species: potential for reestablishment of native flora is limited by aggressive exotic colonisers in coastal areas, particularly Weeping willow Casuarina equisetifolia, Colubrina asiatica, Wild Tamarind Leucaena leucocephala and Beach Naupaka Scaevola sericea. Storm: beach ridge vegetation is naturally susceptible to impact from high seas. Potentially catastrophic impact of storms on remnant populations is exacerbated by the fragmentation. Collection: though of reduced popularity, Tea Banker is still used to make tea. A resurgence of public interest in traditional uses of native plants may have a detrimental impact on existing populations if alternative sources are not provided. Grounds maintenance: remnant populations in man-modified areas are subject to control as part of general grounds maintenance (e.g. in beachside cemeteries). Landscaping potential: fragrant green foliage and attractive yellow flowers, coupled with extreme tolerance of salty and sandy conditions make Tea Banker suitable for landscaping. Ad hoc trials, however, have shown Tea Banker may be difficult to propagate under artificial conditions. Opportunities and Current Local Action for Tea Banker Ad hoc attempts to propagate Tea Banker have generally met with little success. SPECIES ACTION PLAN for Tea Banker OBJECTIVES 1. Reverse population decline of Pectis caymanensis and raise Red List status by at least one category, from critically endangered. 2. Preserve in situ populations of Pectis caymanensis. 3. Develop inter-situ cultivation and conservation programme for Pectis caymanensis. TARGET 2015 2015 2012 ASSOCIATED SPECIES PLANS Broadleaf Cordia sebestena caymanensis Cocoplum Chrysobalanus icaco Cayman sage Salvia caymanensis Inkberry Scaevola plumieri

Section: 3.S.1.5 Coastal Species - Plants - Tea Banker

Page: 2

Tea Banker PROPOSED ACTION Policy & Legislation PL1. Pass and implement the National Conservation Law. PL2. Implement the Endangered Species (Trade & Transport) Law. PL3. Protect Pectis caymanensis under Schedule I of the National Conservation Law, through establishment of conservation regulations. PL4. Reduce the threat of a catastrophic loss of the remaining populations, through involvement with the Millennium Seedbank Project. PL4. REPORT: COMPLETED (2009) MSB collection viability confirmed. PL5. Promote amendment of the Planning Law, to facilitate rapid imposition of stop-orders on illegal developments and provide a responsive and effective enforcement mechanism. PL6. Develop and implement importation ban on Scaevola sericea. PL7. Enforce provisions under the National Conservation Law to support Planning Legislation and reduce incidents of illegal sand mining. PL8. Strengthen the Development Plan on Grand Cayman, incorporating a long-term vision for the environmental, social, and economic development of the Islands. SM1. Collect seeds under Millennium Seedbank Project protocol and bank at Kew, with replicate collection for local conservation propagation. SM1. REPORT: (2009) MSB collection viability confirmed. SM2. Establish a local conservation propagation programme and introduce Pectis caymanensis to private gardens and landscaping schemes through the Native Tree Nursery. SM3. Work with cemeteries maintenance staff to encourage sympathetic grounds management, and encourage further population establishment. SM4. Active planting in conjunction with eradication of invasive flora from key areas, commencing with protected areas e.g. Barkers. SM5. Implement associated HAPs. Advisory A1. Train cemetery maintenance staff in the identification of Pectis caymanensis and encourage sympathetic management. A1. REPORT: First Tea Banker meeting with PCRU staff, 2008. A2. Promote use of native plants in landscaping, through maintenance of existing vegetation and use of Recommended Planting Palette in new developments. A3. Recommend importation / propagation / landscaping ban on invasive flora, including Scaevola sericea. A4. Targeted awareness of the need for the National Conservation Law and the Endangered Species (Trade & Transport) Law. A4. REPORT: Extensive public outreach Mar-Sept 2010. Research & Monitoring RM1. Survey and map remaining populations of Pectis caymanensis.

LEAD

PARTNERS

TARGET

MEETS OBJECTIVE 1,2,3 1,2 1,2,3 3

CIG DoE DoE DoE RBGK

DoE CIG CIG QEIIBP

2006 2006 2006 2010

PL4.REPORT: Collection of 10,000 seeds submitted to MSB, 2008. Confirmation of viability required.

DoP DoE DoA DoE DoP DoP CPA

DoE CIG QEIIBP CIG LCN CIG CIG MP DoE

2010 2010 2008 ongoing

1,2 1,2,3 1,2 1,2

Safeguards & Management DoE RBGK QEIIBP 2012 3

SM1.REPORT: Collection of 10,000 seeds submitted to MSB, 2008. Confirmation of viability required.

QEIIBP DoE DoRPC DoE DoE

RBGK DoE DoA PCRU

2008 2012 2014 2015

1,3 1,2 1,2 1,2,3

DoE

PCRU

2008

1,2

DoP DoE DoA DoE

DoE LCN CIG NT

2009 2009 2006

1,2,3 1,2 1,2,3

DoE Page: 3

2009

1,2

Section: 3.S.1.5 Coastal Species - Plants - Tea Banker

Tea Banker PROPOSED ACTION RM2. Collect seed under Millennium Seedbank Project protocol, including voucher specimens and in situ habit images, and transpose into searchable electronic format, linked to Field Collections Database. RM2. REPORT: COMPLETED (2009) MSB collection viability confirmed. RM3. Improve current knowledge of differentiation between var. robusta and var. caymanensis amongst conservation workers. RM3.REPORT: Cayman Nature produces Pectis info sheet, 2007. RM4. Undertake literature survey of the genus Pectis towards elucidating likely mechanisms of seed dispersal and germination, followed by full investigation of pollination, seed set, seed dispersal and germination to determine the natural ecology of the species, and better inform conservation propagation practice. RM5. Assess potential for survival of Pectis caymanensis in non-coastal / manmodified areas. RM6. Reassess IUCN Red List status of Pectis caymanensis locally. RM7. Test alternative propagation media and water / fertilization protocols to develop and refine successful nursery propagation procedures. CP1. Maintain links with cemeteries management, towards maintaining current populations. CP2. Once the conservation programme and regulations are in place, interpret Pectis caymanensis in cemeteries, to raise public awareness of this unique plant. CP3. Raise public awareness of the unique nature of Pectis caymanensis and other endemic flora and fauna. CP3. REPORT: Pectis caymanensis featured in Red List of Flora (Burton 2008a). CP4. Raise awareness of the value of native landscaping, and promote the use of Pectis caymanensis. CP5. Utilise native flora and fauna, and associated preservation efforts, in the international promotion of the Cayman Islands. CP6. Raise public awareness of invasive species, and promote the Natural Heritage of the Cayman Islands.

LEAD

PARTNERS

TARGET

MEETS OBJECTIVE

RM1.REPORT: Populations located in cemeteries in Bodden Town and Old Man Bay (and adjacent land). DoE RBGK QEIIBP 2010 3

RM2.REPORT: Collection of 10,000 seeds submitted to MSB, 2008. Confirmation of viability required.

CN

DoE QEIIBP

2009

DoE QEIIBP

RBGK

2011

QEIIBP DoE QEIIBP

DoE

2012 2015

1,3 1 3

DoE RBGK

2011

Communication & Publicity DoRPC DoRPC DoE NT QEIIBP DoE DoP NT QEIIBP CIG DoE MP DoE MP CN GC OS SB LCN 2006 2010 2008 1,2 1,2 1,2,3

MP CN GC OS SB LCN DoE DoT NT MP QEIIBP DoT CIG NT MP QEIIBP

2010

1,3

2010

1,2,3

DoE

ongoing

1,2,3

Section: 3.S.1.5 Coastal Species - Plants - Tea Banker

Page: 4

Reference and Further Reading for Tea Banker

Burton, F. (2007). Wild Trees in the Cayman Islands (2nd edition). International Reptile Conservation Foundation, USA. ISBN 978-1-4276-2168-9 Burton, F.J. (2008a). Threatened Plants of the Cayman Islands: The Red List. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew: Richmond, Surrey UK. Burton, F.J. (2008b). Vegetation Classification for the Cayman Islands. In: Threatened Plants of the Cayman Islands: The Red List. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew: Richmond, Surrey UK. Proctor, G.R. (1984). Flora of the Cayman Islands. Kew Bulletin Additional Series XI. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Her Majestys Stationary Office. London. ISBN 0-11-242548-8. Proctor, G.R. (2012) Flora of the Cayman Islands. Kew Publishing. 736 pp. ISBN: 9781842464038 Sauer, J.D. (1982). Cayman Island seashore vegetation: A study in comparative biogeography. Geography, 25:1-137. University of California.

Section: 3.S.1.5 Coastal Species - Plants - Tea Banker

Page: 5