The Florida golden aster (Chrysopsis floridana) is one of the many imperiled species that are found at Lake Manatee State Park. This species of plant is most notable because not only is it recognized as a threatened plant in the state, but also on the federal level.
What led to the plant being endangered is that much of its natural habitat was transformed into land for agricultural use in the 1970s. It wasn’t until 1988 that a plan was made to recover the population of the Florida golden aster and conduct research into its growth.
This plant thrives in areas of xeric hammock and Florida scrub, which is plentiful at Lake Manatee State Park. Because of this, the park has been a major site for studies conducted concerning the plant. Population studies are done every three years to monitor the growth of the Florida golden aster as well as studies assessing the best ways to increase growth.
The research includes noting the effects of soil and light on the flowers, and what conditions are ideal for maximum germination rates.
A partner in helping preserve the flower has been the Bok Tower Gardens. They have actually cryogenically preserved the seeds of this plant in the event that they continue to be threatened in the future.
Though this little yellow flower appears to be assuming, it is an integral part of the environment at Lake Manatee. The hope is that with proper protection and continued research, the Florida golden aster will soon no longer be an endangered plant species.
