The decline of Florida torreya: An endemic conifer on the edge of extinction

Report

Justification

The Florida torreya (Torreya taxifolia ) is a critically endangered conifer endemic to the Apalachicola River drainage of the Florida panhandle and adjacent southern Georgia. Florida torreya has experienced a significant die-off and subsequent decline during the past century. Although the decline has been attributed to numerous abiotic and biotic causes, however, our findings are that the most likely reason for the decline is fungal disease. This fungal disease is likely caused by a Fusarium species and our suggestions for a new understanding of the actual cause of the decline are addressed in this fact sheet. Current efforts to assess the population and develop a recovery plan are discussed.