Cero Project

Origin
It first appeared in the late Miocene (around 8 million years ago) and its closest relatives are found in the genera Prenanthes and Urospermum. The three genera would have evolved from a common ancestor that originated around eleven million years ago.

Genetic diversity
The species shows a moderate genetic diversity, with little genetic differences between populations.

Reproductive biology
Plant with stolons and the ability to self-fertilize, pollinated by a great variety of insects (generalist species), with seeds that germinate about 40%.

Climate needs
Attending to its climate needs we find that there could be numerous areas with optimal conditions for its establishment (wetlands), along the Atlantic Iberian coast of Spain and Portugal.

Threats
Human activities, such as the livestock industry, overexploitation of aquifers, and clogging of lagoons and marshes have negatively impacted the wetlands it inhabits and put its survival at risk.

Conservation measures
In situ conservation:
The presence of the species in a natural protected area such as the National Park of Doñana is almost a life insurance per se. Additionally, we have a plan underway with the Pablo of Olavide University of Seville to reintroduce the species in Chiclana (Cádiz).
Ex situ conservation:
Conservation of living specimens and seeds stored in the Germplasm Bank of Wild Species (MA).

Origin
It first appeared in the early Miocene (around 18 million years ago), when it would have evolved separately from its closest relatives, which are found in three other genera (Leucanthemopsis, Hymenostemma y Prolongoa).

Genetic diversity
The species shows a moderate genetic diversity, with little genetic differences between populations.

Reproductive biology
Plant with the ability to self-fertilize, pollinated by a wide variety of insects (generalist species) and with seeds that germinate about 70%.

Climate needs
The analysis of climate needs indicated an ample potential distribution in the Béticas mountain range. However, the fact that its actual distribution is very restricted would indicate that the ecological requirements are not the direct cause for the rarity and threat of the species.

Threats
Disturbance by the livestock in its habitat causes this daisy to be displaced by other more competitive species. In addition, flower and seed predation by insects makes its reproduction and competitive ability even more complicated.

Conservation measures
Ex situ conservation:
Seeds are stored in the Germplasm Bank of Wild Species (MA).

Origin
It first appeared in the mid Miocene (around 27 million years ago) and shows a very isolated position within the Cynoglosseae tribe. Additionally, the morphologic peculiarity of its fruits corroborates the evolutionary singularity of the genus.

Genetic diversity
The species shows a moderate genetic diversity and a great genetic differentiation between the populations of Madrid and León.

Reproductive biology
Plant with the ability to self-fertilize, visited by few pollinators (mostly syrphid flies) and with seeds that germinate about 50%.

Climate needs
The analysis of climate needs points to an ample potential distribution on both plateaus of the Iberian Peninsula. Therefore, it would not be surprising that populations yet undiscovered between the populations of Madrid and León existed.

Threats
Human activities, such as grazing and trampling, compromise the survival of its extremely small populations.

Conservation measures
In situ conservation:
We are experimenting and evaluating the convenience of permanently fencing off the population of Madrid to protect it from being trampled.
Ex situ conservation:
Seeds are stored in the Germplasm Bank of Wild Species (MA).

Origin
It first appeared in the late Miocene (around 6 million years ago) and would be the sister lineage of celery (species from the genus Apium). Moreover, the morphologic distinctiveness of its fruits corroborates the evolutionary singularity of Naufraga in its evolutionary lineage.

Genetic diversity
The species shows a moderate genetic diversity and a surprisingly strong genetic differentiation between populations, considering the proximity of its populations.

Reproductive biology
Plant with stolons, unable to self-fertilize, pollinated by ants (specialist species) and more than 75% of its seeds that germinate.

Climate needs
The analysis of climate needs indicated a very restricted potential distribution in the western Mediterranean. Its strict ecological requirements of temperature and humidity, along with its pollination mechanism and short distance dispersal, can explain the rarity of the species.

Threats
Its strict ecological requirements of temperature and humidity, along with the strong herbivore damage it undergoes, confine it to shady crags and make it very vulnerable to climate change.

Conservation measures
In situ conservation:
Its location within the protected area of The Natural Park of the Sierra of Tramuntana (Mallorca) is a determinant measure towards its conservation.
Ex situ conservation:
Seeds are stored in the Germplasm Bank of Wild Species (MA).

Origin
The genus Pseudomisopates first appeared in the early quaternary (around 2.5 million years ago). Thus, it is a recent lineage, and cannot be considered a living fossil. However, it does present certain evolutionary singularity compared to its sister lineage (Acanthorrhinum genus).

Genetic diversity
The species shows a moderate genetic diversity, with scarce genetic differences between populations.

Reproductive biology
Plant with stolons, unable to self-fertilize, is pollinated by an ample variety of insects (generalist species). The germination of its seeds is stimulated by the effects of fire, reaching more than 30% in the presence of ash on the ground and in the absence of canopy shade.

Climate needs
The analysis of its climate needs indicated that there are extensive areas with ideal conditions for its establishment in the mountain ranges of Gredos and Guadarrama.

Threats
The development of dense shrubland in the absence of fires and the great pressure from livestock in some populations complicate the production and germination of seeds. Interestingly, fire is an ally of this species that contributes to its expansion.

Conservation measures
In situ conservation:
The species is mainly located in the protected area of the Regional Park of the Sierra de Gredos..
Ex situ conservation:
Seeds are monitored in the Germplasm Bank of Wild Species (MA).