Conservation Florida supports the recovery of federally endangered species: Rugel’s Pawpaw
Photo by Erin Paulakovich, Communications Associate, Conservation Florida.
Restoring Rugel’s Pawpaw at Conservation Florida’s Volusia County Nature Preserve: D Ranch Preserve
An eager team gathered at Conservation Florida’s D Ranch Preserve, excited to work in the lush forests of wild Florida and plant something special — Rugel’s pawpaw (Deeringothamnus rugelii). Like the iconic Florida Scrub-Jay, Rugel’s pawpaw is an endemic species. This federally endangered flowering plant, commonly known as Yellow Squirrel Banana, has been found only in Volusia County. As development and fire exclusion has reduced its habitat over the years, local conservation groups are rallying to recover this rare gem through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Endangered Plant Recovery Plan.
Conservation Florida team members, along with experts from Bok Tower Gardens, Young Bear Environmental (YBE), and the Pawpaw Chapter of the Native Plant Society, worked together to carefully plant over 40 Rugel’s pawpaw in their ideal habitat at D Ranch Preserve. These slow-growing plants thrive in Immokalee soil, which is light in color because it has fewer nutrients. This type of soil is typically found at the edges of mesic flatwoods, where tall pines, low shrubs, and grasses dominate the landscape. Spanning 476 acres, D Ranch Preserve is permanently protected by Conservation Florida. The property's preservation, combined with the right habitat conditions, provides the perfect environment for introducing Rugel’s pawpaw.
Eager for the future of the species, Dr. Norman, Cheryl Peterson, and Danny Young get ready for the exciting activities ahead.
Among the team was Dr. Elaine Norman, professor emerita of biology at Stetson University, whose deep commitment to this species began long before Rugel’s pawpaw was officially listed as endangered in 1986. With her guidance, there was no mistaking the significance of the moment. Each hole dug symbolized the culmination of years of research, dedication, and the hope that future generations will witness this wild, wonderful, and unique species thriving once again throughout Volusia County.
the research doesn’t stop here.
Cheryl Peterson, conservation manager at Bok Tower Gardens, comments, “There’s no seed production in the wild, and we think it’s probably due to a lack of pollinators.”
This planting project is part of a larger recovery plan aimed at buffering the pressures of urban development and habitat loss. Lake Monroe Conservation Area, just across the street from D Ranch Preserve (Google Maps), was a recovery site for Rugel’s pawpaw years ago. Project lead Danny Young of YBE is hopeful that with two sites so close together, pollen transfer can occur, potentially aiding population growth.
D Ranch Preserve is Conservation Florida’s very own piece of paradise — a protected haven for black bears, pine lilies, and now, Rugel’s pawpaw. With over 40,000 acres saved across Florida, our organization works statewide to protect land and collaborate with landowners to implement the best land management practices.
“We’re excited to be a partner in this recovery project and be able to help provide the habitat and management necessary for this endemic species. D Ranch Preserve is an important conservation area providing a home for this species now, along with so many other species.” says Conservation Florida Land Manager Mark Rizzo
The 476 acre property will open its gates in Spring of 2025, offering hiking, scenic outlooks, photography opportunities, wildlife viewing, and more.
FUN FACTS:
Each Rugel’s pawpaw plant at D Ranch Preserve was grown from tissue cultures at Bok Tower Gardens and the Cincinnati Zoo.
Some plants have been growing since 2019, with ages ranging from 1 to 5 years old.
Some plants could bloom as soon as Spring 2025.
Conservation Florida is an accredited, nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to conserving the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, wild places, and connecting a functional Florida Wildlife Corridor. Since its founding in 1999, Conservation Florida has saved more than 40,000 acres, serving all 67 counties in Florida, by prioritizing strategic and evidence-based land protection, education, and advocacy.
Questions?
Contact Erin Paulakovich, Communications Associate
erinp@conservationfla.org