The Fish and Wildlife Service determined Ayenia limitaris to be an endangered species under the authority of Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The species is threatened by habitat destruction and fragmentation through alteration and conversion of native plant communities to commercial uses; invasion of non-native grasses (guineagrass); and low population numbers. This action will implement Federal protection of Texas Ayenia-effective date: September 23, 1994.

    Federal action on the species began due to Section 12 of the Endangered Species Act, which directed the secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to prepare a report on plants considered to be threatened,
endangered, or extinct in the U.S.  On July 1, 1975, Ayenia limitaris (then under the name Nephropetalum pringlei), was included as extinct in the Smithsonian report.

    In December of 1980, a list of plants categorized as being endangered or threatened was published.  Nephropetalum pringlei (Ayenia limitaris) was included in Category 1:  Species whose status in recent past is known to support listing, but may have already become extinct.

    In each year from 1983-1992, the Service found that the petitioned action was warranted.  The future of the species looked promising in December of 1990.  The Federal Registrar provided sufficient biological information to justify proposing to list Texas Ayenia as endangered, and not extinct.  In August 5, 1993, all interested parties were requested to submit factual reports or information that might contribute to the development of a final rule.  The Service has carefully assessed the best scientific and commercial information available regarding past, present, and future threats faced by the species in determining to make this final rule.  The preferred action is to list Texas Ayenia as endangered.  The status of endangered is appropriate due to its limited distribution, low population numbers, and imminent threats of habitat destruction.  The service finds that designation of critical habitat is not necessary for Ayenia limitaris at this time.