Print Report
CEGL001378 Fouquieria splendens / Parthenium incanum Shrubland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Ocotillo / Mariola Shrubland
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This major plant association is scattered throughout the mountain ranges of White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. It is also known from the Guadelupe Mountains. Typically, this association is found on steep (20-50%), rocky, limestone slopes of interior mountain canyons and escarpments at elevations of 1420 to 1810 m (4650-5950 feet). Aspects are predominantly southerly. It also can extend downslope onto upper alluvial fan piedmonts (bajadas). This Chihuahuan Desert shrubland is characterized by a wide variety of shrubs and dwarf-shrubs, of which Fouquieria splendens is a conspicuous dominant. Other shrubs include Parthenium incanum, Cylindropuntia leptocaulis, Opuntia phaeacantha, Opuntia macrocentra, Dasylirion wheeleri, Acacia neovernicosa, and Viguiera stenoloba. Grass cover typically is less than 5% and seldom exceeds 10% cover. The most common grasses are Bouteloua curtipendula, Bouteloua eriopoda, and Muhlenbergia porteri. Forbs are moderately diverse and scattered.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: Apart from the Fouquieria splendens component, this association is similar to the Mariola/Sideoats Grama PA (Muldavin et al. 2000b). The latter probably occurs on less rocky substrates and has a lower shrub diversity and cover.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: No Data Available
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: No Data Available
Geographic Range: No Data Available
Nations: US
States/Provinces: NM, TX
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.688399
Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 3 Desert & Semi-Desert Class | C03 | 3 |
| Subclass | 3.A Warm Desert & Semi-Desert Woodland, Scrub & Grassland Subclass | S06 | 3.A |
| Formation | 3.A.2 Warm Desert & Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation | F015 | 3.A.2 |
| Division | 3.A.2.Na North American Warm Desert Scrub & Grassland Division | D039 | 3.A.2.Na |
| Macrogroup | 3.A.2.Na.2 Creosotebush - American Tarwort - Mesquite species Chihuahuan Desert Scrub Macrogroup | M086 | 3.A.2.Na.2 |
| Group | 3.A.2.Na.2.d Lechuguilla - Candelilla - Cactus-apple Chihuahuan Desert Succulent Scrub Group | G286 | 3.A.2.Na.2.d |
| Alliance | A3159 Ocotillo Chihuahuan Desert Succulent Scrub Alliance | A3159 | 3.A.2.Na.2.d |
| Association | CEGL001378 Ocotillo / Mariola Shrubland | CEGL001378 | 3.A.2.Na.2.d |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Fouquieria splendens / Parthenium incanum Plant Association (Muldavin et al. 2003a)
= Ocotillo/Mariola PA (Muldavin et al. 2000b) [(Fouquieria splendens/Parthenium incanum; FOUSPL/PARINC)]
= Ocotillo/Mariola PA (Muldavin et al. 2000b) [(Fouquieria splendens/Parthenium incanum; FOUSPL/PARINC)]
- Bourgeron, P. S., and L. D. Engelking, editors. 1994. A preliminary vegetation classification of the western United States. Unpublished report. The Nature Conservancy, Western Heritage Task Force, Boulder, CO. 175 pp. plus appendix.
- Muldavin, E., P. Neville, P. Arbetan, Y. Chauvin, A. Browder, and T. Neville. 2003a. A vegetation map of Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico. Final report submitted in partial fulfillment of Cooperative Agreement No. Ca-7170-99-004. New Mexico Natural Heritage Program at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. 102 pp.
- Muldavin, E., Y. Chauvin, and G. Harper. 2000b. The vegetation of White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico: Volume I. Handbook of vegetation communities. Final report to Environmental Directorate, White Sands Missile Range. New Mexico Natural Heritage Program, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. 195 pp. plus appendices
- Muldavin, E., and P. Mehlhop. 1992. A preliminary classification and test vegetation map for White Sands Missile Range and San Andreas National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico. University of New Mexico, New Mexico Natural Heritage Program.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.