Print Report
CEGL002672 Poliomintha incana / Muhlenbergia pungens Shrubland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Frosted Mint / Sandhill Muhly Shrubland
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This Chihuahuan Desert sandscrub association is endemic to gypsum dunefields in the Tularosa Basin of south-central New Mexico. It may also occur in Trans-Pecos Texas, and northern Mexico. Stands occur on the tops and leeward sides of dunes that appear to be partially stabilized and undergo only moderate dune movement. Elevations range from 1190-1280 m (3900-4200 feet). Stands are characterized by an open shrub canopy of Poliomintha incana, which dominates the crest of the dune, while Muhlenbergia pungens tends to grow in the intershrub spaces. Species diversity is low to moderate with up to 48 species recorded for the type. Rhus trilobata, Schizachyrium scoparium, and Achnatherum hymenoides are often present. There are also several gypsophilic forbs including Selinocarpus lanceolatus, Heliotropium greggii, and Calylophus hartwegii. A grassier, Bouteloua breviseta phase of smaller dunes has been identified, and occasionally Populus fremontii is well-represented as a distinct phase, presumably the remnant expression of riparian interdunal Populus fremontii communities that have now been buried by shifting dunes.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: No Data Available
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: Stands are characterized by an open shrub canopy of Poliomintha incana, which dominates the crest of the dune, while Muhlenbergia pungens tends to grow in the intershrub spaces. Species diversity is low to moderate with up to 48 species recorded for the type. Rhus trilobata, Schizachyrium scoparium, and Achnatherum hymenoides (= Oryzopsis hymenoides) are often present. There are also several gypsophilic forbs including Selinocarpus lanceolatus, Heliotropium greggii, and Calylophus hartwegii. A grassier, Bouteloua breviseta phase of smaller dunes has been identified, and occasionally Populus fremontii is well-represented as a distinct phase, presumably the remnant expression of riparian interdunal Populus fremontii communities that have now been buried by shifting dunes.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: Stands occur on the tops and leeward sides of dunes that appear to be partially stabilized and undergo only moderate dune movement. Elevations range from 1190-1280 m (3900-4200 feet).
Geographic Range: This association is known only from the Tularosa Basin in southern New Mexico. It may also occur in Trans-Pecos, Texas, and northern Mexico.
Nations: MX?,US
States/Provinces: MXCHH?, NM, TX?
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.689620
Confidence Level: Low - Poorly Documented
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: G3
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.c Sand Sagebrush - Broom Smokebush Sand Scrub Group | G287 | 3.A.2.Na.2.c |
| Alliance | A3137 Broom Smokebush - Frosted Mint - Littleleaf Sumac Desert Sand Scrub Alliance | A3137 | 3.A.2.Na.2.c |
| Association | CEGL002672 Frosted Mint / Sandhill Muhly Shrubland | CEGL002672 | 3.A.2.Na.2.c |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Poliomintha incana / Muhlenbergia pungens Community Type (Muldavin et al. 1994b)
= Hoary Rosemarymint/Sandhill Muhly PA (Muldavin et al. 2000b) [(Poliomintha incana/Muhlenbergia pungens: POLINC/MUHPUN)]
= Hoary Rosemarymint/Sandhill Muhly PA (Muldavin et al. 2000b) [(Poliomintha incana/Muhlenbergia pungens: POLINC/MUHPUN)]
- Muldavin, E., M. P. Moreno, J. Thomson, and P. Mehlhop. 1994b. A vegetation map for White Sands National Monument. Final report prepared for White Sands National Monument: Alamogordo, NM, by New Mexico Natural Heritage Program.
- 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
- NHNM [Natural Heritage New Mexico]. No date. Unpublished data on file. Natural Heritage New Mexico, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.