Print Report
CEGL005107 Ephedra torreyana - Opuntia basilaris Shrubland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Torrey''s Joint-fir - Beavertail Prickly-pear Shrubland
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This shrubland association is currently described from Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. More survey and classification work are needed to fully characterize this type. It typically occurs on sideslopes at 900 to 1000 m (2900-3275 feet) elevation, but can be found as high as 1125 m (3675 feet). It primarily occurs on moderately steep gradients (20-30°) of south- to east-facing slopes, but is also occasionally found on gentler slopes (10-18°). Soils are well- to rapidly-drained silty or sandy loams that rarely contain clay. The underlying geology is usually limestone or less frequently sandstone. Vegetation is characterized by the codominance of the short shrub Ephedra torreyana (5-7%) and the dwarf-shrub Opuntia basilaris (3-5%). Tall shrubs are absent. The short-shrub layer sporadically includes Yucca elata, and the dwarf-shrub layer regularly includes Echinocactus polycephalus. Bromus rubens and Dasyochloa pulchella are the most frequent components of the graminoid understory, and in some stands, the cover of Bromus rubens can be significantly higher. Tiquilia latior, Thymophylla pentachaeta, and Machaeranthera pinnatifida all commonly occur in the sparse forb layer.
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: No Data Available
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: No Data Available
Geographic Range: This shrubland association is currently known from Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona. More survey work is needed to fully document its global range.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: AZ
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.840568
Confidence Level: Low
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.B Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Subclass | S11 | 3.B |
| Formation | 3.B.1 Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Formation | F033 | 3.B.1 |
| Division | 3.B.1.Ne Western North American Cool Semi-Desert Scrub & Grassland Division | D040 | 3.B.1.Ne |
| Macrogroup | 3.B.1.Ne.1 Yellow Rabbitbrush - Blackbrush / Indian Ricegrass Dry Shrubland & Grassland Macrogroup | M171 | 3.B.1.Ne.1 |
| Group | 3.B.1.Ne.1.b Blackbrush - Cutler''s Joint-fir - Torrey''s Joint-fir Colorado Plateau Shrubland Group | G312 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.b |
| Alliance | A2572 Torrey''s Joint-fir Shrubland Alliance | A2572 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.b |
| Association | CEGL005107 Torrey''s Joint-fir - Beavertail Prickly-pear Shrubland | CEGL005107 | 3.B.1.Ne.1.b |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Ephedra torreyana - Opuntia basilaris Shrubland (Reid and Hall 2010)
- Kearsley, M. J. C., K. Green, M. Tukman, M. Reid, M. Hall, T. J. Ayers, and K. Christie. 2015. Grand Canyon National Park-Grand Canyon / Parashant National Monument vegetation classification and mapping project. Natural Resource Report NPS/GRCA/NRR--2015/913. National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO. 75 pp. plus appendices.
- Reid, M. S., and M. E. Hall. 2010. Vegetation classification of Grand Canyon National Park. Draft report submitted to National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO.
- Western Ecology Working Group of NatureServe. No date. International Ecological Classification Standard: International Vegetation Classification. Terrestrial Vegetation. NatureServe, Boulder, CO.