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CEGL005296 Canotia holacantha Grand Canyon Shrubland
Type Concept Sentence: No Data Available
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Crucifixion-thorn Grand Canyon Shrubland
Colloquial Name: No Data Available
Hierarchy Level: Association
Type Concept: This crucifixion-thorn 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 occurs on sideslopes of canyons typically from 575 to 975 m (1875-3625 feet) elevation, but it has been found as high as 1275 m (4150 feet). It usually occurs on north-facing, moderately-sloping gradients (15-25°), but occasionally occurs on very steep slopes (40-50°) as well. Soils are rapidly-drained sandy loams; the underlying geology is usually limestone. This community often occurs in protected areas with a relatively high cover of moss. This community is characterized by a tall-shrub layer dominated by Canotia holacantha, which is invariably accompanied by the short shrub Ephedra aspera and occasionally by Acacia greggii. A variety of dwarf-shrubs also occur, including Gutierrezia microcephala, Echinocereus sp., Agave utahensis, and Encelia farinosa. A sparse graminoid layer is usually present, in which Bromus rubens occurs most frequently. The perennial grasses Muhlenbergia porteri and Tridens muticus also occur from time to time. Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia and Xylorhiza tortifolia are the most common forbs in a relatively sparse forb layer. Moss occurs sporadically, but when present has significant cover.
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: This community is characterized by a tall-shrub layer dominated by Canotia holacantha, which is invariably accompanied by the short shrub Ephedra aspera (= Ephedra fasciculata) and occasionally by Acacia greggii. A variety of dwarf-shrubs also occur, including Gutierrezia microcephala, Echinocereus sp., Agave utahensis, and Encelia farinosa. A sparse graminoid layer is usually present, in which Bromus rubens occurs most frequently. The perennial grasses Muhlenbergia porteri and Tridens muticus also occur from time to time. Sphaeralcea grossulariifolia and Xylorhiza tortifolia are the most common forbs in a relatively sparse forb layer. Moss occurs sporadically, but when present has significant cover.
Dynamics: No Data Available
Environmental Description: This crucifixion-thorn shrubland occurs on sideslopes of canyons typically from 575 to 975 m (1875-3625 feet) elevation, but it has been found as high as 1275 m (4150 feet). It usually occurs on north-facing, moderately-sloping gradients (15-25°), but occasionally occurs on very steep slopes (40-50°) as well. Soils are rapidly-drained sandy loams; the underlying geology is usually limestone. This community often occurs in protected areas with a relatively high cover of moss.
Geographic Range: This association is currently known from Grand Canyon National Park in 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.2.840828
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.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.4 Saguaro - Organ Pipe Cactus - Burrobush Mojave-Sonoran Semi-Desert Scrub Macrogroup | M088 | 3.A.2.Na.4 |
| Group | 3.A.2.Na.4.c Saguaro - Yellow Paloverde - Triangle Bur-ragweed Mixed Cacti Desert Scrub Group | G293 | 3.A.2.Na.4.c |
| Alliance | A3283 Jojoba - Crucifixion-thorn - Eastern Mojave Buckwheat Desert Scrub Alliance | A3283 | 3.A.2.Na.4.c |
| Association | CEGL005296 Crucifixion-thorn Grand Canyon Shrubland | CEGL005296 | 3.A.2.Na.4.c |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: = Canotia holacantha Grand Canyon 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.