Print Report
A4027 Heliotropium convolvulaceum - Heliotropium racemosum Chihuahuan Dune Alliance
Type Concept Sentence: This alliance consists of areas of sparse (generally <10% cover) annuals and stoloniferous grass such as Chamaesyce carunculata, Helianthus neglectus, Helianthus petiolaris, Heliotropium convolvulaceum, Heliotropium racemosum, Mentzelia sp., Panicum havardii, Polanisia jamesii, and Psoralidium lanceolatum. This alliance occur within the Chihuahuan Desert on dunes and sandsheets.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Phlox Heliotrope - Coastal Plain Heliotrope Chihuahuan Dune Alliance
Colloquial Name: Chihuahuan Sparsely Vegetated Dune
Hierarchy Level: Alliance
Type Concept: This alliance consists of sparsely vegetated (generally <10% cover) areas of stoloniferous grasses and psammophitic herbs where the most abundant species include Chamaesyce carunculata, Helianthus neglectus, Helianthus petiolaris, Heliotropium convolvulaceum, Heliotropium racemosum, Mentzelia sp., Panicum havardii, Polanisia jamesii, and Psoralidium lanceolatum. Species composition varies greatly from year to year, depending on moisture. This alliance occurs in the Chihuahuan Desert on dunes and sandsheets, especially dunes along the Rio Grande in Trans-Pecos Texas.
Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: Poorly known or described.
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: Total vascular cover is generally <10%; herbaceous annuals and perennial graminoids <2 m in height.
Floristics: Characteristic species include Chamaesyce carunculata (= Euphorbia carunculata), Helianthus neglectus, Helianthus petiolaris, Heliotropium convolvulaceum, Heliotropium racemosum, Mentzelia sp., Panicum havardii, Polanisia jamesii, and Psoralidium lanceolatum. Total vegetated cover is generally <10%. Composition varies a great deal from year to year, depending on moisture.
Dynamics: Species composition varies greatly year to year depending on moisture levels.
Environmental Description: Habitats are dunes and sandsheets, generally quartz-derived.
Geographic Range: This alliance is known from riverside quartz sand dunes along the Rio Grande River in Trans-Pecos Texas and in the Mexican state of Coahuila.
Nations: MX,US
States/Provinces: MXCOA, TX
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.900078
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.4 Saguaro - Organ Pipe Cactus - Burrobush Mojave-Sonoran Semi-Desert Scrub Macrogroup | M088 | 3.A.2.Na.4 |
| Group | 3.A.2.Na.4.e North American Warm Semi-Desert Dune & Sand Flats Group | G675 | 3.A.2.Na.4.e |
| Alliance | A4027 Phlox Heliotrope - Coastal Plain Heliotrope Chihuahuan Dune Alliance | A4027 | 3.A.2.Na.4.e |
| Association | CEGL004581 Phlox Heliotrope - Lemon Scurfpea - James'' Clammyweed Sparse Vegetation | CEGL004581 | 3.A.2.Na.4.e |
| Association | CEGL004582 Coastal Plain Heliotrope - Sandmat species Sparse Vegetation | CEGL004582 | 3.A.2.Na.4.e |
Concept Lineage: includes A.1853 and A.1854
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
- Diamond, D. D. 1993. Classification of the plant communities of Texas (series level). Unpublished document. Texas Natural Heritage Program, Austin. 25 pp.
- Faber-Langendoen, D., J. Drake, M. Hall, G. Kittel, S. Menard, C. Nordman, M. Pyne, M. Reid, M. Russo, K. Schulz, L. Sneddon, K. Snow, and J. Teague. 2013-2019b. Screening alliances for induction into the U.S. National Vegetation Classification: Part 1 - Alliance concept review. NatureServe, Arlington, VA.
- TPWD [Texas Parks and Wildlife Department]. 1996. Department lands inventory: Plant community survey of Monahans Sandhills State Park. Unpublished draft document. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Parks Division, Austin. 15 pp. plus apps.