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Poliomintha incana / Muhlenbergia pungens Shrubland | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Poliomintha incana / Muhlenbergia pungens Shrubland
Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description: 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 (= 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. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.26802.POLIOMINTHAINCA
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 28-Dec-1998 to: 17-Nov-2014
      Names:   Translated: Hoary Rosemarymint / Sandhill Muhly Shrubland
  UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.689620 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: CEGL002672
  Scientific: Poliomintha incana / Muhlenbergia pungens Shrubland
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(undetermined) Poliomintha incana / Muhlenbergia pungens Shrubland