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Opuntia bigelovii Shrubland | Western Ecology Working Group of...
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Name: Opuntia bigelovii Shrubland
Reference: Western Ecology Working Group of...
Description: This cholla 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 xeric sideslopes at 600 to 675 m (2000-2200 feet) elevation, on moderate (10-30°), south- or southeast-facing slopes. Soils are rapidly-drained sandy loams or clays that usually lie on top of shale or quartzite. Vegetation is characterized by the dominance of the short shrub <i>Opuntia bigelovii</i>. Tall shrubs such as <i>Fouquieria splendens</i> do occur but are sparse and infrequent. <i>Opuntia bigelovii</i> is invariably accompanied by <i>Encelia farinosa</i> in the short-shrub layer. Scattered <i>Krameria erecta, Opuntia acanthocarpa, Ferocactus cylindraceus</i>, and <i>Ephedra fasciculata</i> also occur fairly frequently. <i>Opuntia basilaris</i> consistently occurs in a very sparse dwarf-shrub stratum. Graminoids are virtually non-existent in this association. Forbs are similarly sparse; however, species such as <i>Plantago ovata, Phacelia</i> sp., <i>Amsinckia menziesii</i>, and <i>Eriogonum inflatum</i> occur sporadically at very low individual covers. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.31744.CEGL003065
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 17-Nov-2014 to: 01-May-2019
     
  • status: accepted
  • This Community's Level: association
  • This Community's Children: [none]
Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.684300 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Scientific: Opuntia bigelovii Shrubland
  Translated: Teddy-bear Cholla Shrubland
  Code: CEGL003065