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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 <i>Poliomintha incana</i>, which dominates the crest of the dune, while <i>Muhlenbergia pungens</i> tends to grow in the intershrub spaces. Species diversity is low to moderate with up to 48 species recorded for the type. <i>Rhus trilobata, Schizachyrium scoparium</i>, and <i>Achnatherum hymenoides (= Oryzopsis hymenoides)</i> are often present. There are also several gypsophilic forbs including <i>Selinocarpus lanceolatus, Heliotropium greggii</i>, and <i>Calylophus hartwegii</i>. A grassier, <i>Bouteloua breviseta</i> phase of smaller dunes has been identified, and occasionally <i>Populus fremontii</i> is well-represented as a distinct phase, presumably the remnant expression of riparian interdunal <i>Populus fremontii</i> communities that have now been buried by shifting dunes. 
Accession Code: VB.CC.32707.CEGL002672
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.2.689620 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Translated: Frosted Mint / Sandhill Muhly Shrubland
  Scientific: Poliomintha incana / Muhlenbergia pungens Shrubland
  Code: CEGL002672