Two-phase pattern in mesquite-herbland vegetation in southwestern New Mexico

TitleTwo-phase pattern in mesquite-herbland vegetation in southwestern New Mexico
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1991
AuthorsHaque Z, Younga A, McDaniel K.C, Pieper, Rex D.
JournalThe Southwestern Naturalist
Volume36
Pagination54-59
Date Published1991
Call Number00614
Keywordsarticle, articles, grassland, Prosopis-herbland vegetation, journal, journals, Prosopis, plant associations, Prosopis-herbland vegetation, vegetation,Prosopis-herbland
AbstractVegetation on upland sites in southern New Mexico is represented by a mosaic pattern composed of scattered mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) plants and associated understory plants, interspersed in open herbland composed of various grasses and forbs. Bush muhly (Muhlenbergia porteri) was the main grass species occurring under mesquite canopies. Purslane portulaca (Portulaca oleracea) was the only forb species showing a positive correlation with mesquite canopy cover. Abundance of other grass and forb species was greater at the mesquite periphery or in the open areas than under the mesquite canopies. Black grama (Bouteloua eriopoda) was distributed in open herbland between trees.