Distribution of cacti in Larrea spp. shrublands in Mendoza, Argentina

In three Larrea shrublands, cacti grow under Larrea canopy at northern and southern exposures and in open spaces were counted. Cacti distribution was related to environmental variables. Seven out of the 15 cacti present were found to be associated with shrubs, whereas the other species were found in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of arid environments 2004-09, Vol.58 (4), p.451-462
Main Authors: Méndez, E, Guevara, J.C, Estevez, O.R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
air temperature
arid zones
Cactaceae
cacti and succulents
Cacti distribution
canopy gaps
Density
Environmental variables
Larrea
Larrea cuneifolia
Larrea divaricata
Larrea spp
light intensity
mortality
nutrient content
Open spaces
overstory
piedmont
plant density
relative humidity
seed germination
seedlings
semiarid zones
shade
Shrub canopy
shrublands
shrubs
soil nutrients
soil organic matter
soil water content
solar radiation
spatial distribution
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Summary:In three Larrea shrublands, cacti grow under Larrea canopy at northern and southern exposures and in open spaces were counted. Cacti distribution was related to environmental variables. Seven out of the 15 cacti present were found to be associated with shrubs, whereas the other species were found in the open spaces. The lower temperature and radiation occurring under shrubs at south exposures would explain the absence of cacti in these places. The higher organic matter, nutrients, and moisture in the soils under shrubs appeared to be correlated with higher cacti density. The presence of cacti seedlings only under shrubs could be attributed to the favourable environmental conditions for cacti seed germination and seedling survival that occurred in these places.
ISSN:0140-1963
1095-922X
DOI:10.1016/j.jaridenv.2003.12.004