An introduction is provided for the modern and fossil vascular plant flora of the contiguous prot... more An introduction is provided for the modern and fossil vascular plant flora of the contiguous protected areas of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, and the Tinajas Altas Region in southwestern Arizona-the heart of the Sonoran Desert. These three entities encompass 514,242 hectares (1,270,700 acres), approximately 5141 km 2 (1985 mi 2 ). Elevation and ecological diversity generally decreases from east (Organ Pipe) to west (Tinajas Altas) while aridity increases from east to west, both correlating with decreasing botanical diversity. The lower elevation portions area are within the Lower Colorado Valley subdivision of the Sonoran Desert-the most arid portion of this desert; the higher elevation portions are within the Arizona Upland subdivision of the Sonoran Desert, and the highest elevations of the Ajo Mountains in Organ Pipe have a unique dwarf woodland above the actual desert.
... In marked contrast to cold temperate trees, there is a large diversity of phenological patter... more ... In marked contrast to cold temperate trees, there is a large diversity of phenological patterns among tree species of tropical dry forests (TDF) characterized by a 57 month long dry season. ... Early summer species Soon after the first First ... rains of the wet heavy rains season June ...
Sichuan Peppers and the Etymology of Fagara (Rutaceae). We present a synopsis of the history and ... more Sichuan Peppers and the Etymology of Fagara (Rutaceae). We present a synopsis of the history and derivation of faraga from its Arabic origin through confusion with the Chinese fajiu. Fagara, or Zanthoxylum, a medicinal spice, has a venerable history of human uses beginning in China, spreading through West Asia to Europe, and finally reaching the New World.
Ethnohistorically, wild and domesticated teparies (Phaseolus acutifolius: Leguminosae) are signif... more Ethnohistorically, wild and domesticated teparies (Phaseolus acutifolius: Leguminosae) are significant native food crops in southwestern North America. Their value rests in adaptations to arid environments, and high protein content and productivity. Use of wild teparies appears to be discontinued, but certain domesticated varieties are still grown by local commercial and subsistence farmers. The recent subsidence of tepary cultivation is related
Canotia holacantha Torrey is reported from the Gulf of California, Mexico on Isla Tiburón. This p... more Canotia holacantha Torrey is reported from the Gulf of California, Mexico on Isla Tiburón. This population is isolated from its closest conspecifics in northern Sonora by 230 km and is best explained as a Pleistocene relict. Previous reports of this species on Tiburón and differences between other "crucifixion thorns" are explained.
The l o w e r delta o f the Colorado River has been severely affected by the upstream diversion o... more The l o w e r delta o f the Colorado River has been severely affected by the upstream diversion o f w a t e r
Aim We analyse the proximate causes of the large variation in flowering periodicity among four tr... more Aim We analyse the proximate causes of the large variation in flowering periodicity among four tropical dry forests (TDF) and ask whether climatic periodicity or biotic interactions are the ultimate causes of flowering periodicity.
Sichuan Peppers and the Etymology of Fagara (Rutaceae). We present a synopsis of the history and ... more Sichuan Peppers and the Etymology of Fagara (Rutaceae). We present a synopsis of the history and derivation of faraga from its Arabic origin through confusion with the Chinese fajiu. Fagara, or Zanthoxylum, a medicinal spice, has a venerable history of human uses beginning in China, spreading through West Asia to Europe, and finally reaching the New World.
The Cienega de Santa Clara is the largest remaining wetland in the Rio Colorado delta; it support... more The Cienega de Santa Clara is the largest remaining wetland in the Rio Colorado delta; it supports endangered bird and fish species. The Cienega is maintained by agricultural drainage water discharge from the USA which in the future may be diverted to the Yuma Desalting Plant. We examined the existing vegetation patterns and effects of flow disruption on vegetation using seasonal aerial and ground surveys. The Cienega was dominated by Typha domingensis and contained eight subdominant hydrophytes in addition. The distribution of marsh plants was related to salinity and water depth within the Cienega. Disturbance in the form of burning of the Typha and grazing of cattle on the new growth had a marked effect on the status of the vegetation in accessible parts of the marsh. During 8 months of unplanned flow interruption due to the need for canal repairs, 60-70% of the marsh foliage died back. Green vegetation was confined to a low-lying geologic fault which retained water; however, Typha domingensis regenerated from dormant rhizomes following the return of canal flow. Though the vegetation proved resilient, prolonged flow reduction would unavoidably reduce the size of the wetland and its capacity to support associated wetland functions.
Biodiversity, ecosystems, and conservation in …, 2005
... in Northern Mexico SCOTT H. STOLESON RICHARD S. FELGER GERARDO CEBALLOS CAROL RAISH MICHAEL F... more ... in Northern Mexico SCOTT H. STOLESON RICHARD S. FELGER GERARDO CEBALLOS CAROL RAISH MICHAEL F. WILSON ALBERTO BÚRQUEZ ... agrochemicals has long-term conse-quences for productivity, the environment, and human health (eg, Restrepo 1988; Albert ...
Isla Rasa, a small (0.68 km 2 ) but globally important seabird island in the Gulf of California, ... more Isla Rasa, a small (0.68 km 2 ) but globally important seabird island in the Gulf of California, has a fl ora of only 14 vascular plant species found in three vegetation zones. Signifi cant physical alteration of the island's surface and the introduction of non-native rodents, eradicated in 1995, add restoration ecology to the remarkable biology of the island. Over a century of botanical collections and observations record a consistently depauperate fl ora, best understood in the context of extreme aridity, isolation, and elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorus from bird guano. The shaping factor of guano on the dearth of fl oristic diversity illustrates close connection between marine and terrestrial ecosystems in the Gulf of California. El Niño events that trigger collapses in marine productivity and crashes in seabird reproduction bring above-average winter rainfall pulses and rapid plant growth. Two new island records are reported (Rhizophora mangle and Viscainoa geniculata). Matched photographs show signifi cant increase in the cholla cactus (Cylindropuntia fulgida) since 1971. Baseline knowledge of seabird breeding ecology and the fl ora of the island position Isla Rasa as a preeminent locality to study and monitor the ecological dynamics of a desert island in the context of restoration ecology and global environmental change.
An introduction is provided for the modern and fossil vascular plant flora of the contiguous prot... more An introduction is provided for the modern and fossil vascular plant flora of the contiguous protected areas of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, and the Tinajas Altas Region in southwestern Arizona-the heart of the Sonoran Desert. These three entities encompass 514,242 hectares (1,270,700 acres), approximately 5141 km 2 (1985 mi 2 ). Elevation and ecological diversity generally decreases from east (Organ Pipe) to west (Tinajas Altas) while aridity increases from east to west, both correlating with decreasing botanical diversity. The lower elevation portions area are within the Lower Colorado Valley subdivision of the Sonoran Desert-the most arid portion of this desert; the higher elevation portions are within the Arizona Upland subdivision of the Sonoran Desert, and the highest elevations of the Ajo Mountains in Organ Pipe have a unique dwarf woodland above the actual desert.
... In marked contrast to cold temperate trees, there is a large diversity of phenological patter... more ... In marked contrast to cold temperate trees, there is a large diversity of phenological patterns among tree species of tropical dry forests (TDF) characterized by a 57 month long dry season. ... Early summer species Soon after the first First ... rains of the wet heavy rains season June ...
Sichuan Peppers and the Etymology of Fagara (Rutaceae). We present a synopsis of the history and ... more Sichuan Peppers and the Etymology of Fagara (Rutaceae). We present a synopsis of the history and derivation of faraga from its Arabic origin through confusion with the Chinese fajiu. Fagara, or Zanthoxylum, a medicinal spice, has a venerable history of human uses beginning in China, spreading through West Asia to Europe, and finally reaching the New World.
Ethnohistorically, wild and domesticated teparies (Phaseolus acutifolius: Leguminosae) are signif... more Ethnohistorically, wild and domesticated teparies (Phaseolus acutifolius: Leguminosae) are significant native food crops in southwestern North America. Their value rests in adaptations to arid environments, and high protein content and productivity. Use of wild teparies appears to be discontinued, but certain domesticated varieties are still grown by local commercial and subsistence farmers. The recent subsidence of tepary cultivation is related
Canotia holacantha Torrey is reported from the Gulf of California, Mexico on Isla Tiburón. This p... more Canotia holacantha Torrey is reported from the Gulf of California, Mexico on Isla Tiburón. This population is isolated from its closest conspecifics in northern Sonora by 230 km and is best explained as a Pleistocene relict. Previous reports of this species on Tiburón and differences between other "crucifixion thorns" are explained.
The l o w e r delta o f the Colorado River has been severely affected by the upstream diversion o... more The l o w e r delta o f the Colorado River has been severely affected by the upstream diversion o f w a t e r
Aim We analyse the proximate causes of the large variation in flowering periodicity among four tr... more Aim We analyse the proximate causes of the large variation in flowering periodicity among four tropical dry forests (TDF) and ask whether climatic periodicity or biotic interactions are the ultimate causes of flowering periodicity.
Sichuan Peppers and the Etymology of Fagara (Rutaceae). We present a synopsis of the history and ... more Sichuan Peppers and the Etymology of Fagara (Rutaceae). We present a synopsis of the history and derivation of faraga from its Arabic origin through confusion with the Chinese fajiu. Fagara, or Zanthoxylum, a medicinal spice, has a venerable history of human uses beginning in China, spreading through West Asia to Europe, and finally reaching the New World.
The Cienega de Santa Clara is the largest remaining wetland in the Rio Colorado delta; it support... more The Cienega de Santa Clara is the largest remaining wetland in the Rio Colorado delta; it supports endangered bird and fish species. The Cienega is maintained by agricultural drainage water discharge from the USA which in the future may be diverted to the Yuma Desalting Plant. We examined the existing vegetation patterns and effects of flow disruption on vegetation using seasonal aerial and ground surveys. The Cienega was dominated by Typha domingensis and contained eight subdominant hydrophytes in addition. The distribution of marsh plants was related to salinity and water depth within the Cienega. Disturbance in the form of burning of the Typha and grazing of cattle on the new growth had a marked effect on the status of the vegetation in accessible parts of the marsh. During 8 months of unplanned flow interruption due to the need for canal repairs, 60-70% of the marsh foliage died back. Green vegetation was confined to a low-lying geologic fault which retained water; however, Typha domingensis regenerated from dormant rhizomes following the return of canal flow. Though the vegetation proved resilient, prolonged flow reduction would unavoidably reduce the size of the wetland and its capacity to support associated wetland functions.
Biodiversity, ecosystems, and conservation in …, 2005
... in Northern Mexico SCOTT H. STOLESON RICHARD S. FELGER GERARDO CEBALLOS CAROL RAISH MICHAEL F... more ... in Northern Mexico SCOTT H. STOLESON RICHARD S. FELGER GERARDO CEBALLOS CAROL RAISH MICHAEL F. WILSON ALBERTO BÚRQUEZ ... agrochemicals has long-term conse-quences for productivity, the environment, and human health (eg, Restrepo 1988; Albert ...
Isla Rasa, a small (0.68 km 2 ) but globally important seabird island in the Gulf of California, ... more Isla Rasa, a small (0.68 km 2 ) but globally important seabird island in the Gulf of California, has a fl ora of only 14 vascular plant species found in three vegetation zones. Signifi cant physical alteration of the island's surface and the introduction of non-native rodents, eradicated in 1995, add restoration ecology to the remarkable biology of the island. Over a century of botanical collections and observations record a consistently depauperate fl ora, best understood in the context of extreme aridity, isolation, and elevated levels of nitrogen and phosphorus from bird guano. The shaping factor of guano on the dearth of fl oristic diversity illustrates close connection between marine and terrestrial ecosystems in the Gulf of California. El Niño events that trigger collapses in marine productivity and crashes in seabird reproduction bring above-average winter rainfall pulses and rapid plant growth. Two new island records are reported (Rhizophora mangle and Viscainoa geniculata). Matched photographs show signifi cant increase in the cholla cactus (Cylindropuntia fulgida) since 1971. Baseline knowledge of seabird breeding ecology and the fl ora of the island position Isla Rasa as a preeminent locality to study and monitor the ecological dynamics of a desert island in the context of restoration ecology and global environmental change.
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