Abstract for C06
Open Rock Vegetation
Végétation sur roc
Nonvascular plants, especially bryophyte, lichen, alga or fern (including clubmosses and other vascular-spore bearing plants) growth forms are present, but are constrained by rock or other hard substrates, such as cliff, talus, scree, cobble, lava, and rock flats. Vascular growth form structure is largely determined by the rock fissures, etc., and is typically less than 10% cover, with irregular horizontal spacing. Climates vary and are often less determinative than presence of open rock surface. Substrates are typically dry to moist, but occasionally wet (e.g., seepage cliffs) and typically lack soil development of any kind. Stands typically contain crustose lichen and/or sparse vascular vegetation.
Source: Faber-Langendoen, D., T. Keeler-Wolf, D. Meidinger, C. Josse, A. Weakley, D. Tart, G. Navarro, B. Hoagland, S. Ponomarenko, J.-P. Saucier, G. Fults, E. Helmer. 2014. Classification and description of world formation types. Part I (Introduction) and Part II (Description of world formations). Hierarchy Revisions Working Group, Federal Geographic Data Committee, FGDC Secretariat, U.S. Geological Survey. Reston, VA, and NatureServe, Arlington, VA.
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