Abstract for S02
Tropical Open Rock Vegetation [does not occur in Canada]
Végétation sur roc de la zone tropicale [absente du Canada]
Tropical Open Rock Vegetation is found on rocky habitats (such as cliffs, talus, scree, pavement, cobbles, lava, or boulderfields) in the tropical regional around the globe. Stands typically contain a covering of crustose lichens and/or sparse covering of vascular plants. Vascular and nonvascular plant cover, especially bryophytes, lichens, algae, or ferns, is >1%; vascular plant cover, including bromeliad growth forms, largely determined by the rock fissures and typically <10%, with irregular horizontal spacing. Stable rock surfaces (e.g., outcrops) prevent vascular plant roots from penetrating, and their presence is largely determined by the rock fissures. On unstable rocky surfaces (e.g., talus), the presence of vascular plants is largely determined by a degree of permanence. Vascular woody growth forms of either evergreen broad-leaved or drought deciduous woody plants, including lianas, may be present. Tropical climates, where daily temperate changes are greater than the seasonal changes, are various and often less determinative than presence of open rock surfaces. Substrates are typically dry to moist, but occasionally wet, and typically lack soil development of any kind.
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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