Distributional associates of the saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea)
Hutto RL, McAuliffe JR, Hogan L. 1986. Distributional associates of the saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea). The Southwestern Naturalist. 31(4):469-476
The distribution patterns of saguaros at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument were studied with respect to location of the cacti in the open or under other perennial plants. Saguaros were found much more often closely associated with plants offering shelter to seedlings, although not all "host" plants were equally used. The shelter of mesquite and palo verde was preferred, and that of creosote used less often than might be expected. The distribution of saguaro seeds in relation to distance from the center of the nurse plants was found to decrease with distance out, perhaps resulting from unequal predation on the seeds, or uneven dispersal. The seed gradient may be an important influence on distribution of adult saguaros. Bibliography, 1 figure, 3 tables.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Hutto, Richard; McAuliffe, Joseph; Hogan, Lynee
- Units
- ORPI
- Keywords
- Botany, Columnar Cacti (Cactaceae), Distribution, Plants, Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea), Seeds, Sonoran Desert