The phytosociological measurement of Giant Saguaro
Burgess RL. 1961. The phytosociological measurement of Giant Saguaro. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America. 42(4):157
The giant cactus (Cereus giganteus Eng elm.) of the Arizona deserts presents several interesting problems to the plant ecologists. Due to the somewhat unique growth form (Lack of any crown) and the general low densities at which it is found , many of the standard phytosociological tecnhiques such as quadrats, transects, and intercepts are inapplicable. In addition, neither height, DBH, nor basal area correlate with either weight or volume, tending to complicate any measure of Saguaro importance in desert stands. Studies in central Arizona indicate that the quarter method, used only on Saguaro, is the most accurate means of obtaining density values for the species. Because of the usual low density, frequency is also low, although no efficient means of measuring this character has yet been found. An arbitrary index of Saguaro dominance has been developed, however, which correlates well with fresh weight, dry weight, and volume of the aerial portions of the plant.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Burgess, Robert
- Units
- SODN
- Keywords
- Inventory and Monitoring (I&M), Plant Communities, Plant Studies