The importance of Olneya tesota as a nurse plant in the Sonoran Desert

摘要: . The function of Olneya tesota (ironwood) as a nurse plant and habitat modifier species in the Sonoran Desert was evaluated at five study sites (using 75 250-m2 sample plots) from Bahia Kino, Sonora to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona. Beneath canopy O. trees perennial were found. A principal component ordination plots created three groups: southern, perturbed protected sites. strong triple association columnar cacti, big shrubs with berry type fruits detected. relationships Lophocereus schottii Peniocereus striatus studied more detail. Significant differences soil surface temperatures stem P. detected beneath shade compared soils plants open spaces. must be considered ecological conservational importance communities Desert.