MINERAL COMPOSITION OF NATIVE WOODY PLANTS GROWING ON A SERPENTINE SOIL IN CALIFORNIA

Abstract

Using optical emission spectrography, we analyzed leaves of five native plant species (Adenostoma fasciculatum, Arctostaphylos viscida, Cupressus macnabiana, Cupressus sargentii, and Quercus durata) for mineral elements. There were 112 plants in all. In these plants, which are reasonably adapted to serpentine soil conditions, the calcium:magnesium ratios were normal in contrast to plants not adapted to such soil conditions. The nickel concentrations in the leaves were low for serpentine soil conditions, and there was no tendency for accumulation of chromium or cobalt. Strontium varied, as did calcium.