Abstract
Summary Phenological studies concerning desert plants have been few especially in the case of phreato-phytic taxa. Here we report on a investigation of the seasonal progression of phenological characteristics on current season shoots of Prosopis glandulosa , a phreatophytic taxon found in the southern California deserts. Growth characteristics are divided into “Leaf pools” and “Flux Kates” and they are correlated with seasonal climatic conditions. Rate of growth functions were rapid and of short duration. Two growth periods occurred with several different structural and phenological characteristics based on the climatic conditions in which the shoots of each growth period were produced. Maximum leaf area was maintained on the Prosopis trees throughout the most stressful period of the year. Leaf abscission was abrupt occurring just before leaves of the next year’s growth were produced. Prosopis phenology was best correlated with water availability and moisture stress. Prosopis glandulosa in Southern California has an unusual phenological system in relation to other desert taxa which may reflect the general phenology of phreatophytic taxa. Research is continuing on Prosopis in a comparative manner with other phreatophytic species.
Published Version
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