The Vegetation of South Padre Island, Texas in Relation to Topography

Authors

Frank W. Judd, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Robert I. Lonard, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Sammie L. Sides, Pan American University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1977

Abstract

Vegetation patterns were studied in relation to topography to ascertain the degree of phytosociological change and to provide an inventory of the vegetation of South Padre Island. Six major terrestrial topographic zones were recognized: (1) Foreshore, (2) Backshore, (3) Primary dunes, (4) Secondary dunes and vegetated flats, (5) Tidal flats, and (6) Washovers. The flora includes at least 204 species of angiosperms representing 47 families. Five families, Compositae (26), Cyperaceae (10), Gramineae (46), Leguminosae (24), and Scrophulariaceae (8), account for 55.9% of the species diversity. The vegetation occurs in distinct zones that correspond closely to topographic facets. Comparison of three trans-island transects showed that Schizachyrium scroparium was dominant on all three transects and the only important species which occurred on all three transects. Real estate "developments" have produced major changes and development is continuing. Thus, the natural habitat of South Padre Island may rapidly disappear.

Comments

The Southwestern Naturalist © 1977 Southwestern Association of Naturalists

Recommended Citation

Judd, Frank W., R. I. Lonard, and S. L. Sides. “The Vegetation of South Padre Island, Texas in Relation to Topography.” The Southwestern Naturalist 22, no. 1 (1977): 31–48. https://doi.org/10.2307/3670462

Publication Title

The Southwestern Naturalist

DOI

10.2307/3670462