Comparative Production of Larrea Divaricata Cav. on Three Geomorphic Surfaces in Southern New Mexico

Abstract

Net above—ground productivity was measured for 3 years on creosotebush (Larrea Divaricata Cav.) occuring on three different geomorphic surfaces. Rates of stem elongation, fruit production, flower production, and accumulation of secondary wood were ascertained for each of the geomorphic surfaces. Growth rates varied among plants of the different surfaces, but when the net production of stands were compared, rates for the surfaces were remarkably similar. Statistically significant differences were present in both growth and net productivity between years. Creosotebush seems to have a great capacity for adjusting to sites of broad ecological amplitude with no apparent effect upon its ability to fix energy.