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Restoring the ground layer of longleaf pine ecosystems

Informally Refereed

Abstract

The longleaf pine ecosystem includes some of the most species-rich plant communities outside of the tropics, and most of that diversity resides in the ground layer vegetation. In addition to harboring many locally endemic and otherwise rare plant species (Peet this volume) and enhancing habitat for the resident fauna (Costa and DeLotelle this volume), the ground layer vegetation produces fine fuel needed to carry low-intensity surface fires that perpetuate the ecosystem. Ecosystem restoration requires the restoration of both the ground layer plant community and the pine canopy.

Keywords

ground layer, longleaf pine, Pinus palustris, restoration

Citation

Walker, Joan L.; Silletti, Andrea M. 2006. Restoring the ground layer of longleaf pine ecosystems. In: Shibu, Jose; Jokela, Eric J.; Miller, Deborah L., eds. The longleaf pine ecosystem: Ecology, silviculture, and restoration. New York, NY: Springer: 297-325.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/47079