Serpentine Barrens

Serpentine Barrens are unique ecoregions that can be found globally, in patchy/small pockets of land with serpentine bedrock and soil. The term "serpentine barren" generally refers to a serpentine outcrop and its distinct associated vegetation. These habitats are notable for their distinct vegetation with high rates of endemism. The difference in vegetative communities is the product of chemical, physical, and biotic edaphic factors but is primarily driven by the toxic chemical composition of the serpentine bedrock that has weathered into an ultra-mafic soil. These systems are used to study edaphic endemism and the speciation of plant species. [ ] They are also used as analogs in restoration ecology because of the heavy metal content in the soil.

Soil formation: sea rock uplifted to crust. Ultra Mafic.

Evolution and soil edaphism: Vegetative communities growing in serpentine barrens differ from surrounding areas by having a notably distinct physiognomy and community structure, low species richness, a dominance of specific taxa, a predominance of xerophytic species, low productivity, the co-existence of high and low ph-tolerant species, and high rates of endemism.

East Coast Serpentine Barrens: Add map of barrens. Briefly describe history + formation

Flora: Photos reel of plants. Plant list.

Threats and Restoration Efforts: Invasive species, hydrology, fire

Bioremediation: proxy for restoration ecology bc of high metal content