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. 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. [ ] This difference in vegetative communities is driven by the toxic mineral composition of the serpentine bedrock that has weathered into the soil.

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

Evolution and soil edaphism:

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