sandvegetation

Sandvegetation refers to plant communities that grow on sandy substrates where drainage is rapid, nutrients are limited, and sand movement continually reshapes the surface. These communities occur most prominently in coastal dune systems and inland sand plains or deserts. Plants in sandvegetation must cope with wind-blown sand, drought, high temperatures, and, in some regions, salinity or alkalinity.

Adaptations common to sandvegetation include extensive or deep root systems for stabilization and water uptake, low nutrient requirements, and the ability to colonize disturbed, shifting substrates. Many species exhibit rapid germination after burial, clonal growth, and morphological traits that reduce water loss or protect tissues, such as reduced leaf area, pubescence, waxy cuticles, succulence, or spines. Some are salt-tolerant or capable of thriving with burial by sand.

Ecological role is central to coastal and desert dynamics. Sandvegetation stabilizes substrates, slows dune migration, and promotes ecological succession by trapping organic matter and creating microhabitats for invertebrates and vertebrates. Vegetation also influences local hydrology and nutrient cycling by enhancing moisture retention and soil formation in sandy areas.

Typical components vary by region. Coastal dunes are often dominated by grasses such as marram grass (Ammophila arenaria) and sea oats (Uniola paniculata), which bind sand with rhizomes. Inland or desert dunes host a mix of shrubs and grasses adapted to dryness, including Atriplex spp. (saltbush), Salsola spp., Spinifex or Triodia spp. (spinifex grasses in some regions), Calamagrostis or Calamovilfa longifolia, and other regionally endemic species.

Threats include habitat disturbance from development, off-road vehicles, and invasive plants. Conservation and restoration efforts focus on reestablishing native sandvegetation to stabilize dunes, reduce erosion, and support associated wildlife.