Vernal Pools |
Vernal pools, also called ephemeral pools, are temporary pools of water. They are usually devoid of fish, and thus allow the safe development of natal amphibian and insect species. Certain tropical fish lineages (such as killifishes) have adapted to this habitat specifically, however.
In vernal pools, flowering occurs simultaneously because of the seasonality of favorable conditions. Vernal pools are home to many endemic species because of the unique environmental niches created by acidity and salinity gradients.
Different species are suited to different moisture levels, and as water evaporates from the edges of a pool, rings of flowers blossom around it. The color patterns change as the wet season wears on. The rings may form swirls and layers, with the green of new grass surrounding the whole pattern.
Flora commonly found at vernal pools include Downingia and lupine species, yellow pansies, several sweet-scented clovers, a variety of goldfields, button parsleys, yellow and bright lavender monkeyflowers, star lilies, yarrow, and endangered grasses such as Solano grass. From Wikipedia
|
|
Vernal Pool and Vegetated Swales - By Back To Nature
|
|
Restoration of a Vernal Pool - By Back To Nature
|
|
|
|
|
|
