| Abstract | Political boundaries frequently define local floras. This floristic project takes a geological approach inspired by Dalea reverchonii (Comanche Peak Prairie Clover), which is endemic to glades of the Walnut Formation. The Cretaceous Walnut Formation (Comanchean) lies on the drier western edge of the Fort Worth Prairie in North Central Texas. Its shallow limestone soils, formed from alternating layers of hard limestone and clayey marl, support a wide variety of habitats. Glades of barren limestone typically appear on ridgetops, grassland savannas form on eroding hillslopes, and seeps support a variety of hyperseasonal vegetation. Vouchers were collected from January 2010 to December 2011 resulting in 79 families 268 genera 423 species and 437 taxa. The largest families being the Poaceae, Asteraceae, and Fabaceae. Results indicate floristic affinities to Limestone Cedar Glades of the Southeastern United States and to calcareous Apacherian Savannas of Southwestern North America. |
