Ecology & Distribution
Johnston's frankenia
grows on rangeland used for pastures in the South Texas Plains. In general
Jonston's frankenia is found on sparsely cultivated, rocky and redish in
color hillsides, or saline soils. The soils are usually clays with gypsum,
or saline flats. The palnts are usually associated with the Maverick soil
series. Johnston's frankenia is found along fences and farm market roads.
Johnston's frankenia is found in
Webb, Zapata, and Starr counties of south Texas, along the Mexico border.
The climate is hot and semi-arid with rain fall averages 20-21 inches per
year.
Johnston's frankenia thrives in
a saline scrub community. Its habitat is dominated by salt tolerant species
such as saladillo, seepweed, whorled dropseed and fourwing saltbrush. A
common predator is moth larvae.
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