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Sonoran Basin and Range

Ecoregion in Sonoran Desert in CA, Baja California, AZ, Sonora

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Similar in topography to the Mojave Basin and Range (14) to the north, this ecoregion contains scattered low mountains and has large tracts of federally owned lands, a large portion of which are used for military training. However, the Sonoran Basin and Range is slightly hotter than the Mojave and contains large areas of palo verde-cactus shrub and giant saguaro cactus, whereas the potential natural vegetation in the Mojave is largely creosote bush. Other typical Sonoran plants include white bursage, ocotillo, brittlebush, creosote bush, catclaw acacia, cholla, desert saltbush, pricklypear, ironwood, and mesquite. Winter rainfall decreases from west to east, while summer rainfall decreases from east to west. Aridisols and Entisols are dominant with hyperthermic soil temperatures and extremely aridic soil moisture regimes.

— EPA

Plants

Saguaro Carnegiea gigantea (species), “Arizona Giant Cactus”

Sonoran Basin and Range

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