Introduction: Geology and Plants
As a geologist, I am fascinated by geological influences on plant diversity and boundaries between species.
An excellent illustration of a substrate - plant relationship. Serpentine sandwort (Minuartia marcescens) is a serpentine endemic plant seen here growing on serpentinized, weathered, mantle dunite rock that is exposed on the land surface. The bulk chemistry of the serpentinite rock is poisonous to many plants; yet, Minuartia marcescens is one of the specially adapted plant species that is capable of growing, and thriving, on this harsh, geological substrate. Photo composed by Andy Fyon at the Tablelands, Gros Morne National Park, island of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador, June 17, 2011.
Climate strongly influences distribution patterns of most, if not all, plants and other biota. Within a climatic region, plant distributions often reflect differences in the local geological history, topography, and substrate, which together create different habitats. In this section, I provide some examples that illustrate the influence of geological substrate on the distribution of various plant species.
But, I add this caution. Trying to identify specific substrate - plant relationships is challenging because geology is only one determinant.
Enjoy.