In this virtual Coffee Break, SIA Botanist Dan Beckman, who just joined us after 12 years with Saguaro National Park, presents on the Rincon Mountains’ exceptionally rich and dynamic plant diversity. As with so many of our sky islands, the plants in the Rincons originate from distinct regional floras and overlap across wide elevation ranges and rugged terrain. Dan takes us on a virtual tour of eight different geographic zones of the Rincon Mountains that correlate with distinct floristic elements and unique species, showing how a single mountain range can be a microcosm of regional patterns. He also features historical records from the Rincons, many recent findings, and tons of photos of plants, habitats, and landscapes from his intensive field work. To understand the dynamic plant geography of the Rincons, he draws on over 100 years of research from botanists who have explored these questions in a local context. From low-lying subtropical desert scrub up to the highest forested peaks, he gives us a sense of all the magical habitats the Rincons have to offer.
Key Moments in Coffee Break
- 2:45 — Geographic overview of the Rincon Mountains
- 8:45 — History of floristic study
- 21:26 — Current floristic study
- 25:47 — Floristic tour begins, starting with El Rincón (the inner corner)
- 34:01 — Tanque Verde Ridgeline and Northside
- 44:30 — North Slope of Mica Mountain
- 56:52 — East Side of Rincon Peak
- 1:02:35 — South Side of Rincon Peak
- 1:04:48 — Colossal Cave Foothills
- 1:07:28 — Q&A
Enjoy this talk? Then check out this other SIA Coffee Break with University of Arizona Professor Jon Pelletier on
