Boerne Chapter

Boerne Chapter Meeting, Tuesday, January 7

Join us to learn more about what deciduous trees are doing in Central Texas. Our speaker, O. W. (“Bill”) Van Auken, Ph.D., is a Professor Emeritus in Integrative Biology at the UTSA College of Sciences. He holds a Ph.d. in Physiology, and M.S. in Zoology, both from the University of Utah, and a B.S. in Biology from High Point College. Since 1969 he has lived and worked in Central Texas as a Researcher and Professor in the fields of plant ecology and biology. His research interests include physiological plant ecology and woody plants. His impact on conservation and natural resources extends throughout the region and beyond. 

Dr. Van Auken will be discussing the state of deciduous trees and other woody plants within the Edwards Plateau region and the pressures they face.

The meeting will start with a social time at 6:00pm, at Hunke Gathering Hall at Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road, Boerne. Announcements will begin at 6:45pm, followed by the presentation. For the social time, please bring any snacks/appetizers/desserts that you would like to share.

About the Region

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This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason