Eco Photo 1

This photo was taken Sunday January 21, 2018 on the South End of Wrightsville Beach. Coastal sand dunes play an important part in the ecology for North Carolina’s coast. The dunes help protect the coastal environment from wind and waves which cause erosion. They also help support life. I think the plant pictured is Uniola paniculata due to the PDF referenced. Sea oats, Uniola paniculata, play a huge role in the stabilization of coastal sand dunes. They have large root systems helping them retain water while securing sand dunes in place. Sea oats help trap more sand on the dune which stimulate its growth. The sand dunes create a niche for the sea oats by providing the conditions and resources needed for growth. The relationship between the sand dunes and the organism also help the surrounding environment by increasing protection from erosion.

 

Shadow, R. A. 2007.. Plant fact sheet for Sea oats (Uniola paniculata L. Published October, 2007 . USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, East Texas Plant Material Center, Nacogdoches, TX 75964. plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_unpa.pdf

 

 

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