Riparian
RIPARIAN ECOSYSTEM by Gr. 9
The riparian ecosystem plays a huge role in maintaining freshwater habitats and ecosystems. A riparian zone includes many species of plants that are considered “hydrophilic” which basically mean they are waterlogged plants. They can withstand huge amounts of water and continue to grow while being completely surrounded by standing and or flowing water.
In some San Diegan riparian habitats plants such as:
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) [summer wildflower]
False Solomons’ Seal (Smilacina racemosa)
Flowering Raspberry (Rubus odoratus)[summer wildflower]
Fox Grape (Vitis labrusca)[vine]
Groundnut (Apios americana)[summer wildflower/vine]
Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) [tree]
All of the above help contribute to creating what we consider a riparian ecosystem. However in San Diego more than 1,000 acres of land were destroyed in order to speed up the progression of flowing water in streams. Riparian ecosystems are known for their wide root system which hold soil in place. This slows the rate of erosion and water flow down greatly.
This is the Botanical Garden replica of a Native American home made of local plant materials.