The factual basis for three generally accepted concepts about desert vegetation is reviewed, and found wanting. The concepts must, at least, be strictly qualified. The concepts are: (1) net primary productivity is low; (2) desert perennial plants possess a fast-growing root system which produces a high root/shoot ratio, and (3) perennials tend to be distributed in a regular pattern, due to competition for moisture or allelopathic interactions. Areas for further research and documenta- tion are indicated.
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Michael G. Barbour (1973) studied this question.