Along the Gulf of Mexico, many different species of plants naturally occur on the dune system. Beach areas rich with many different species offer a diversity of plant sizes and forms and thus more opportunities for trapping sand. Dune plants are adapted to the harsh conditions of the beach such as temperature extremes, saltwater spray and soil (mostly sand) that is low in nutrients and moisture. Plants in the dune system trap sand, which stabilizes dunes and promotes dune formation.