NOWHERE TO RUN:

Plants have a distinct disadvantage, compared to animals, in the face of fires. Plants are unable to run, fly, creep or crawl out of a fire's path. Plants have adapted other methods to survive

Individual plants have adaptationsto ensure their survival through a fire.

• l. Bark itself is very thick

To survive a fire, a plant wildland fire must be able to insulate itself from the heat of the flames. Bark thickness is the most important factor determining fire resistance of trees. Ponderosa pine, longleaf pine, slash pine, loblolly pine and giant sequoia are examples oftrees with thick bark that acts as insulation from forest fires.

• 2. Size itself: larger more likely to survive.. why?
• 3. Ability for sprouts or epicormic buds
• 4. Serotinous cones & germination dependent on fire

Retention of seeds by plants and stimulation of seed dispersal by fire are other examples of fire-adaptive strategies. A number of pine species have pine cones that open only after a fire. These cones are said to be serotinous (pronounced sir-ot-in-ous). Jack pines have cones that are held closed by a resin that is sensitive to high temperatures.These cones will not open to release their seeds until the critical temperature is reached.Lodgepole pine cones (a western U.S. variety of tree) vary from serotinous to free-opening. When these trees grow in areas subject to frequent fires, the cones are serotinous. However, if this species grows in areas where fire is less frequent, the cones open and release their seeds more frequently without fire.

• 5. Flowering clued to time of most likely fire events
• 6. Production of light, dry litter with loads of volatile compounds- eucalyptus: see ecosystems for other US examples.

Oak leaf litter affects the likelihood of fire and increase fire intensity . Oak leaves crinkle up when they dry and are therefore held above the ground surface creating a loose, porous fuel bed that carries fire easily . In contrast, leaves of locust (Robinia spp.), maple, and elm lie flat, stay damp, and do not burn well .Oak leaf litter is easily carried by wind; burning leaves can ignite spot fires and increase fire spread. Dead leaves of black oak often remain on the tree, creating deep layers of dry fuels in young stands

• 7. Buds, new growth protected

Some plants protect their buds as an adaptive strategy to survive a fire. Buds can be protected by layers of succulent, nonflammable foliage. Longleaf pine exemplifies this adaptive strategy. The buds of the longleaf pine are protected by a thick cluster of needles.Some plants even protect their buds by locating them within the main stem and roots. A few popular tree species possess this trait.

• 8.Small woody plants and shrubs normally have thin bark. These plants use the soil as an insulating layer to protect themselves. Individual plants resist being killed in fires by producing new growth (shoots) from underground organs or roots.