Articles
Fire-stimulated flowering among South African geophytes: implications for biodiversity in a changing climate
Article number
1429_47
Pages
387 – 394
Language
English
Abstract
Wildfires occur in many vegetation habitats within peri-urban peripheral areas, often with devastating consequences.
However, a new cycle of initiated flowering and regenerative growth of selected geophytes has been established.
Prolific and vibrant displays of flowering geophytes inhabiting different seasonal rainfall regions of South Africa have been documented. Cyrtanthus ventricosus is triggered to flower in as little as seven to nine days, whereas many others, such as Amaryllis belladonna, Kniphofia uvaria, and Watsonia species, flower en masse within an extended post-fire period.
Geophytic flowering is most prevalent in the first flowering period following a fire, with a rapid decline in the latter seasonal phases.
Certain species remain dormant for several years and rely solely on fire stimulation for long-term survival.
There is limited knowledge and comprehension of how fire-associated factors initiate geophytic flowering mechanisms and their distinctive role in preserving species richness and biodiversity, ecotourism, and the survival and well-being of natural above- and below-ground ecosystems.
This paper highlights the predominance of fire-stimulated flowering responses, challenges, and prospects among South African geophytes for future naturalistic planting.
A changing climate may present horticultural opportunities and raise awareness of plant-environment relationships, translating into enhanced efforts for botanically endangered, rare, and underutilised geophytic species.
However, a new cycle of initiated flowering and regenerative growth of selected geophytes has been established.
Prolific and vibrant displays of flowering geophytes inhabiting different seasonal rainfall regions of South Africa have been documented. Cyrtanthus ventricosus is triggered to flower in as little as seven to nine days, whereas many others, such as Amaryllis belladonna, Kniphofia uvaria, and Watsonia species, flower en masse within an extended post-fire period.
Geophytic flowering is most prevalent in the first flowering period following a fire, with a rapid decline in the latter seasonal phases.
Certain species remain dormant for several years and rely solely on fire stimulation for long-term survival.
There is limited knowledge and comprehension of how fire-associated factors initiate geophytic flowering mechanisms and their distinctive role in preserving species richness and biodiversity, ecotourism, and the survival and well-being of natural above- and below-ground ecosystems.
This paper highlights the predominance of fire-stimulated flowering responses, challenges, and prospects among South African geophytes for future naturalistic planting.
A changing climate may present horticultural opportunities and raise awareness of plant-environment relationships, translating into enhanced efforts for botanically endangered, rare, and underutilised geophytic species.
Authors
C.M. Wilmot, M.O. Jimoh, C.P. Laubscher
Keywords
biodiversity, flowering fitness, fire, fynbos, geophyte, recruitment
Online Articles (57)