FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Arbutus texana | Texas Madrone 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
Texas madrone occurs in a variety of riparian woodland communities which
burn infrequently.  In many areas, the narrow canyon forest contrast
strikingly with adjacent desert grassland or shrubland communities [5].
Evidence suggests that recurrent fires in the much drier desert
grassland types may have eliminated invading shrubs and trees [13].

Texas madrone also grows in moist forest communities of the Chisos
Mountains of Texas in which fire-scarred trees are commonly observed
[8].  The presence of both seedlings and mature (2 to 6 inch d.b.h.
[5-15 cm]) individuals in these stands suggest that this species may
possess attributes which permit survival in fire-prone environments.

Limited establishment may occur on favorable sites from bird-dispersed
seed originating on adjacent unburned sites.  Postfire sprouting has not
been documented, although stump-sprouting has been reported after
mechanical removal [31].


POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY : 
   off-site colonizer; seed carried by animals or water; postfire yr 1&2

Related categories for Species: Arbutus texana | Texas Madrone