FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Lycium torreyi | Torrey Wolfberry 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
Many perennial desert shrubs are not well adapted to fire [4], but some
may exhibit fire adaptive traits [16].  Generally, these traits are only
weakly developed [21].

Because most wolfberries sprout from the root crown after damage, and
Torrey wolfberry probably sprouts after fire [16,26].  However, it may
take many years for desert shrubs to regain their former densities on
burned sites [21].  The sprouting ability of pale wolfberry is most
likely dependent on fire severity.  Dense clumps of brush containing
Torrey wolfberry may be somewhat impervious to fire, as are clumps
containing Berlandier wolfberry (L. berlandieri) [2].

Wolfberry species seedling establishment was noted after a fire at a
Sonoran Desert site.  The seeds may have survived the fire in the soil
or on burned plants, or may have been dispersed from adjacent unburned
areas [21].


POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY : 
   Tall shrub, adventitious-bud root crown
   Secondary colonizer - off-site seed

Related categories for Species: Lycium torreyi | Torrey Wolfberry