FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Prosopis pubescens | Screwbean Mesquite 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
The underground regenerative structure of screwbean mesquite has not
been described.  Other mesquites of the American Southwest contain
numerous dormant buds on an underground stem [13,15].  In general, these
buds are sufficiently insulated to survive the heat of most fires.  

Riparian communities that have become dominated by saltcedar are highly
flammable.  One study of saltcedar stands along the lower Colorado River
found that of 25 stands surveyed, 21 had burned within the past 15 years
[42].  Although screwbean mesquite may survive these fires, it recovers
slowly and is quickly overgrown by the saltcedar.  With an increasing
frequency of fire, screwbean mesquite will eventually be replaced
[31,42].


POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Species: Prosopis pubescens | Screwbean Mesquite