FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Rubus discolor | Himalayan Blackberry 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
Blackberries are typically observed in greatest abundance following fire
or other types of disturbance.  The Himalayan blackberry is well adapted
to invade recently burned sites.  Most blackberries sprout vigorously
after fire [9].  Various regenerative structures located at or below the
ground surface enable this shrub to sprout, even when aboveground
foliage is totally consumed by fire.  Sprouting through rooting stem
nodes [32] is also likely if even portions of the aboveground stem
remain undamaged.

Most blackberries store seed in seedbanks.  Plants can readily reoccupy
recently burned sites through seed protected from the direct effects of
fire by overlying soil or duff.  Seed generally remains viable for long
periods of time [2] and germinates in abundance after disturbance.  The
relatively large, sweet, succulent fruits of blackberries amply reward
animal dispersers [16], and some postfire reestablishment through seed
transported from off-site is also probable.


POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY : 
   Tall shrub, adventitious-bud root crown
   Rhizomatous shrub, rhizome in soil
   Geophyte, growing points deep in soil
   Initial-offsite colonizer (off-site, initial community)
   Ground residual colonizer (on-site, initial community)

Related categories for Species: Rubus discolor | Himalayan Blackberry