FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii | Western Soapberry 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Little documentation exists on the effect of fire on western soapberry.
However, Simpson [32] reported that this species can spread through
underground rhizomes.  These underground regenerative portions of the
plant could presumably survive even if aboveground foliage is consumed
by fire.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Postfire response of western soapberry has not been documented.
Postfire sprouting from underground rhizomes may occur.  Western
soapberry produces an abundance of seed annually [29], and establishment
through off-site seed is also possible.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Bock and Bock [2] reported that prescribed fire is "difficult to manage
and potentially very destructive" in established riparian woodlands of
the Southwest.  These relatively rare and fragile areas provide
important food and cover for desert wildlife [30].  Because browse and
cover are often limited in these areas, burning is not generally
recommended [30].

Related categories for Species: Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii | Western Soapberry