FIRE ECOLOGY
SPECIES: Cupressus goveniana | Gowen Cypress 



FIRE ECOLOGY OR ADAPTATIONS : 
Gowen cypress is a fire-adapted, fire-dependent species [13,26].  It has
slightly fire-resistant bark and serotinous cones.  Its low branching
habit makes it susceptible to crown fires [1,26].  The serotinous cones
of the California cypress species persist on trees for years [13,28].
Cone opening is erratic and almost negligible except when cones are
exposed to extreme heat; then it is rapid and uniform [16,28].  When
opened by the heat of a fire, the seeds fall on exposed mineral soil
[13,27].  Most seed falls in the first few months following fire [28].
Fires that occur in late summer and fall and are followed by winter
rains ensure seed dissemination on bare mineral substrates and moist
conditions for germination [26].  Successful cypress reproduction is
generally restricted to burned sites [26].  No information was available
on fire-free intervals for communities dominated by Gowen cypress.
Tecate cypress (Cupressus guadalupenis var. forbesii), however, a
cypress found in southern California, has an average interval between
fires of 25 years, ranging from 15 to 63 years [1,26].  Cypress trees of
southern California generally reach cone-bearing age before another fire
occurs [26].


POSTFIRE REGENERATION STRATEGY : 
   Tree without adventitious-bud root crown
   Crown residual colonizer (on-site, initial community)
   Initial-offsite colonizer (off-site, initial community)

Related categories for Species: Cupressus goveniana | Gowen Cypress