FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Cupressus goveniana | Gowen Cypress 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Most fires probably kill Gowen cypress.  Cypress thickets are conducive
to crown fires, which kill most trees.  Some trees survive when fires
are patchy [26].  Large trees could probably survive surface fires.

Cones of the California cypress species open as the resin melts and
boils.  Rapid charring of the thick cone scales extinguishes the flames,
leaving seeds unburned [1].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Gowen cypress trees release large quantities of seed after fire [27].
Both subspecies produce dense thickets after fire [26].  The Huckleberry
Hill grove of Gowen cypress (Cupressus goveniana ssp. goveniana) in
Monterey County was reduced from over 100 acres (40 ha) to only a few
hectares by a 1901 fire.  By 1948, the grove had almost returned to its
prefire size [26].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Fires occurring too frequently in Gowen cypress groves may destroy them,
as reproduction could be eliminated before it has a chance to produce
cones.  Conversely, fire suppression could threaten the species [1].

Related categories for Species: Cupressus goveniana | Gowen Cypress