Fire and Senescent Fynbos in the Swartberg, Southern Cape

Abstract

ABSTRACT Some consequences of long intervals between fires were studied in fynbos of the Swartberg Mountains. Results showed that foliage projective cover was less patchy and mostly denser in mature than in senescent regrowth. Proteaceae seedling regeneration was significantly reduced in old stands, but the ratio of seedlings to adults was similar in mature and old veld. Proteaceae seedlings were more common after the autumn than the spring burn. Non-Proteaceous dicot seedlings were significantly fewer in regenerating senescent veld. Some consequences of long intervals between fires and features of dispersal in fynbos are discussed.

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DOI

10.1080/00382167.1980.9629837

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