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Flammable infructescences in Banksia : a fruit‐opening mechanism
Author(s) -
LAMONT BYRON B.,
COWLING RICHARD M.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
australian journal of ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1442-9993
pISSN - 0307-692X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-9993.1984.tb01366.x
Subject(s) - banksia , deciduous , botany , ecology , biology , woodland
There is a strong correlation between serotiny and persistent florets in the genus Banksia. Momentary application of flame is sufficient to ignite infructescences retaining a mantle of floral remnants and induce opening of most of the follicles. Prior removal of the florets or tests on species with deciduous florets resulted in no combustion and no follicle opening.