title: Smoke-induced germination of succulents (Mesembryanthemaceae) from fire-prone and fire-free habitats in South Africa.
abstract: Previous studies have shown germination to be stimulated by fire-related cues such as heat and charate extract and, more recently, plant-derived smoke extract. However, smoke extract has not been tested on non-fire-prone species. We hypothesized that smoke-induced germination would be restricted to fire-prone species and investigated responses of members of the family Mesembryanthemaceae which has genera confined to fire-prone and to non-fire-prone habitats as well as genera with species across both habitats. Results of germination trials of smoke effects did not support the hypothesis. Plant-derived smoke extract stimulated germination in both fire-prone and non-fire-prone species. These results cast some doubt on the ecological significance of smoke as a fire-related cue and we suggest that investigation of effects of fire-related cues on non-fire prone species may throw light on general mechanisms of germination.
authors.affiliation: Bolus Herbarium, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, 7700, Rondebosch, South Africa.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Pierce
authors.affiliation: Institute for Plant Conservation, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, 7700, Rondebosch, South Africa.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Esler
authors.affiliation: Institute for Plant Conservation, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, 7700, Rondebosch, South Africa.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Cowling
keywords: Fire; Germination; Mesembryanthemaceae; Seed; Smoke