A Postfire Chronosequence of Cone, Follicle and Seed Production in Banksia ornata

Abstract

The fire-sensitive shrub Banksia ornata relies on seed stored in serotinous 'cones' for its regeneration. Seed release takes place largely as a result of fire but a very small percentage of fruits may open spontaneously. In a chronosequence studied in heaths of the Little Desert of north-western Victoria, we found no seedling establishment in the absence of fire except in the oldest stand, dated at 50+ years since fire. Seed quantity was low in stands 6-7 years old but rose to a peak in the 38-year-old stand. The decline of seed quantity in the 50+ year-old stand was due to dieback and death of bushes. There was no evidence for an increase in the proportion of seeds predated with age of stand. An average of about 70% of the seed was regarded as 'intact' (no sign of damage) and about 80% of these seeds germinated under ideal laboratory conditions. It was estimated that the amount of seed available for regeneration increased with stand age up to 38 years but declined by 50+ years. It was suggested that a period of 16 years without fire could be needed to achieve stand replacement of populations of this species. The age at which full replacement can be achieved will vary, however, according to fire intensity and seasonal weather conditions. Further quantitative research is needed.