Impact of Fire Exclusion and Invasion of Schinus Terebinthifolius on Limestone Rockland Pine Forests
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Material Information

Title:
Impact of Fire Exclusion and Invasion of Schinus Terebinthifolius on Limestone Rockland Pine Forests Report T-645
Creator:
South Florida Natural Resources Center/South Florida Research Center, Everglades National Park
Lloyd L. Loope
Vicki L. Dunevitz
Place of Publication:
Homestead
Florida
Publisher:
National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior
Publication Date:

Notes

Abstract:
Exclusion of fire from stands of Pinus elliottii var. densa on limestone substrates of Dade County in southeastern Florida, results in shading of the understory by native tropical hardwood tree species and eventual elimination of a rich herbaceous, lightrequiring understory flora, including endemic andlor very rare species. The exotic tree Schinus terebinthifolius has eltensively invaded most remaining rockland pine forests outside Everglades National Park. Once saplings of the invading Schinus reach 1 m in height, most are able to survive fire. Aided by rapid recovery from fire, Schinus comes to dominate the understory of the stand- and hastens the shading out of the herbaceous flora. Prescribed burning of pine stands at 5-year intervals within Everglades National Park has apparently largely prevented establishment of Schinus there. Eventual equirements for pine regeneration as the stands approach maturity may result in application of less frequent, more severe prescribed fires. If such a regime results in the expected accelerated Schinus invasion, use of herbicides on Schinus may be necessary to maintain the native pineland ecosystem. ( English )

Record Information

Source Institution:
Florida International University
Holding Location:
South Florida Natural Resource Center
Rights Management:
Please contact the owning institution for licensing and permissions. It is the user's responsibility to ensure use does not violate any third party rights.
Resource Identifier:
I 29.95:T-645 ( sudoc )