Fire adaptations in Plants.

Fire-adapted plant species are species of plants that have, over time, developed traits that help to keep them safe from too much harm in fires.  Some plants seem to have adapted well to fires but what are seen as adaptations are actually exaptations.  Exaptations are characteristics that developed over time to make an organism more physically fit for a particular environment but end up being beneficial in a fire.  A couple of fire adaptations are listed below.

-Fire-activated seeds:  Some seeds need fire to allow them to sprout.  The lodgepole pine, Eucalyptus, and Banksia have cones that are completely sealed with resin and the heat of the fire melts the resin, releasing the seeds protected within.

-Thermal insulation:  I like this one.  Some plants create a thick layer of bark that allows them to survive a fire.  Larches and giant sequoias have very thick bark that can be directly burned without allowing harm to come to the vital parts of the tree.  The Australian grass tree and South African aloes keep dense, dead leaves around their stems to protect against fire.