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RESEARCH PRODUCT

On the pyrophytism in the Mediterranean area

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Authors briefly present some observations and reflections on the “seeding strategy” of some plant species (Cistus spp., Cistaceae, in particular) in the Mediterranean area in relation to fire: they conclude it does not seem a specific adaptation to wildfires (as suggested in a relevant part of the recent literature), but a generalistic adaptation to open, high energy and variable habitats with aleatory fluctuations. The difference is important both for theoretical and applied aspects, e.g. for the correct management of Cistus species and of other Mediterranean species and habitats. Fire is undoubtedly a major ecological factor in the Mediterranean area. Many botanists have postulated the relevant role of fire in the evolution of Mediterranean vegetation and flora, beginning with the milestone papers of Le Houerou (1973) and Naveh (1975) and up to the most recent works (e.g. Keeley et al., 2011; Pausas and Schwilk, 2012). Consequently, pyrophytism (or adaptation of plants to wildfires) in Mediterranean vegetation and flora has been the subject of many studies and papers, with many consequences also