Post fire cambial activity of two evergreen sclerophyllous species in Greece

Summary Cambial activity of post fire resprouted stems of two evergreen sclerophylls ( Quercus coccifera and Olea europaea ssp. oleaster) is demonstrated. These resprouters, disregarding the severe climatic problems (particularly drought conditions) which inhibit all growth activities of the same species in the neighbouring unburned area, present increased cambial activity. The high cambial activity is indicated by a wide cambial zone in resprouters while cambial cells are difficult to discern in unburned neighbouring individuals. Besides, pith cells of the latter occupy abundant starch grains, but the absence of starch from resprouters pith cells is evident. This shifts the water problem of the mediterranean evergreen sclerophylls towards their overground part and gives an indication that these plants can at least withstand fire.