Notes on the fire ecology of Petrosedum Grulich and Sedum L. (Crassulaceae) in central continental Portugal

Abstract

The response of two species of Petrosedum Grulich and one species of Sedum L. (Crassulaceae) to fires that affected central continental Portugal in the summer of 2017 is described and discussed. The species studied, P. forsterianum (Sm.) Grulich, P. sediforme (Jacq.) Grulich, and S. album L., are all low-growing sub-shrublets with weak root systems, brittle stems and branches, and produce copious amounts of seeds. The distribution ranges of these three species overlap, at least to some degree, but they tend to occupy different niches across the ranges and habitats where they are found naturally. All three species tend to avoid fire by growing in places virtually devoid of vegetation. Notes are provided on the ecology of these, and other, species of Crassulaceae in Portugal.