Effects of traditional extractive management on the seedling recruitment dynamics of Comanthera elegantula (Eriocaulaceae) in Espinhaço mountain range, SE Brazil

Plant life in campo rupestre : New lessons from an ancient biodiversity hotspot

“…Given that uncontrolled fires and species overharvesting pose significant threats to endemic species of campo rupestre, a major challenge is to reconcile the insights of fire ecology, sustainable harvest of native species, and the needs of society. In this issue, Bedê et al (2018) and Souza et al (2018) evaluate the combined effects of harvesting and fire on seedling recruitment and population growth, respectively, for two native species harvested for commercial use. Bedê et al (2018) found that current extractive practices interfere with the recruitment dynamics in Comanthera elegantula, an everlasting species: an intermittent fire regime appears to favor seedling establishment and growth, while periodic fire episodes negatively impact the progression of seedling cohorts and the regrowth of the herbaceous cover.…”

“…In this issue, Bedê et al (2018) and Souza et al (2018) evaluate the combined effects of harvesting and fire on seedling recruitment and population growth, respectively, for two native species harvested for commercial use. Bedê et al (2018) found that current extractive practices interfere with the recruitment dynamics in Comanthera elegantula, an everlasting species: an intermittent fire regime appears to favor seedling establishment and growth, while periodic fire episodes negatively impact the progression of seedling cohorts and the regrowth of the herbaceous cover. Souza et al (2018) also show that synchronized flowering of Vellozia sincorana is triggered by fire; no flowers were recorded in the absence of recent fire.…”