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Re:Fire/Germination

> Hello: This may not be the same as a forest fire to promote germination of
> certain seeds but.... It's recommended that you put seeds of perennial
> Romneya on a flat of soil, cover with a layer of pine needles and set the
> needles on fire. I've never done this, don't know how thick the layer is,
> etc. Carolyn
>
Burning Pine Needles:
We believe (but are not sure) that this is not so much for the heat as for
the chemical compounds produced by the burning pine needles.  We currently
have Romneya planted in a mixture of leaf mold compost in which we mixed
burned pine needles--we'll post with our results.....should we have any. ;-
)

In regard to the 'smoke from Africa' post:
We've heard of similar research, and have seen filter type paper offered
that has been impregnated with the chemical compounds that are needed for
germination of seeds that have special requirements (GA-3, etc).  The
intent is to sow the seeds on the paper, moisten, and you're all set.  We
will try to locate the source for this and post the info.

Although many species do need the 'chemistry' produced by a fire, there are
some species, (e.g. within Pinus) that do need very high temps (like 500
degrees F) to pop open the pine cones.  Genetically engineered (by nature)
not to germinate until the old forest has been cleared by a fire. This
would give the new seedlings ready access to light and nutrients, and no
competition.

Finally;
Chimaphylla maculata (Spotted Wintergreen) is a native of the Northeast
that requires 'a light brush fire' to germinate.  We assume, that the
degree of the fire required is usually determined by the available tinder
in the area of the plant.  Our naturalized patches of Chimaphylla maculata
are located amongst small tufts of brush, and seedling trees--nothing so
large as to create a roaring forest fire, but perhaps just enough to
promote the ideal conditions (chemistry?) to germinate.

Bill & Harvey
SKID Plants, CT
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