Flammability of native understory species in pine flatwood and hardwood hammock ecosystems and implications for the wildland–urban interface

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Contents Vol 13(3)

doi:10.1071/WF03075

Flammability of native understory species in pine flatwood and hardwood hammock ecosystems and implications for the wildland–urban interface

Anna L. Behm ^A, Mary L. Duryea ^B ^D, Alan J. Long ^A, Wayne C. Zipperer ^C

^A School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, PO Box 110410, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA. Telephone: +1 352 846 0120; fax: +1 352 846 1277
^B Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 110200, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
^C Southern Center for Wildland–Urban Interface Research and Information, USDA Forest Service, 408 W. University Ave (Suite 306), Gainesville, FL 32601, USA. Telephone: +1 352 376 4576; fax: +1 352 376 4536
^D Corresponding author. Telephone: +1 352 392 1784; fax: +1 352 392 4965; email: mlduryea@ufl.edu





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International Journal of Wildland Fire 13(3) 355–365 http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/WF03075
Submitted: 10 November 2003 Accepted: 1 July 2004 Published online: 16 November 2004

Abstract

Six understory species from five pine flatwood sites and six understory species from five hardwood hammock sites were harvested for biomass analyses to compare potential flammability between two ecosystems in the south-eastern coastal plain of the United States. Plant components were separated into live and dead foliage, accumulated litter on and under the plant, and small and large stems. Foliar biomass was further analysed for moisture content, volatile solid content, and energy content. Statistical analyses revealed differences among species and between ecosystems. Serenoa repens plants present a wildfire hazard because they contain greater biomass than other species studied. Ilex glabra and Lyonia ferruginea are also hazardous to wildland–urban interface (WUI) structures because they have greater foliar energy content than other species studied. Callicarpa americana plants present the least wildfire hazard to WUI structures. We conclude that differences in flammability among species exist, but the causes of flammability are different among species. In addition, species in the same genus do not always have the same flammability. Based on measured characteristics, understory plants in pine flatwoods have greater ignitability, sustainability and combustibility than understory plants in hardwood hammocks. However, the measurements for consumability were similar between ecosystems.

Keywords: Callicarpa americana; energy content; firewise landscaping; Gaylussacia dumosa; Ilex glabra; Ilex opaca; Lyonia ferruginea; Myrica cerifera; Quercus nigra; Serenoa repens; Vaccinium arboreum; Vaccinium myrsinites; wildland–urban interface.