Rock rose
Helianthemum nummularium
Family: Cistaceae
Fire effect on plant
The direct effect of fire on rock rose is not described in the literature, but it is likely top killed by fire.
Key traits
Prostrate dwarf shrub that forms a dense mat from a central rootstock that exhibits clonal growth (vegetative) and sexual reproduction via seeds (Poschlod et al. 2011). Belowground stems have adventitious roots (Poschlod et al. 2011). The hard seed coat requires scarification to trigger germination and is stimulated by heat (Poschlod et al. 2011) but not smoke (Martinez-Baniela 2016) seed germination. Seed dispersal distances are generally short (<1 m), but can be increased by animals (Milotić et al. 2017)
Plant response to fire
Regeneration from seed appears to be especially enhanced by burning (Poschlod et al. 2011). Seeds are known to germinate naturally in autumn, but burning in spring appears to be able to break seed dormancy (Poschlod et al. 2011). Regrowth is also possible from adventitious roots but is not described in the literature.
Timing of life history
Perennial. Seeds likely produced from second growing season. Flowering May to September.
Conservation status
None.
References
Martinez-Baniela, M., Carlon, L., Diaz, T.E., Bueno, A., Fernadnez-Pascual, E. 2016. Plant-derived smoke and temperature effects on seed germination of five Helianthemum (Cistaceae). Flora 223: 56-61. [Empirical evidence; Academic literature]
Milotić, T., Suyoto, H.N., Provoost, S. et al., 2017. Herbivore-induced expansion of Helianthemum nummularium in grassland–scrub mosaic vegetation: circumstantial evidence for zoochory and indirect grazing impact. Plant Ecology 218: 867–884 [Empirical evidence; Academic literature]
Poschlod, P., Hoffmann, J., Bernhardt-Romermann, 2011. Effect of grassland management on the age and reproduction structure of Helianthemum nummularium and Lotus cornicalatus populations. Preslia 83: 421-435 [Empirical evidence; Academic literature]