Dynamics after fire of sclerophyllous plant communities in the mediterranean basin

Fire has significantly influenced the evolution of ecosystems throughout the Mediterranean Basin. Old concepts considered fire as a destructive force bringing vegetation back to an initial starting stage. By reviewing recent European works, it appears that all authors agree that fire does not really change both flora and structure of plant communities. Ecosystems tend to reach a state similar to the one existing before fire. Most plants of the Mediterranean vegetation possess strategies to withstand and survive fire.Trabaud Louis. Dynamics after fire of sclerophyllous plant communities in the mediterranean basin. In: Ecologia mediterranea, tome 13 n°4, 1987. Influence of fire on the stability of mediterranean forest ecosystems. Giens (France) 23-26/03/1987. pp. 25-37