Smoke-Induced Germination in Phacelia Strictaflora

Seedlings of Phacelia strictiflora A.L. de Jussieu (Hydrophyllaceae) germinate profusely after major fires in the Cross Timbers forest of Oklahoma and rarely at other times and places. Seed germination was greatly enhanced under laboratory conditions by exposure to a water suspension of smoke chemicals. This is the first report of smoke enhancement of germination in a native Oklahoma plant species. Many plant species grow abundantly after disturbances including fires, but smoke enhancement of germination allows P. strictiflora to grow abundantly after fires and only rarely after other kinds of disturbance.