Abstract
Indicates the distribution of open forests in Australia, and examines the fire-adaptive traits of plants in these dry sclerophyll forests, whereby plants survive intense burning and recover rapidly. Various post-fire regenerative strategies are considered: from seed residual in the soil or released from plants; from vegetative regrowth; and from a combination of these. Pyric succession is related to the fire regime and to a number of growth factors. Effects on the fauna are considered, with notes on animal behaviour, post-fire population decline and subsequent recovery.-