seedfire

Seedfire is a term used in ecology and related fields to describe the relationship between seeds and fire, especially how fire events influence seed dormancy, germination, and post-fire regeneration. The term is not standardized and may appear in different sources with varying emphasis, ranging from scientific discussions to more general or metaphorical uses.

In fire-prone ecosystems, many seeds respond to fire cues such as heat or smoke. Heat can break seed dormancy in some species, while smoke contains chemical signals that stimulate germination in a broad range of taxa. Seeds may persist in soil as part of a seed bank and arise after a fire, taking advantage of reduced competition and increased resource availability. Fire-adapted traits include protective seed coats, serotiny (seed release triggered by fire), and synchronized germination with post-fire conditions. Fire regimes, including frequency, intensity, and seasonality, strongly influence seed survival and plant community composition.

The concept intersects with related ideas such as serotiny and pyrophily and is relevant to habitat restoration and management. In restoration practice, prescribed burns can be used to activate seed banks and promote regeneration of native species in fire-adapted ecosystems.

Outside of scientific usage, seedfire may appear in fiction, journalism, or branding as a metaphor or project name. Because there is no single, universally accepted definition, the term’s precise meaning depends on the source. See also pyrophily, serotiny, smoke-induced germination.