Reduction in basal area increment of Eucalyptus obliqua following crown scorch

Summary

The basal area increment (b.a.i.) of trees in two stands of Eucalyptus obliqua L'Herit. (messmate stringybark) in central Victoria was studied for periods of 7–8 years after wildfire. There was an appreciable temporary reduction in b.a.i. only in stems receiving more than 50% crown scorch. These stems resumed normal increment within three to four years of the fire, this being coincident with full restoration of foliage.