Serotinous cones

Serotinous cones are pine cones that stay closed after they mature, trapping their seeds inside. They rely on environmental triggers, like intense heat from a wildfire, to open and release the seeds. This adaptation helps ensure seed dispersal occurs when conditions are optimal for growth, often after a fire clears competing plants and enriches the soil. Serotinous cones are common in fire-adapted ecosystems, such as certain pines in the southwestern United States and Australia. Their ability to hold seeds until a fire occurs provides a strategic advantage for regeneration in fire-prone landscapes.