Southern Wax-myrtle Response Following Winter Prescribed Burning in South Florida

Abstract

Southern wax-myrtle is an undesirable shrub that is invading thousands of acres of rangeland in south Florida. Prescribed burning has been considered a potential management tool for maintaining pastures free of wax-myrtle. Results of this study show wax-myrtle to be easily crown killed by a single winter fire. However, most plants survive through basal sprouts. Use of prescribed winter fire to reduce wax-myrtle competition will require repeated periodic burns coordinated with cattle grazing programs.