Tree species flammability based on plant traits: A synthesis

The occurrence of large and recurring forest fires has long been associated with fire-prone environments, but this

perception has been shifted rapidly in recent decades as Earths' landscapes have become increasingly threatened

by severe and unpredictable fires as a result of climate changes. In this regard, the flammability of trees is a topic

of great interest for ecology, management, and the development of sustainable restoration and rehabilitation

plans. Tree species differ in regard to flammability, and many plant functional traits contribute to flammability at

species, community and vegetation level. The relationship between plant traits and flammability at species level

is important for a broader understanding of the vegetation-fire dynamic at the local and landscape scales. This review

summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the impact of individual plant traits of tree species on

flammability components. By keywords-based searching of academic databases, 85 research papers were collected

and analyzed. The literature synthesis shows: i) main issues addressed in studies on plant trait-based tree flammability,

ii) general research output and biogeographic regions studied, iii) inventory of tree taxa investigated, iv) relationships

between plant traits and flammability com