Brazilian researcher discovers fire-resistant seeds could restore wildfire-damaged savannas

As devastating wildfires continue to ravage Brazil’s Cerrado savanna, a breakthrough discovery offers new hope for restoring these critical ecosystems. Doctoral researcher Giovana Cavenaghi Guimarães from São Paulo State University has identified five native plant species whose seeds can withstand extreme fire temperatures and serve as a cost-effective solution for environmental recovery.

The remarkable seeds, from species including jatobá, amendoim-bravo, mulungu, and canafístula trees, have evolved a unique survival mechanism called physical dormancy. This natural adaptation prevents germination until conditions are optimal, allowing the seeds to remain buried safely in soil even as fires rage above. When exposed to high temperatures, the intense heat actually cracks the seeds’ protective outer coating, allowing water to enter and triggering germination once the danger has passed.

The research results are impressive: these hardy seeds boast a 99% germination rate on average, far exceeding most restoration alternatives. “Even if fire destroys plants that have already germinated, the seeds resist the high temperatures and germinate after the fire,” Guimarães explained. This creates a natural cycle where new vegetation can quickly emerge from fire-damaged areas without human intervention.

This discovery comes at a crucial time for Brazil’s Cerrado, one of the world’s most biodiverse savannas and a critical carbon sink that faces increasing fire pressure from climate change and human activities. The low-cost, nature-based restoration approach could prove invaluable for conservation efforts across the region, offering a scalable solution that works with natural processes rather than against them.