barke
There are certain types of plants that are fire resistant, such as certain types of pine cones. There are also fire resistant animals, such as certain microbes.
The thick bark is fire-resistant so it can survive fires
Tannin is the substance found in Redwood Trees that benefits them. The tannin helps to keep bugs and fungi away.
Redwood trees have adapted to temperate forests with thick, fire-resistant bark to protect against wildfires, shallow root systems that spread wide to anchor in the moist soil, and high tannin content in their leaves to deter herbivores. Their needles also have a waxy coating to reduce water loss and retain moisture in the foggy environment.
Giant redwood trees do not self-ignite. Wildfires typically start in forests due to natural causes like lightning strikes or human activities such as campfires or arson. The dense and thick bark of redwood trees helps protect them from fire damage.
Both trees are native to North America. Cottonwood trees are hardwood and are used for lumber/timber production. Cottonwood trees grow at a fast speed. Redwood trees are softwood. The bark is apparently fire-proof. They are the tallest trees in the world, and can reach an age of over a thousand years.
Silky oak (Grevillea robusta) is not particularly resistant to fire. It is not considered a fire-resistant tree and can be susceptible to fire damage. It is important to take fire safety precautions and follow local guidelines for planting trees in fire-prone areas.
Trees with very thick bark that are primarily adapted to survive fire are known as fire-resistant or fire-adapted trees. Examples include species like the Giant Sequoia and the Ponderosa Pine, which have thick, insulating bark that protects their vital cambium layer from heat. These trees often benefit from fire as it helps clear underbrush, allowing them to thrive in their ecosystems. Their adaptations enable them to withstand and recover from wildfires, which are a natural part of their habitat.
Just read about a group of cypress trees that survived a forest fire in Valencia, Spain. Here's a copy of an article: "THIRTY international experts are to fly in later this month to try to discover why some green, healthy cypress trees survived a fire. A fire that devastated around 20,000 hectares (49,500 acres) of woodland around the Valencia town of Andilla in July, mysteriously left a clump of 946 Cypress trees virtually unscathed, while surrounding pine, oak, holm, juniper and gorse trees were destroyed, according to Spain's leading daily El Pais".
The bark is the equivalent of human skin. It provides 'pathways' for the sap to rise upwards and along branches, stems and leaves. It also provides a certain amount of protection from attacks by animals, birds etc.
Trees that are able to withstand fire disturbance typically have thick bark, high moisture content, or fire-resistant chemicals in their leaves. Examples include redwoods, cedars, and certain species of pine trees. These trees have evolved strategies to survive or even benefit from fire in their ecosystems.
Sequoia and redwood trees have thick bark primarily as a protective adaptation against environmental threats, such as fire and insect infestations. The thick, fibrous bark insulates the trees from heat, allowing them to survive and regenerate after wildfires, which are common in their native habitats. Additionally, the bark contains tannins, which help deter pests and fungal infections, contributing to the longevity and resilience of these iconic trees.