These waxy leaf plants are called sclerophylous. The wax also causes the leaves to burn in a hot fire more easily. Some species of the schaparral can sprout from their stumps. These bushes keep a lot of energy in their roots, and after the top of the plant burns off, they simply sprout new leaves and branches. In this way, some plants may survive many fires, and can be hundreds of years old.
Fire is essential for plants in the chaparral.
Some plants such as the Fire Poppy, will bloom only after a fire. It is the heat generated that allows the seed permeable to moisture and bloom. The hillsides of the chaparral are covered by stiff bushes that grow very close together. As time passes by the bushes get older and more dead wood accumulate. These dead wood provides excellent fuel for the fire.