In strongly serotinous species, the old florets are retained on the cones, where they function as fire fuel, helping to ensure that follicles reach temperatures sufficient to trigger seed release. In B. prionotes, however, seed release is triggered at relatively low temperatures: in one study, 50% of follicles opened at , and 90% opened at ; in contrast, the closely related but strongly serotinous B. hookeriana required  respectively. Floret retention would therefore be to no advantage, and might even prevent seed from escaping spontaneously opened follicles.
In species with intense resination, mature florets remain attached to cones, acting as fire fuel and facilitating the attainment of sufficient temperatures for seed liberation. Conversely, B. prionotes exhibits a lower temperature threshold for seed release: 50% of follicles opened at , and 90% opened at ; whereas B. hookeriana, closely related but intensely resinous, required  respectively. Retaining florets would therefore be detrimental, possibly impeding spontaneous seed escape from opened follicles.