A statistical classification of Mediterranean species based on their flammability components

Eight dominant Mediterranean species were classified into similar groups ac cording to their expected flammability, by applying multivariate statistica l methods (Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Canonical Discriminant Analysi s) on the values of their most significant pyric properties (heat content, total and mineral ash content, surface area-to-volume ratio, particle densi ty). Based on the statistical classification, meaningful explanations of th e flammability differences among individual species were deduced. The resul ts were in good agreement with similar rankings based on laboratory tests. Further validation may render the method widely applicable for the assessme nt of species potential flammability without laboratory flammability tests.