Mechanism
Serotinous Cones
TL;DR
Some strategic options are locked away, sealed until crisis conditions release them.
Cones sealed with resin that require fire heat (60-70°C) to melt resin and release seeds. Cones stay closed on tree for decades. Fire kills adult trees, melts resin, releases thousands of seeds per tree. Seeds germinate in ash-enriched soil, new forest establishes within 5 years. Without fire, lodgepole pine forests become overgrown and susceptible to insect outbreaks.
Business Application of Serotinous Cones
Some strategic options are locked away, sealed until crisis conditions release them. Companies may hold acquisition targets, pivot strategies, or transformation plans that only activate under specific market conditions.