Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Australian Journal of Botany has moved to a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 24 June 2024

BT24021Determining the moisture content of Acacia seeds

Geoffrey E. Burrows

 

Moisture content (MC) is an important property of seeds, associated with many aspects of physiological seed quality. Acacias have very hard seed coats, which means that seeds can survive for decades in the soil, but in standard methods of determining MC (e.g. heating in an oven at 103°C for 17 h), the moisture in the seed might not be able to escape. The standard method can work for some Acacia species; however, to ensure accurate results, seeds should be halved before going into the oven. Image by Geoff Burrows.

BT24021 Abstract  |  BT24021 Full Text  | BT24021PDF (1.9 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 24 June 2024

BT23087Strategies of air space acquisition in Neotropical savanna trees differing in leaf habit

Nayara Magry Jesus Melo , Carlos Henrique Britto de Assis Prado , Denilson Rodrigo Vieira Branco and João Paulo Souza

 

We studied shoot and foliage production in 15 Cerrado tree species with distinct leaf phenology, to investigate the influence of monthly air temperature and rainfall over a growing season. Each growth strategy kept shoot and foliage production independent of monthly climate variability, emphasising the significance of characterising the leaf phenological assemblages of the vast Cerrado woody flora as inherent functional groups in a continuum of crown trait variation, enabling the identification of strategies to capture, use, and store resources in each tree group. Image by Maria Gracielle Rodrigues Maciel.

BT23087 Abstract  | PDF (1.1 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 18 June 2024

BT23084Schoenoplectus californicus (Cyperaceae) amorphous silica contribution to the silicon cycle in pampean shallow lakes: an analysis of spatio-temporal variation and silicon–lignin relations

Mara De Rito , Natalia Borrelli, Marcela Natal and Mariana Fernández Honaine

 

Silicophytoliths constitute an important source of silicon in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Schoenoplectus californicus is an important silicophytolith producer. We investigated the spatio-temporal variation in silicophytolith content of S. californicus in three shallow lakes of the Pampean region, Argentina. S. californicus is generating a constant silicophytolith production over the years and between sites. This study shows the importance of this community as a silicon source, and the implications of its displacement by other communities or urban development. Photograph taken by M. De Rito.

BT23084 Abstract  | PDF (1.3 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 13 June 2024

BT23111A near-complete dataset of plant growth form, life history, and woodiness for all Australian plants

Elizabeth H. Wenk , David Coleman , Rachael V. Gallagher and Daniel S. Falster

 

Here, we present an open-source dataset that includes trait values for plant growth form, woodiness and life history for nearly all plants in Australia. This is the first near-complete tabular compilation of these traits for Australia, designed to facilitate research on Australia’s flora. Users can download this data set, rather than transcribing trait values from floras or other resources. Image by Sophie Yang.

BT23111 Abstract  |  BT23111 Full Text  | BT23111PDF (251 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 June 2024

BT24014APCalign: an R package workflow and app for aligning and updating flora names to the Australian Plant Census

Elizabeth H. Wenk , William K. Cornwell , Anne Fuchs , Fonti Kar , Anna M. Monro , Hervé Sauquet , Ruby E. Stephens and Daniel S. Falster

 

To facilitate communication, research projects, biodiversity assessments and nurseries across Australia should use the scientific names accepted by the Australian Plant Census (APC), Australia’s national taxonomic standard for vascular plants. Here we present ‘APCalign’, an R package and browser-sourced application to efficiently align and update lists of scientific names for Australian vascular plants to the most likely currently accepted name. This package will be useful for all research outputs that require diverse scientific name lists to be updated. Image by Elizabeth Wenk.

BT24014 Abstract  |  BT24014 Full Text  | BT24014PDF (362 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 May 2024

BT23106The susceptibility of rare and threatened NSW species to the root-rot pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi: 2. The identification of species requiring protection or further research

Keith L. McDougall and Edward C. Y. Liew

 

The root pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi is a major threat to Australia’s native plants. Little is known about its effect on plants in New South Wales. We found that some rare and threatened species can be severely affected by this pathogen but the threat is unknown for many rare species in areas such as the Blue Mountains where the habitat is highly suited to P. cinnamomi. Image by Keith McDougall.

BT23106 Abstract  |  BT23106 Full Text  | BT23106PDF (848 KB)  | BT23106Supplementary Material (697 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 May 2024

BT23103Deciphering of the morpho-physiological traits of two native grasses from Argentina with contrasting drought resistance strategies

Ana M. Cenzano , Idris Arslan, Ana Furlan, M. Celeste Varela and Mariana Reginato

 

The major adaptive strategy against the dry period is the high activity of secondary metabolism; mainly in leaves for the drought-tolerant grass Pappostipa speciosa, and in roots for the drought-escaping grass Poa ligularis. Photographs by Ana M. Cenzano.

BT23103 Abstract  | PDF (4.1 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 23 May 2024

BT23086Evaluating the risk to Australia’s flora from Phytophthora cinnamomi

Keith L. McDougall , Sarah Barrett, Renate Velzeboer, David M. Cahill and Tim Rudman

 

The magnitude of the extinction risk to Australia’s flora from Phytophthora cinnamomi is poorly known. Using available data, we found that the genera Andersonia, Banksia, Darwinia, Daviesia, Epacris, Gastrolobium, Grevillea, Hibbertia, Isopogon, Lambertia, Latrobea, Leucopogon, Phebalium and Styphelia have multiple species at a very high risk of extinction because of this pathogen. As many as 269 plant species may be at a very high risk of extinction on the basis of phylogenetic patterns. Photographs by Keith McDougall.

BT23086 Abstract  |  BT23086 Full Text  | BT23086PDF (2.1 MB)  | BT23086Supplementary Material (718 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 16 May 2024

BT23094Response of spiny cocklebur (Xanthium spinosum) and common cocklebur (X. strumarium) seed germination to environmental and soil factors

Amir Ahmadi, Faezeh Zaefarian , Mohammad Rezvani , Irandokht Mansouri and Brian M. Sindel

 

Information on factors affecting spiny cocklebur (Xanthium spinosum) and common cocklebur (X. strumarium) seed germination could help us determine their potential distribution in different regions and their effective control strategies. Maximum germination of both spiny cocklebur and common cocklebur was at neutral pH. Spiny cocklebur germination was less sensitive to high and low pH, salinity, flooding and surface burial than was common cocklebur germination, indicating that it may be better adapted to the broader range of conditions. Image by Faezeh Zaefarian.

BT23094 Abstract  | PDF (293 KB) - $35.00 

Published online 09 May 2024

BT23081Mitigation of disease and browsing impacts, and translocation, supports post-fire threatened flora recovery

Sarah Barrett, Colin J. Yates, Rebecca Dillon , Megan Dilly, Ben Varcoe, Darcy Martin, Bayley Castlehow and Carl R. Gosper

 

Mitigation of the impacts of Phytophthora dieback and browsing by mammalian herbivores improved post-fire survival and/or growth of threatened flora in the Stirling Range (Koi Kyeunu-ruff), Western Australia. Translocated populations had greater growth and earlier flowering than wild populations. Mitigating non-fire regime threats supported post-fire recovery of threatened flora. Photographs by S. Barrett (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions).

BT23081 Abstract  |  BT23081 Full Text  | BT23081PDF (2.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 09 May 2024

BT23069Seventy-five years of vegetation change after fire in Tasmanian alpine heathland

Ellen-Rose Sorensen and Jamie B. Kirkpatrick

 

We compared vegetation in alpine heath plots that regenerated after fires of 1947 and 1962. Herbs and graminoids plummeted in cover and species richness between 1998 and 2022, whereas shrubs continued to increase in cover in the 1962-burnt, but decreased in the 1947-burnt area. Shrubs exhibited compositional change up to 75 years after fire. A failure of the shrub layer to be more similar between the fire years might be due to stronger winds and higher temperatures. A predicted climate change-induced increase in diversity did not occur. Image by Jamie Kirkpatrick.

BT23069 Abstract  |  BT23069 Full Text  | BT23069PDF (1.7 MB)  | BT23069Supplementary Material (1.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 09 May 2024

BT23085Severely degraded high mountain vegetation recovers under different levels of wild herbivore grazing pressure, 1991–2021

Jamie B. Kirkpatrick and Kerry L. Bridle

 

Long-term monitoring on Tasmania’s Eastern Central Plateau provides an opportunity to document the process of recovery from fire and stock grazing and the impacts of wild herbivores. After 30 years, vegetated ground cover has increased both inside and outside grazing exclosures. Although results between the four sites were variable, natural regeneration will occur without management intervention and in the absence of a catastrophic disturbance such as wildfire. Photographs by Kerry Bridle.

BT23085 Abstract  |  BT23085 Full Text  | BT23085PDF (2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 02 May 2024

BT23053_COCorrigendum to: Unusual, human-mediated prevalence of epiphytes in semi-arid New South Wales, Australia

J. L. Silcock, J. Pye, A. Tighe, P. Reid-Loynes, R. Ashby and R. J. Fairfax

 

BT23053_CO Full Text  | BT23053_COPDF (111 KB)

Published online 25 March 2024

BT23007Pollination strategies are exceptionally complex in southwestern Australia – a globally significant ancient biodiversity hotspot

Mark C. Brundrett , Philip G. Ladd and Greg J. Keighery

 

Pollination syndromes were allocated for all plants in the Southwest Australian Floristic Region, an ancient landscape and global biodiversity hotspot. Allocations based on floral traits were highly consistent and well supported by visitor records and scientific studies. Their complexity was highest in large plant families, involving many pollination transitions, especially from general insects to bees, birds or the wind. Photograph by Mark Brundrett.

BT23007 Abstract  |  BT23007 Full Text  | BT23007PDF (16.1 MB)  | BT23007Supplementary Material (1.5 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 21 March 2024

BT23104The leaf micromorphology and anatomy of gamba grass, Andropogon gayanus Kunth (Poaceae: Panicoideae)

Jeremy Farr , S. Krisantini and Melodina Fabillo

 

Andropogon gayanus Kunth. was introduced to northern Australia from Africa as a forage crop but has become an invasive species that increases the risk of catastrophic wildfires. This study used freehand sectioning, microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy to compare leaf morphology of specimens from Australia and Africa to identify potential variations and describe characteristics that make it such successful as a weed. Leaf hairiness was found to be highly variable and may enhance its adaptability to Australian environments. Photograph by Keith R. McDonald.

BT23104 Abstract  |  BT23104 Full Text  | BT23104PDF (4.2 MB)  | BT23104Supplementary Material (739 KB)   Open Access Article

More content

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

BT23110, Accepted 11 June 2024

Pollination by multiple species of nectar foraging Hymenoptera in Prasophyllum innubum, a critically endangered orchid of the Australian Alps

Tobias Hayashi, Bronwyn Ayre , Björn Bohman, Graham Brown, Noushka Reiter and Ryan Phillips

 

BT23110Abstract

BT23087, Accepted 05 June 2024

Strategies of airspace acquisition in Neotropical savanna trees differing in leaf habit

Nayara Melo , Carlos Prado, Denilson Branco and João Paulo Souza

 

BT23087Abstract

BT24021, Accepted 30 May 2024

Determining the moisture content of Acacia seeds

Geoff Burrows

 

BT24021Abstract

BT23084, Accepted 20 May 2024

Schoenoplectus californicus (Cyperaceae) amorphous silica contribution to the silicon cycle in pampean shallow lakes: a spatio-temporal analysis and Si-lignin relation

Mara De Rito , Natalia Borrelli, Marcela Natal and Mariana Fernández Honaine

 

BT23084Abstract

BT23111, Accepted 17 May 2024

A near-complete dataset of plant growth form, life history, and woodiness for all Australian plants

Elizabeth Wenk , David Coleman, Rachael Gallagher and Daniel Falster

 

BT23111Abstract

BT24014, Accepted 15 May 2024

APCalign: an R package workflow and app for aligning and updating flora names to the Australian Plant Census

Elizabeth Wenk , Will Cornwell, Anne Fuchs, Fonti Kar, Anna Monro, Hervé Sauquet , Ruby Stephens and Daniel Falster

 

BT24014Abstract

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1. Mitigation of disease and browsing impacts, and translocation, supports post-fire threatened flora recovery

   Australian Journal of Botany 72 (3)

   Sarah Barrett, Colin J. Yates, Rebecca Dillon , Megan Dilly, Ben Varcoe, Darcy Martin, Bayley Castlehow, Carl R. Gosper

2. Pollination strategies are exceptionally complex in southwestern Australia – a globally significant ancient biodiversity hotspot

   Australian Journal of Botany 72 (2)

   Mark C. Brundrett , Philip G. Ladd , Greg J. Keighery

3. Seventy-five years of vegetation change after fire in Tasmanian alpine heathland

   Australian Journal of Botany 72 (3)

   Ellen-Rose Sorensen, Jamie B. Kirkpatrick

4. Severely degraded high mountain vegetation recovers under different levels of wild herbivore grazing pressure, 1991–2021

   Australian Journal of Botany 72 (3)

   Jamie B. Kirkpatrick , Kerry L. Bridle

5. Impact of Phytophthora dieback on a key heathland species Xanthorrhoea australis (Asphodelaceae) (austral grasstree) and floristic composition in the eastern Otways, Victoria

   Australian Journal of Botany 72 (2)

   B. A. Wilson , S. P. Casey, M. J. Garkaklis, C. Learmonth, T. Wevill

6. The leaf micromorphology and anatomy of gamba grass, Andropogon gayanus Kunth (Poaceae: Panicoideae)

   Australian Journal of Botany 72 (2)

   Jeremy Farr , S. Krisantini, Melodina Fabillo

7. Fire responses of flora in a sclerophyll–rainforest vegetation complex in the Nightcap Range, North Coast, New South Wales

   Australian Journal of Botany 72 (1)

   Andrew Benwell

8. Myrtaceae anther glands: morphology, anatomy and variation in glandular contents

   Australian Journal of Botany 72 (2)

   P. G. Ladd

9. Long-unburnt stands of snow gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora Sieber ex Spreng) are exceedingly rare in the Victorian Alps: implications for their conservation and management

   Australian Journal of Botany 72 (2)

   John W. Morgan , Michael Shackleton, Zac C. Walker

10. Collateral damage: epiphytic orchids at risk from myrtle rust

    Australian Journal of Botany 71 (8)

    Heidi Zimmer , Mark Clements, Endymion Cooper, David Jones, Robert Makinson, Katharina Nargar, Kristy Stevenson

11. Unusual, human-mediated prevalence of epiphytes in semi-arid New South Wales, Australia

    Australian Journal of Botany 72 (2)

    J. L. Silcock , J. Pye, A. Tighe, P. Reid-Loynes, R. Ashby, R. J. Fairfax

12. Extinction debt varies in two threatened Mediterranean-type woodland communities undergoing rapid urbanisation

    Australian Journal of Botany 71 (8)

    William M. Fowler , Rachel J. Standish , Neal J. Enright , Joseph B. Fontaine

13. Awn length variation in Australia’s most widespread grass, Themeda triandra, across its distribution

    Australian Journal of Botany 72 (2)

    Annette M. Cavanagh , Robert C. Godfree, John W. Morgan

14. Seed biology can inform conservation actions: a case study on Geijera parviflora

    Australian Journal of Botany 71 (8)

    Ganesha S. Liyanage , Amy-Marie Gilpin, Catherine A. Offord, Amelia J. Martyn Yenson

15. Floral biology, pollination vectors and breeding system of Zieria granulata (Rutaceae), an endangered shrub endemic to eastern Australia

    Australian Journal of Botany 71 (5)

    Laura C. Lopresti , Karen D. Sommerville , Amy-Marie Gilpin , Todd E. Minchinton

16. The impact of climate change and wildfire on decadal alpine vegetation dynamics

    Australian Journal of Botany 71 (5)

    Brodie Verrall , Patrick Norman , Brendan Mackey , Scout Fisher , Jack Dodd

17. Pre-dispersal seed-predation affects fruit crop and seed fitness in a highly fragmented savanna tree

    Australian Journal of Botany 71 (8)

    S. D. Heyes , J. W. Morgan, S. J. Sinclair , Z. C. Walker, S. E. Hoebee

18. Phenotypic and genotypic variation in Australian native Sorghum species along aridity clines

    Australian Journal of Botany 72 (1)

    Harry Myrans , Jack R. McCausland, Scott N. Johnson, Roslyn M. Gleadow

19. Integrating seed microbiome knowledge into restoration and ex situ conservation of native Australian plants

    Australian Journal of Botany 71 (7)

    Allison A. Mertin , Merize Philpott, Linda L. Blackall, Kris French, Edward C. Y. Liew, Marlien M. van der Merwe

20. The susceptibility of rare and threatened NSW species to the root-rot pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi: 2. The identification of species requiring protection or further research

    Australian Journal of Botany 72 (4)

    Keith L. McDougall , Edward C. Y. Liew

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