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Southern hemisphere botanical ecosystems
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Australian Journal of Botany

Australian Journal of Botany

Australian Journal of Botany is an international journal for publication of original research in plant science. The journal publishes in the areas of ecology and ecophysiology; invasive biology; conservation biology and biodiversity; forest biology and management; cell and molecular biology; palaeobotany and biogeography; reproductive biology and genetics; mycology and pathology; structure and development; and aquatic botany. Read more about the journalMore

Editors-in-Chief: John Morgan and Mark Ooi

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

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

Published online 09 January 2025

BT24042Half a century of change in floristics and structure in an urban grassy woodland: implications for conservation management

Jamie B. Kirkpatrick 0000-0003-2763-2692, Ian Jenkinson and Kerry L. Bridle 0000-0002-4601-0891
 

A photograph showing distribution of the studied plots in urban reserve on the Queens Domain.

Does native vegetation in urban parks change over time? Yes and no is the answer we found after analysing data collected over a 50-year period. Whereas some sites are stable, management interventions such as weeding, burning, mowing and mechanical removal are useful tools to maintain healthy patches of native vegetation in urban areas. Map created by Ian Jenkinson.

BT24042 Abstract  |  BT24042 Full Text  | BT24042PDF (4.5 MB)  | BT24042Supplementary Material (1000 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 09 January 2025

BT24047Origins of the rare Australian daisy Erigeron conyzoides and its implications for biological control research and conservation management

Stephanie H. Chen 0000-0001-8844-6864, Alicia Grealy, Michelle A. Rafter, Ben Gooden and Alexander N. Schmidt-Lebuhn
 

A photograph of Erigeron conyzoides in Victoria, Australia.

Understanding the origins of plant species is critical for accurate risk assessment in weed biological control project as well as conservation management. Our study investigated the rare daisy Erigeron conyzoides, by using genetic data and traditional taxonomy. We discovered that the species is not a distinct endemic species native to Australia, as previously thought, but a disjunct population of the northern hemisphere species E. acer. Photograph by Alexander Schmidt-Lebuhn, © CSIRO.

BT24047 Abstract  |  BT24047 Full Text  | BT24047PDF (1.9 MB)  | BT24047Supplementary Material (2.9 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 03 January 2025

BT24037Long-term surveillance of Phytophthora cinnamomi reveals no evidence of increased detections and new insights for monitoring and management

T. J. Mason 0000-0002-4797-5644, K. L. McDougall, P. Craven, C. C. Simpson, G. C. Popovic and D. A. Keith
 

Probability of Phytophthora cinnamomi presence over time in southern Sydney conservation reserves

Phytophthora cinnamomi is a soil pathogen that can cause dieback and death in susceptible plant species. P. cinnamomi is widespread in southern Sydney conservation reserves of NSW but our study did not find evidence of increasing detections over time. We recommend that monitoring programs prioritise an increased sampling effort over a longer time series to support reliable trend analysis. Photograph by Tanya Mason.

BT24037 Abstract  |  BT24037 Full Text  | BT24037PDF (927 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 December 2024

BT24019Comparison of chlorophyll content estimation using chlorophyll meters and leaf chloroplast pigments extracted from Eucalyptus urophylla and Khaya senegalensis seedlings

Leandro Dias da Silva, Raul Antonio Araújo do Bonfim, Mateus Pires Barbosa, Milton Carriço Sá, Leonardo Santos de Oliveira, Matheus Ferreira Almeida and Paulo Araquém Ramos Cairo 0000-0002-3619-7867
 

Chlorophyll quantification × chlorophyll meters in two tree seedling species.

The protocol to estimate photosynthetic-pigment content was optimized in Eucalyptus urophylla and Khaya senegalensis seedlings by using different extraction methods to evaluate its relationship with values estimated using chlorophyll meters. In both species, a strong positive correlation was observed between estimated values and the values from extraction that used DMSO saturated with CaCO3 at 65°C. Photograph by the authors.

BT24019 Abstract  | PDF (334 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 12 December 2024

BT24050Sabah’s hidden giant: Nepenthes pongoides (Nepenthaceae), a micro-endemic tropical pitcher plant from northern Borneo

Alviana Damit, Nur Adillah Mohd Yusof, Jemson Jumian, Charles Clarke and Alastair S. Robinson 0000-0001-8581-2718
 

The large pitcher of Nepenthes pongoides, a critically endangered tropical pitcher plant from Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

A giant carnivorous tropical pitcher plant is described as new to science from Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Named after the orangutan genus Pongo on account of its abundant covering of long, dark, rusty red hairs, Nepenthes pongoides naturally occurs in low numbers with fewer than fifty plants recorded. Coupled with the severe threat of poaching for the horticultural trade, not to mention vulnerability to single extinction level events such as wildfire, the species is assessed as critically endangered against IUCN criteria. Photograph by Alviana Damit.

BT24050 Abstract  |  BT24050 Full Text  | BT24050PDF (4.9 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 December 2024

BT24048High fire severity and frequency threaten the persistence of a widespread obligate-seeder Banksia in south-eastern Australia

Annette M. Muir 0000-0001-9383-6613, Nevil N. Amos and Paul D. Moloney
 

A Banksia cunninghamii cone that has opened after fire, with seedlings growing underneath.

Populations of Banksia cunninghamii are declining as climate change drives more frequent, severe and widespread fires. Research on this species after south-eastern Australia’s 2019–2020 wildfires found that plants are killed by fire, with a low chance of seedling regeneration where severe fires burned eucalypt canopies, or the previous fire was less than 12 years ago. Large areas are no longer likely to support Banksia cunninghamii, and management is needed to protect juvenile plants until they produce seed cones. Photograph by Annette Muir.

BT24048 Abstract  | PDF (3.9 MB) - $35.00   | BT24048Supplementary Material (895 KB)
Published online 12 November 2024

BT24026Applying resource-selection functions to assess host preference in the endemic endoparasite Pilostyles hamiltoniorum (Apodanthaceae) and its principal host Daviesia (Fabaceae)

Ryan J. Craig 0000-0002-6720-0838, Bethany Pittway, Tingting Wu, Shane R. Turner 0000-0002-9146-2977 and Jacqueline Batley
 

A photograph showing evidence of parasitic infection by Pilostyles hamiltoniorum on Daviesia species.

Understanding host usage is a significant aspect of understanding the ecology of parasitic plants. For endoparasitic plants host use is strict, although for Pilostyles, there are several species within the strict set of hosts that are used. Because of this, resource-usage functionsprovide a means to assess host usage in the genus Pilostyles. This study presents the first use of these functions in assessing Pilostyles hamiltoniorum to help understand host utilisation throughout its distribution. Photograph by Ryan Craig (2021).

BT24026 Abstract  |  BT24026 Full Text  | BT24026PDF (1.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 08 November 2024

BT23105Exploring Myrtaceae diversity in the Caatinga: understanding the knowledge gaps for conservation

Paulo Sérgio Santos-Neves 0000-0002-4717-1785, Marla Ibrahim Uehbe de Oliveira and Ligia Silveira Funch
 

Photographs highlighting unique plants of Caatinga vegetation, and a map showing Caatinga location.

Brazil’s Caatinga is an ecologically diverse region teeming with unique plants. In this study, we have shed light on the gaps in our understanding of this extraordinary biome, uncovering Myrtaceae species diversity. We recorded higher species diversity than previously estimated and identified areas of greater richness and insufficient collection effort. This research has paved the way for targeted conservation efforts, safeguarding vital ecosystem services and ensuring a sustainable future for both nature and communities in the Caatinga. Photograph by Paulo Sérgio Santos-Neves.

BT23105 Abstract  | PDF (2.5 MB) - $35.00   | BT23105Supplementary Material (1.5 MB)
Published online 08 November 2024

BT24017A comprehensive functional trait database of seagrasses in tropical Queensland

Chieh Lin 0009-0000-0539-6372, Robert G. Coles, Michael A. Rasheed and Alana Grech
 

A photograph showing intertidal seagrass meadows with dense dugong feeding trails.

Tropical seagrasses provide important ecosystem services, but they are dynamic habitats under threat from multiple stressors. Functional trait-based approaches have the potential to increase our understanding of these dynamics. We present a comprehensive trait database for seagrasses in tropical Queensland, with a focus on services and resilience. Photograph by Chieh Lin.

BT24017 Abstract  |  BT24017 Full Text  | BT24017PDF (1.5 MB)  | BT24017Supplementary Material (2.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 08 November 2024

BT23107The effect of Helichrysum shrub encroachment on orchids in a tropical, montane grassland ecosystem, Tanzania

Christopher A. Mgimba 0000-0001-9940-0220, Issakwisa B. Ngondya and Anna C. Treydte
 

A photo showing Helichrysum shrub dominating the vegetation.

Five blocks dominated with Helichrysum splendidum were identified and, in each block, four plots were established by cutting and in other plot cutting and uprooting the stems of H. splendidum. High abundance of orchids was found in plots with a low Helichrysum cover. The orchids had physiological differences across the plots. Photograph by Christopher Mgimba.

BT23107 Abstract  | PDF (10.3 MB) - $35.00   | BT23107Supplementary Material (1.2 MB)
Published online 22 October 2024

BT23092Evaluation of management options for climate-change adaptation of threatened species: a case study of a restricted orchid

Caitlin R. Rutherford 0009-0009-8745-0621, Andrew M. Rogers, Suzanne M. Prober, Erika M. Roper 0000-0002-6092-8826, Emma Cook and April E. Reside
 

BT23092_toc.jpg

Climate change is posing a significant extinction risk to rare and restricted species. Following consultation with species’ experts, managers of the Tarengo leek orchid (Prasophyllum petilum) should address the region- or population-specific non-climate threats to increase its resilience to climate change. We present an adapted framework for incorporating climate-change adaptation into management, a critical tool for quantifying the severity of threats and assessing management actions for restricted species with highly specialised requirements. Photograph by Erika Roper.

BT23092 Abstract  |  BT23092 Full Text  | BT23092PDF (3.4 MB)  | BT23092Supplementary Material (3.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 04 October 2024

BT23051Resupinate floral dimorphy in Chamaecrista nictitans (L.) Moench (Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae)

Natan Messias Almeida, Vinicius Messas Cotarelli, Thatiany Teixeira Bezerra, Ana Virgínia Leite, Reinaldo Rodrigo Novo, Cibele Cardoso Castro 0000-0002-7862-2155 and Isabel Cristina Machado
 

Two different floral morphologies in the legume Chamaecrista nictitans.

Resupination is the movement of floral buds that leads to flowers turning upside down. We tested the reproductive functioning of this characteristic in the native legume Chamaecrista nictitans and found that it causes pollen to be deposited in particular portions of pollinators’ bodies, improving pollination. Image by Natan Messias Almeida and Paulo Estêvão Araújo Vilaça Júnior.

BT23051 Abstract  | PDF (528 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 30 September 2024

BT23025Differential effects of salinity and drought on germination and early seedling growth of Parkinsonia praecox

Valeria Villarreal 0000-0001-6066-0199, Analía Llanes and Laura Sosa
 

A photograph of the shrub Parkinsonia praecox along National Route 7, near Balde, San Luis, Argentina

This study explored how Parkinsonia praecox responds to salinity and drought during germination and early growth. It found that germination was highest in distilled water but decreased with increased salinity and drought. Germination was more sensitive to drought than to salinity. Interestingly, seeds exposed to drought had better germination rates beyond −1.2 MPa compared to salt-treated seeds. This suggests P. praecox can grow in arid, saline conditions, shedding light on its geographical occurrence and distribution. Photograph by Valeria Villarreal.

BT23025 Abstract  | PDF (831 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 19 September 2024

BT24005Understanding Rhododendron intraspecific compatibility in botanic garden collections for species conservation

Ling Hu 0000-0003-2576-2143, Susan E. Gardiner, Jennifer A. Tate and Marion B. MacKay
 

The rationale and steps used to test intraspecific compatibility using controlled pollination in Rhododendron species.

Successful controlled pollination of threatened species can increase the reproduction of new plants for safeguarding germplasm in botanic gardens. Fruit set and seed germination identified varied levels of self- and cross-compatibilities within each of the five examined Rhododendron species or varieties. Controlled pollination should be tested for each Rhododendron species to understand the intraspecific compatibility before deciding the propagation strategy. Image by Ling Hu.

BT24005 Abstract  |  BT24005 Full Text  | BT24005PDF (4.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 17 September 2024

BT23057‘There must be something in the soil our little plants need’: exploring patterns of potential mycorrhizal associations in the flora of the Sunshine Coast heathlands, Queensland, Australia

Hilary Pearl 0000-0002-1226-8907 and Alison Shapcott 0000-0003-3734-052X
 

A diagram showing the mycorrhizal strategies of Sunshine Coast heath species.

General proportions of plants associated with non-mycorrhizal and mycorrhizal functional groups in the Sunshine Coast flora of Queensland are strikingly different between the rainforest and heath communities. The heath mycorrhizal associations show proportions similar to other low-fertility environments. Proportions of different mycorrhizal associations in the flora are different across the heath strata, suggesting that competitive interactions and facilitation may be contributing to plant assembly patterns. Image prepared in ITOL by Hilary Pearl.

BT23057 Abstract  |  BT23057 Full Text  | BT23057PDF (1.5 MB)  | BT23057Supplementary Material (1.9 MB)   Open Access Article

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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.

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Rare Plants

The conservation, management and recovery of rare and threatened species is complex and requires an understanding of many aspects of a species biology. It is also important to understand key threats to population and species persistence. This Collection of papers from the Australian Journal of Botany highlight three important research areas for plant conservation and recovery – genetics, ecology and ex-situ conservation.

Last Updated: 17 Nov 2016

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