An ecological study of the central Queensland ultramafic endemic shrub Neoroepera buxifolia (Picrodendraceae), Australia
Rebecca Hendry A D , Kevin Wormington B and Kerry Walsh C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Central Queensland University, School of Medical and Applied Sciences, Bryan Jordan Drive, Gladstone, Qld 4680, Australia.
B Central Queensland University, University Drive, Bundaberg, Qld 4670, Australia.
C Central Queensland University, Bruce Highway, North Rockhampton, Qld 4702, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: r.hendry@cqu.edu.au
Australian Journal of Botany 63(4) 269-275 https://doi.org/10.1071/BT14184
Submitted: 7 August 2014 Accepted: 24 January 2015 Published: 23 April 2015
Abstract
The ultramafic endemic shrub Neoroepera buxifolia Muell.Arg. & F.Muell (Picrodendraceae) has high habitat specificity and is mostly restricted to the perennial and ephemeral creeks and drainage lines of the central Queensland ultramafic landscape. It has an association with high magnesium (Mg) concentrations in the soil and the present study seeks to determine whether there is a correlation between populations of N. buxifolia and the soil extractable Mg and/or Mg : calcium (Ca) quotients in the soil. This was achieved by measuring the standing volume, height and seedling counts of N. buxifolia against the soil elements and other plot characteristics. Whereas correlations were found between increased height of N. buxifolia and the Mg : Ca quotients, soil extractable nickel (Ni) had the greatest influence. The standing volume of N. buxifolia also increased with soil extractable Ni. The standing volume of N. buxifolia was greatest in the upper tributaries of the first-order ephemeral creeks and presence of permanent water of the perennial creeks did not influence the standing volume or height of N. buxfolia.
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