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 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 , Bethany Pittway, Tingting Wu, Shane R. Turner and Jacqueline Batley

 

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 , Marla Ibrahim Uehbe de Oliveira and Ligia Silveira Funch

 

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 , Robert G. Coles, Michael A. Rasheed and Alana Grech

 

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 , Issakwisa B. Ngondya and Anna C. Treydte

 

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 , Andrew M. Rogers, Suzanne M. Prober, Erika M. Roper , Emma Cook and April E. Reside

 

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 and Isabel Cristina Machado

 

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 , Analía Llanes and Laura Sosa

 

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 , Susan E. Gardiner, Jennifer A. Tate and Marion B. MacKay

 

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 and Alison Shapcott

 

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

Published online 16 September 2024

BT23078Flora and structure of the naturally regenerating riparian vegetation of the Rio Doce River: basis for environmental restoration actions

José Gustavo Santana Neves, Camila Silveira Souza , João Carlos Gomes Figueiredo, Cristina Pereira de Jesus Veloso, Marly Antonielle de Ávila, Odirlei Simões de Oliveira, Islaine Franciely Pinheiro de Azevedo, Rubens Manoel dos Santos, Geraldo Wilson Fernandes and Yule Roberta Ferreira Nunes

 

For an efficient restoration strategy, it is necessary to identify a reference ecosystem that can serve as a guide for planning and obtaining a measure of success. We sampled the flora of the regenerating stratum along the Rio Doce Basin, Brazil, to support the propagation and restoration of affected environments (Mariana disaster), and a total of 275 species distributed in 47 families were sampled. The results will be extremely important to propose restoration and conservation strategies for areas affected. Photograph by Odirlei Oliveira.

BT23078 Abstract  | PDF (1.4 MB) - $35.00   | BT23078Supplementary Material (1.2 MB)

Published online 02 September 2024

BT24016Floral biology, pollinators and breeding system of Passiflora chrysophylla (Passifloraceae), a South American passion vine

María T. Amela García

 

The pollination of the tiny passion vine Passiflora chrysophylla, a small-ranged species from the southern hemisphere, has been studied for the first time. Its sexual reproduction and, consequently, its genetic variability, is partially dependant on native bees, mainly crepuscular ones, to which it offers highly concentrated nectar during the morning. Its floral biology is similar to that of its close relative P. foetida, which is widespread, even invasive, and provides useful information in case of conservation needs. Photograph by P. I. Picca.

BT24016 Abstract  | PDF (6.2 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 27 August 2024

BT24011Variable seed quality hampers the use of Themeda triandra (Poaceae) for seed production, agriculture, research and restoration: a review

Marne Durnin , Emma Dalziell, Suzanne M. Prober and Petra Marschner

 

Kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra), a tussock grass with an international distribution, plays an important role in grassy ecosystems; however, since colonisation, it has decreased or been degraded across much of its range. It can be re-established from seed but seed quality has high population variability and seed dormancy can be a problem. With increasing calls for native-seed quality-assurance labelling, we show that this could be standardised for Themeda triandra. Photograph by Ellen Bennett.

BT24011 Abstract  |  BT24011 Full Text  | BT24011PDF (1.3 MB)  | BT24011Supplementary Material (844 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 26 July 2024

BT23089Differential copper toxicity in Amazon tree species explained by seed germination and initial seedling growth

Ana Caroline de Jesus de Castro, Josiane Celerino de Carvalho, Flávia Camila Schimpl, Joelma Keith Rodrigues, Antônia Vitória Ferreira de Souza, Andreia Varmes Fernandes, Wagner Luíz Araújo and José Francisco de Carvalho Gonçalves

 

Industrial and agricultural activities increase heavy metal concentrations in the environment, contaminating soil and plants. Seeds and seedlings of Hymenaea courbaril, Stryphnodendron pulcherrimum, and Hevea brasiliensis (Amazonian tree species) subjected to copper (500 mg kg⁻¹) were characterised by detrimental effects on germination, with negative implications for the initial seedling growth. Differential tolerance to copper was observed among species. Our findings provided insights into the resilience of tree species when facing copper-induced stress, shedding light on promising candidates for phytoremediation endeavours. Image by the authors.

BT23089 Abstract  | PDF (1.1 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 22 July 2024

BT24006Fungi associated with seeds of the invasive grass Nassella trichotoma (serrated tussock) in its native range as prospective biological control agents

Bárbara Angeletti, Freda E. Anderson and Alejandro Loydi

 

Serrated tussock is widely distributed in central Argentina and is one of the most damaging invasive species in Australia. We characterised the fungi able to colonise its seeds buried at a site in south-western Buenos Aires province, Argentina, and measured their impact on seed survival and germination during two contrasting seasons. Image by Alejandro Loydi.

BT24006 Abstract  | PDF (5.3 MB) - $35.00   | BT24006Supplementary Material (975 KB)

Published online 11 July 2024

BT23098Plant life-history data as evidence of an historical mixed-severity fire regime in Banksia Woodlands

Russell G. Miller , Neal J. Enright , Joseph B. Fontaine , David J. Merritt and Ben P. Miller

 

Information on past fire regimes can provide useful insights into species disturbance adaptations. To test the idea that contemporary demographic parameters provide a signature of past fire regimes, we assessed fire-related plant life-history strategies by using static demographic data collected along a 1–35-year fire-age chronosequence for species with a variety of traits. Species displayed a collection of life-history strategies associated with a historical mixed-severity fire regime, including adaptations for short and long fire intervals, interacting with varying fire severity. Photograph by Russell Miller.

BT23098 Abstract  |  BT23098 Full Text  | BT23098PDF (2.9 MB)  | BT23098Supplementary Material (727 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.

BT24050, Accepted 18 November 2024

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

Alviana Damit, Nur Adillah Yusof, Jemson Jumian, Charles Clarke and Alastair Robinson

 

BT24050Abstract

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1. Understanding Rhododendron intraspecific compatibility in botanic garden collections for species conservation

   Australian Journal of Botany 72 (6)

   Ling Hu , Susan E. Gardiner, Jennifer A. Tate, Marion B. MacKay

2. ‘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

   Australian Journal of Botany 72 (6)

   Hilary Pearl , Alison Shapcott

3. Variable seed quality hampers the use of Themeda triandra (Poaceae) for seed production, agriculture, research and restoration: a review

   Australian Journal of Botany 72 (6)

   Marne Durnin , Emma Dalziell, Suzanne M. Prober, Petra Marschner

4. 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

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

   Australian Journal of Botany 72 (7)

   Caitlin R. Rutherford , Andrew M. Rogers, Suzanne M. Prober, Erika M. Roper , Emma Cook, April E. Reside

6. A comprehensive functional trait database of seagrasses in tropical Queensland

   Australian Journal of Botany 72 (8)

   Chieh Lin , Robert G. Coles, Michael A. Rasheed, Alana Grech

7. 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

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

   Australian Journal of Botany 72 (5)

   Tobias Hayashi, Bronwyn M. Ayre , Björn Bohman, Graham R. Brown, Noushka Reiter , Ryan D. Phillips

9. 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

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

    Australian Journal of Botany 72 (4)

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

11. Evaluating the risk to Australia’s flora from Phytophthora cinnamomi

    Australian Journal of Botany 72 (4)

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

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

    Australian Journal of Botany 72 (8)

    Ryan J. Craig , Bethany Pittway, Tingting Wu, Shane R. Turner , Jacqueline Batley

13. Plant life-history data as evidence of an historical mixed-severity fire regime in Banksia Woodlands

    Australian Journal of Botany 72 (5)

    Russell G. Miller , Neal J. Enright , Joseph B. Fontaine , David J. Merritt , Ben P. Miller

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

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

    Australian Journal of Botany 72 (2)

    P. G. Ladd

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

    Australian Journal of Botany 72 (4)

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

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

    Australian Journal of Botany 72 (3)

    Ellen-Rose Sorensen, Jamie B. Kirkpatrick

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