Tree root pattern in a mixed Eucalypt forest

Abstract

In a number of cases, paper chromatography of ethanolic root extracts is shown to distinguish between members of the eucalypt subgenera Symphyomyrtus and Monocalyptus sensu Pryor and Johnson. Small exploratory roots sampled from a wet sclerophyll mixed forest were identified by this technique and their distribution mapped. The roots of two competing species were shown to intermingle and penetrate close to opposing boles. The significance of this is discussed.