Three species of Lepidosperma were tested to determine whether the persistent perianth members are adapted to promote dispersal by ants. The perianth members showed a high lipid content and a fatty acid profile similar to known elaiosomes. Perianth material was removed in greater numbers than were diaspores in two of three species of Lepidosperma, and are thus likely to function as an elaiosome.

Protected areas in Brazil and around the world suffer from illegal logging for charcoal production, which prevents the fulfilment of their purpose. Here, we present the charcoal anatomy of tree species from protected areas as an important tool that can be useful to forensic charcoal identification and help in the conservation of the biodiversity of these areas in Brazil and other countries with similar problems.

This study set out to explore the functional role of the extrafloral nectaries recently described in Solanum fernandesii. Light and scanning electron microscopy showed that the petiolar gland is composed of a trichomatous epidermis. The trichome exudates contain a mixture of polysaccharides, pectins, mucilage, proteins, lipids, essential oils, resins, and phenolic compounds. These findings confirm that the petiolar glands in S. fernandesii are in fact resin glands and not extrafloral nectaries, as previously claimed.

Knowledge of the ability of native plants to grow in salty soils and to accumulate salt in their tissues is needed to identify useful plants for remediating salt-contaminated soils. Our study investigated seven native plant species found around two salt lakes in Western Australia. The results showed that three halophytic shrubs (saltbush, two Tecticornia species) and quandong (or bushfood) accumulated salts in their leaves at higher amounts than did other species and would be good candidates for remediating salt-contaminated soils.