Studies of long-term vegetation changes are critical in understanding the successional dynamics of natural ecosystems. We compared archival forest inventory data with new field surveys to document changes in stand structure over 60 years. Our results illustrate a continuation of forest encroachment that was initially documented in the late 1800s.

Historical aerial photographs and two molecular techniques were used to examine population structure of the swamp paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia Sm., Myrtaceae). They demonstrated that large, dome-shaped stands evident in the field were individual genets. The presence of clonality raises several important issues for the conservation and rehabilitation of Melaleuca-dominated wetlands.

Phylogeographic analyses of Gymnocarpos przewalskii indicated high genetic diversity and a significant phylogeographic structure. Thirty-one different cpDNA haplotypes were detected, and four independent glacial refugia were inferred. Furthermore, population bottlenecks and postglacial recolonisation were identified in the northern Tarim Basin, western Yumen and the Jinta region in Gansu Province.

Atriplex sp. Yeelirrie Station is a highly restricted, new hexaploid saltbush, known from only two sites ~30 km apart in Western Australia. Surprisingly these populations were highly genetically differentiated (12 % AMOVA), similar to that between sub-species of A. nummularia. Given this highly structured genetic variation we propose management recommendations

Caesalpinia echinata seeds are desiccation-tolerant and accumulate starch, sucrose and cyclitols during maturation. Here we demonstrate that desiccation intolerant immature seeds maintain high germination and marked increase of cyclitols and sucrose when dried after soaking in PEG solution, suggesting that it changes carbohydrate metabolism and mimics the natural maturation drying.

This work evaluated the anatomy, histochemistry and phytochemistry of leaves and stem bark of B. cuspidata, aiming to find similarities and anatomical data to supplement the quality control of this plant drug. The results suggest that the extracts of both plant parts should be considered and subjected to pharmacological studies.

Groundwater-dependent vegetation (GDV) is useful as an indicator of watertable depth and water availability in arid region. To elucidate how leaf N allocation and partitioning influence photosynthesis and photosynthetic N-use efficiency, three GDV species were selected, and their photosynthesis, leaf N allocation and partitioning were investigated in Taklamakan Desert.

Auxin application to plants can induce several classes of genes known as auxin-responsive genes (ARG).Earlier research with a limited number of probes implicated ARG, especially the Aux/IAA family, in tomato pedicel abscission. This study provides a comprehensive overview of ARG expression and the influence of Ca²⁺ in tomato abscission.

The quest of carbohydrates synthesis in avocado tree has shown a pattern on carbohydrate accumulation over different plant developmental phases. Therefore, a change over from C6 carbohydrate to C7 sugar metabolism characterises the progression from juvenility to maturity in avocado.