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Southern hemisphere botanical ecosystems
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Australian Journal of Botany

Australian Journal of Botany

Australian Journal of Botany is an international journal for publication of original research in plant science. The journal publishes in the areas of ecology and ecophysiology; invasive biology; conservation biology and biodiversity; forest biology and management; cell and molecular biology; palaeobotany and biogeography; reproductive biology and genetics; mycology and pathology; structure and development; and aquatic botany. Read more about the journalMore

Editors-in-Chief: John Morgan and Mark Ooi

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Australian Journal of Botany has moved to a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 19 September 2024

BT24005Understanding Rhododendron intraspecific compatibility in botanic garden collections for species conservation

Ling Hu 0000-0003-2576-2143, Susan E. Gardiner, Jennifer A. Tate and Marion B. MacKay
 

The rationale and steps used to test intraspecific compatibility using controlled pollination in Rhododendron species.

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 0000-0002-1226-8907 and Alison Shapcott 0000-0003-3734-052X
 

A diagram showing the mycorrhizal strategies of Sunshine Coast heath species.

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 0000-0003-0856-9392, 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 0000-0003-3328-7506
 

A photograph of the Riparian forest along a tributary of the Rio Doce river.

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 0000-0002-3745-1361
 

Image of the flower of the tiny passion vine Passiflora chrysophylla, beginning to open, showing pink-pigmented radii.

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 0000-0003-4909-061X, Emma Dalziell, Suzanne M. Prober and Petra Marschner
 

A photograph showing three tetraploid Themeda triandra seeds, including ripe (left) and empty (middle and right) seeds.

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 0000-0001-9197-4617
 

Diagram and photograph showing copper toxicity in seed germination and seedling growth of the Amazonian tree species.

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 0000-0002-0306-905X
 

A diagram showing the experimental steps used to test the impact of fungi on seed survival and germination.

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 0000-0002-4610-0969, Neal J. Enright 0000-0003-2979-4505, Joseph B. Fontaine 0000-0002-6515-7864, David J. Merritt 0000-0002-3250-6861 and Ben P. Miller 0000-0002-8569-6697
 

A photograph of fire-prone Banksia Woodlands in Western Australia.

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

Published online 08 July 2024

BT23110Pollination by multiple species of nectar foraging Hymenoptera in Prasophyllum innubum, a critically endangered orchid of the Australian Alps

Tobias Hayashi, Bronwyn M. Ayre 0000-0001-7553-3491, Björn Bohman, Graham R. Brown, Noushka Reiter 0000-0001-8450-2769 and Ryan D. Phillips 0000-0002-3777-9260
 

A photograph showing a Critically Endangered species of orchid being visited by pollinator bees.

For the Critically Endangered Prasophyllum innubum, pollination occurs via three species of bee and a sphecid wasp, suggesting a generalised strategy that may offer flexibility when selecting sites for conservation translocation. Fruit set averaged 72–84%, despite a minimal contribution from self-pollination. Only 4% of inflorescences were consumed by herbivores, meaning that if herbivores are a threat for this species, it is likely to be through alteration of habitat rather than direct grazing. Photograph by Tobias Hayashi.

BT23110 Abstract  |  BT23110 Full Text  | BT23110PDF (654 KB)  | BT23110Supplementary Material (737 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 24 June 2024

BT24021Determining the moisture content of Acacia seeds

Geoffrey E. Burrows 0000-0002-6894-0010
 

Acacia leptoloba seeds after exposure to dry heat (24 h at 103℃). The seeds have shattered, exposing the embryos.

Moisture content (MC) is an important property of seeds, associated with many aspects of physiological seed quality. Acacias have very hard seed coats, which means that seeds can survive for decades in the soil, but in standard methods of determining MC (e.g. heating in an oven at 103°C for 17 h), the moisture in the seed might not be able to escape. The standard method can work for some Acacia species; however, to ensure accurate results, seeds should be halved before going into the oven. Image by Geoff Burrows.

BT24021 Abstract  |  BT24021 Full Text  | BT24021PDF (1.9 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 24 June 2024

BT23087Strategies of air space acquisition in Neotropical savanna trees differing in leaf habit

Nayara Magry Jesus Melo 0000-0002-6683-4193, Carlos Henrique Britto de Assis Prado 0000-0002-1652-2642, Denilson Rodrigo Vieira Branco 0000-0002-2296-6856 and João Paulo Souza 0000-0002-1583-7933
 

A diagram showing a Cerrado tree with orthotropic and plagiotropic shoots.

We studied shoot and foliage production in 15 Cerrado tree species with distinct leaf phenology, to investigate the influence of monthly air temperature and rainfall over a growing season. Each growth strategy kept shoot and foliage production independent of monthly climate variability, emphasising the significance of characterising the leaf phenological assemblages of the vast Cerrado woody flora as inherent functional groups in a continuum of crown trait variation, enabling the identification of strategies to capture, use, and store resources in each tree group. Image by Maria Gracielle Rodrigues Maciel.

BT23087 Abstract  | PDF (1.1 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 18 June 2024

BT23084Schoenoplectus californicus (Cyperaceae) amorphous silica contribution to the silicon cycle in pampean shallow lakes: an analysis of spatio-temporal variation and silicon–lignin relations

Mara De Rito 0000-0003-2134-7313, Natalia Borrelli, Marcela Natal and Mariana Fernández Honaine
 

Photograph of a shallow lake sorrounded by sedges, in the Pampean region of Argentina.

Silicophytoliths constitute an important source of silicon in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Schoenoplectus californicus is an important silicophytolith producer. We investigated the spatio-temporal variation in silicophytolith content of S. californicus in three shallow lakes of the Pampean region, Argentina. S. californicus is generating a constant silicophytolith production over the years and between sites. This study shows the importance of this community as a silicon source, and the implications of its displacement by other communities or urban development. Photograph taken by M. De Rito.

BT23084 Abstract  | PDF (1.3 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 13 June 2024

BT23111A near-complete dataset of plant growth form, life history, and woodiness for all Australian plants

Elizabeth H. Wenk 0000-0001-5640-5910, David Coleman 0000-0002-1773-6597, Rachael V. Gallagher 0000-0002-4680-8115 and Daniel S. Falster 0000-0002-9814-092X
 

An open-source dataset of plant growth form, woodiness and life history values for nearly all Australian plants.

Here, we present an open-source dataset that includes trait values for plant growth form, woodiness and life history for nearly all plants in Australia. This is the first near-complete tabular compilation of these traits for Australia, designed to facilitate research on Australia’s flora. Users can download this data set, rather than transcribing trait values from floras or other resources. Image by Sophie Yang.

BT23111 Abstract  |  BT23111 Full Text  | BT23111PDF (251 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 June 2024

BT24014APCalign: an R package workflow and app for aligning and updating flora names to the Australian Plant Census

Elizabeth H. Wenk 0000-0001-5640-5910, William K. Cornwell 0000-0003-4080-4073, Anne Fuchs 0000-0001-5737-8803, Fonti Kar 0000-0002-2760-3974, Anna M. Monro 0000-0001-9031-2670, Hervé Sauquet 0000-0001-8305-3236, Ruby E. Stephens 0000-0002-3767-2690 and Daniel S. Falster 0000-0002-9814-092X
 

The workflow of an application to align and update scientific names of Australian plants to the currently accepted name.

To facilitate communication, research projects, biodiversity assessments and nurseries across Australia should use the scientific names accepted by the Australian Plant Census (APC), Australia’s national taxonomic standard for vascular plants. Here we present ‘APCalign’, an R package and browser-sourced application to efficiently align and update lists of scientific names for Australian vascular plants to the most likely currently accepted name. This package will be useful for all research outputs that require diverse scientific name lists to be updated. Image by Elizabeth Wenk.

BT24014 Abstract  |  BT24014 Full Text  | BT24014PDF (362 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 May 2024

BT23106The susceptibility of rare and threatened NSW species to the root-rot pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi: 2. The identification of species requiring protection or further research

Keith L. McDougall 0000-0002-8288-6444 and Edward C. Y. Liew
 

Photograph of the rare species Dracophyllum macranthum.

The root pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi is a major threat to Australia’s native plants. Little is known about its effect on plants in New South Wales. We found that some rare and threatened species can be severely affected by this pathogen but the threat is unknown for many rare species in areas such as the Blue Mountains where the habitat is highly suited to P. cinnamomi. Image by Keith McDougall.

BT23106 Abstract  |  BT23106 Full Text  | BT23106PDF (848 KB)  | BT23106Supplementary Material (697 KB)   Open Access Article

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Rare Plants

The conservation, management and recovery of rare and threatened species is complex and requires an understanding of many aspects of a species biology. It is also important to understand key threats to population and species persistence. This Collection of papers from the Australian Journal of Botany highlight three important research areas for plant conservation and recovery – genetics, ecology and ex-situ conservation.

Last Updated: 17 Nov 2016

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