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 28 July 2025

BT24090Functional traits in arborescent Cactaceae: a guideline for their measurement

Walter F. Paredes Cubas , Kyle G. Dexter, Carlos Reynel Rodríguez, R. Toby Pennington and José Luis Marcelo Peña

 

The study of cacti is key to understanding how plants survive in extreme environments and how they interact with their surroundings. This article analyzes how these species have developed unique adaptations to thrive in arid zones and proposes a methodological guide for measuring their functional characteristics. The procedures described offer a useful tool to complement plant ecology studies and support conservation actions in dry ecosystems, especially in contexts of increasing anthropogenic pressure and climate change. Photograph by José Luis Marcelo Peña.

BT24090 Abstract  |  BT24090 Full Text  | BT24090PDF (989 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 25 July 2025

BT25005Control of African lovegrass by flupropanate in a flora conservation context

Carl R. Gosper , Julia Cullity and Grazyna Paczkowska

 

Two application rates of the herbicide flupropanate were tested for the control of invasive African lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) in a conservation context in Mediterranean-climate south-western Australia. Flupropanate was effective in controlling African lovegrass, with no significant off-target effects detected at a plant community or functional group level. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence regarding the use of flupropanate for invasive grass management. Photograph by G. Paczkowska.

BT25005 Abstract  |  BT25005 Full Text  | BT25005PDF (1.4 MB)  | BT25005Supplementary Material (368 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 June 2025

BT25020Phosphite for the prevention of disease caused by Phytophthora species in six rare or threatened species. Will it kill or cure?

K. L. McDougall and E. C. Y. Liew

 

Phytophthora species are oomycete root pathogens, which can cause great harm to threatened plant species populations. The chemical phosphite can reduce the harm by increasing plant resistance but it can also be phytotoxic. Our glasshouse study of six rare or threatened species showed that phosphite has variable effectiveness but the severe phytotoxic effects on some species highlights the need to find alternative control options. Photograph by Ed Liew.

BT25020 Abstract  |  BT25020 Full Text  | BT25020PDF (465 KB)  | BT25020Supplementary Material (241 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 20 June 2025

BT24087Reductions in fitness due to an endoparasitic plant are comparable to the impacts of hemiparasites

P. G. Ladd and M. E. Andrew

 

The endoparasite Pilostyles hamiltoniorum severely reduced reproductive output of the host Daviesia angulata. The main effect was reduction in the number of host flowers that resulted in reduced fruit set. The effect of the endoparasite was as detrimental to the host as was that of other types of parasites that have much larger vegetative plant bodies. Photograph by Philip Ladd.

BT24087 Abstract  |  BT24087 Full Text  | BT24087PDF (1.6 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 June 2025

BT25001Seedling survival and growth phenology in a monocarpic tree species, Cerberiopsis candelabra (Apocynaceae)

Camille Salmon , Patrick Heuret , Vanessa Hequet and Sandrine Isnard

 

Cerberiopsis candelabra, a species endemic to New Caledonia, is one of the world’s rare monocarpic trees. This canopy tree flowers once and subsequently dies. The survival and growth rate of seedlings are significant preconditions for the maintaintenance of this strategy in tropical forests. We found that this species has a high survival rate to maintain high seedling density and we show that seedling growth is continuous but strongly responsive to climate seasonality. Image by authors.

BT25001 Abstract  | PDF (11.7 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 05 June 2025

BT24027Microhabitat traits and herbivory of Calodesma collaris (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) affect the establishment of Vriesea incurvata (Bromeliaceae) plants translocated to the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil

Márcio Hisayuki Sasamori, Delio Endres Júnior , Silvana Vargas do Amaral, Simeão Moraes and Annette Droste

 

Vriesea incurvata is an epiphytic tank bromeliad endemic to the Atlantic Forest in Brazil, a biodiversity hotspot with about 90% of its domain altered. We evaluate the influence of herbivory on the survival and development of micropropagated V. incurvata translocated into two micro-environments: (1) gallery forest; and (2) forest interior. Herbivory by Calodesma collaris, together with abiotic factors, exerts differential pressure on translocated populations, with a lesser negative impact in the gallery forest. Greater spacing between plants attached to the phorophyte, in trees scattered throughout the forest fragment, might minimise the impact of caterpillars on the translocated population. Image by Márcio Hisayuki Sasamori and Delio Endres Júnior.

BT24027 Abstract  | PDF (1.5 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 29 May 2025

BT24082The assembly of the vegetation near the treeline during the Late Glacial and Holocene in south-central Tasmania

G. A. Astorga , G. J. Jordan and A. Martel-Cea

 

The study investigated the history of alpine and subalpine plants in south-central Tasmania over the past 15,000 years. By analysing fossil plant remains from Lake Dobson in Mount Field National Park researchers have uncovered evidence suggesting that the modern configuration of the vegetation near the treeline was reached c. 6000 years ago. These findings emphasise the individualistic plant responses and strategies during a time of significant environmental transformation, allowing us to understand how fast plant species can respond to such changes. Photographs by G. A. Astorga.

BT24082 Abstract  | PDF (5.4 MB) - $35.00   | BT24082Supplementary Material (411 KB)

Published online 13 May 2025

BT24083How soil fungal communities respond to invasive plant species treatments in soil from Banksia woodland, south-western Australia

Aaron J. Brace , Katinka X. Ruthrof, Joseph B. Fontaine, Ben P. Miller and Anna J. M. Hopkins

 

Invasive species are mostly controlled by herbicides that may result in non-target effects on essential soil fungi. Diverse fungal communities were obtained from a native tree and invasive grass species for herbicide testing. Herbicides containing pelargonic acid decreased species richness and Shannon diversity and fluazifop-p-butyl herbicides increased the relative abundance of pathogenic fungi. Photograph by Aaron Brace.

BT24083 Abstract  |  BT24083 Full Text  | BT24083PDF (2.3 MB)  | BT24083Supplementary Material (922 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 01 May 2025

BT24079Plant competition reshapes nitrogen utilisation in native Vachellia nilotica (Fabaceae)

Anathi Magadlela , Zinhle Lembede, Zivanai Tsvuura , Naledi Zama, Nqobile Motsomane and María A. Pérez-Fernández

 

Vachellia nilotica, a nitrogen-fixing tree, can improve nutrient-poor soils in grasslands but faces challenges from nutrient deficiencies and competition with important grasses such as red oat grass/kangaroo grass. The tree grows better in phosphorus-rich soil and forms nodules for nitrogen fixation, whereas nutrient-poor soil and grass competition reduce growth and nitrogen efficiency. This study highlights how low soil phosphorus content and plant competition with grass species can reshape legume growth and nitrogen source utilisation. Photograph by Naledi Zama.

BT24079 Abstract  | PDF (1.2 MB) - $35.00   | BT24079Supplementary Material (494 KB)

Published online 29 April 2025

BT24059Ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare Lam.) invasion has only a small effect on the diversity of a subalpine grassland

Keith L. McDougall , Jackie Miles and Genevieve T. Wright

 

Leucanthemum vulgare (ox-eye daisy) has become highly invasive in subalpine communities in Kosciuszko National Park, Australia. We conducted experiments to assess the effects of its addition and removal on grassland diversity, finding that it can cause a reduction in diversity following disturbance and that herbicide effects are temporary. Despite the effects we identified, the grassland vegetation appears to be generally resilient to ox-eye daisy invasion. Photograph by Keith McDougall.

BT24059 Abstract  |  BT24059 Full Text  | BT24059PDF (2.1 MB)  | BT24059Supplementary Material (1000 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 11 March 2025

BT24020Implications of varroa mite establishment for Australian plants and their persistence

Tom Le Breton , Amy-Marie Gilpin, Chantelle Doyle and Mark K.J. Ooi

 

Varroa mite, a parasite associated with the collapse of European honeybee populations globally, has recently become established in Australia and will inevitably spread across the country. If feral honeybee populations drastically decline across Australia there may be serious consequences for native plant species in terms of their reproductive ecology and conservation. We highlight potential consequences of the spread of varroa mite, and knowledge gaps and research opportunities to prevent avoidable negative impacts on Australian flora. Illustration by Juan Camilo.

BT24020 Abstract  |  BT24020 Full Text  | BT24020PDF (663 KB)  | BT24020Supplementary Material (229 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 March 2025

BT24060An assessment of the accuracy of satellite-derived woody and grass foliage cover estimates for Australia

Randall J. Donohue and Luigi J. Renzullo

 

Reasonably accurate predictions of the spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of green foliage cover can be made from satellite imagery. We have produced fortnightly, Australia-wide woody and grass foliage cover layers for the past 24 years and have assessed their accuracy across a range of vegetation types and productivity gradients. Data are publicly available. Image by Randall Donohue.

BT24060 Abstract  |  BT24060 Full Text  | BT24060PDF (14.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 21 February 2025

BT24064Habitat for the endangered ephemeral Monotaxis macrophylla (Euphorbiaceae) in New South Wales: how do predictions compare with the evidence?

Stephen A. J. Bell

 

The endangered short-lived, ephemeral herb Monotaxis macrophylla is detectable only after fire or ground disturbance and has been attributed to 262 Plant Community Types in NSW for regulatory purposes. A review of evidence for occurrence has concluded that only 15 PCTs might be expected to support the species, substantially altering survey and assessment requirements. Photograph by Stephen Bell.

BT24064 Abstract  |  BT24064 Full Text  | BT24064PDF (1.3 MB)  | BT24064Supplementary Material (1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 14 February 2025

BT23088_COCorrigendum to: Tasmania’s giant eucalypts: discovery, documentation, macroecology and conservation status of the world’s largest angiosperms

Brett Mifsud, Lynda D. Prior, Grant J. Williamson, Jan Corigliano, Carl Hansen, Robert Van Pelt, Steven Pearce, Thomas Greenwood and David M. J. S. Bowman

 

BT23088_CO Full Text  | BT23088_COPDF (140 KB)

Published online 06 February 2025

BT24065Assessing the storage potential of seed collections to inform the management of wild species seed banks

S. Balasupramaniyam, D. J. Merritt, F. R. Hay and E. L. Dalziell

 

Seed banks play an important role in ex situ plant conservation. However, managing wild species seed banks is complex, with seeds ageing and dying at different rates. After germinating seeds of banked seed collections to determine viability, we rapidly aged collections with high viability to differentiate the longevity to guide curation activities including future retesting schedules. This method could be used by wild seed banks to make more informed decisions about historical and ageing seed collections. Photograph by Laura Skates.

BT24065 Abstract  |  BT24065 Full Text  | BT24065PDF (1.1 MB)   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.

BT25008, Accepted 28 July 2025

Trajectories of ecology past and future

Mark Westoby

 

BT25008Abstract

BT25022, Accepted 14 July 2025

Novel root clusters in the grasstree Kingia australis (Dasypogonaceae) increase the root surface/volume ratio by 70 times

Byron Lamont , Andrew Weinert and Helen Duff

 

BT25022Abstract

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1. Tasmania’s giant eucalypts: discovery, documentation, macroecology and conservation status of the world’s largest angiosperms

   Australian Journal of Botany 73 (1)

   Brett Mifsud , Lynda D. Prior , Grant J. Williamson, Jan Corigliano, Carl Hansen, Robert Van Pelt, Steven Pearce, Thomas Greenwood, David M. J. S. Bowman

2. 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

3. An assessment of the accuracy of satellite-derived woody and grass foliage cover estimates for Australia

   Australian Journal of Botany 73 (2)

   Randall J. Donohue , Luigi J. Renzullo

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

   Australian Journal of Botany 72 (8)

   Alviana Damit, Nur Adillah Mohd Yusof, Jemson Jumian, Charles Clarke, Alastair S. Robinson

5. Assessing the storage potential of seed collections to inform the management of wild species seed banks

   Australian Journal of Botany 73 (1)

   S. Balasupramaniyam, D. J. Merritt, F. R. Hay, E. L. Dalziell

6. Implications of varroa mite establishment for Australian plants and their persistence

   Australian Journal of Botany 73 (2)

   Tom Le Breton , Amy-Marie Gilpin, Chantelle Doyle, Mark K.J. Ooi

7. Habitat for the endangered ephemeral Monotaxis macrophylla (Euphorbiaceae) in New South Wales: how do predictions compare with the evidence?

   Australian Journal of Botany 73 (2)

   Stephen A. J. Bell

8. How soil fungal communities respond to invasive plant species treatments in soil from Banksia woodland, south-western Australia

   Australian Journal of Botany 73 (4)

   Aaron J. Brace , Katinka X. Ruthrof, Joseph B. Fontaine, Ben P. Miller , Anna J. M. Hopkins

9. Origins of the rare Australian daisy Erigeron conyzoides and its implications for biological control research and conservation management

   Australian Journal of Botany 73 (1)

   Stephanie H. Chen , Alicia Grealy, Michelle A. Rafter, Ben Gooden, Alexander N. Schmidt-Lebuhn

10. Ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare Lam.) invasion has only a small effect on the diversity of a subalpine grassland

    Australian Journal of Botany 73 (3)

    Keith L. McDougall , Jackie Miles, Genevieve T. Wright

11. 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

12. Phosphite for the prevention of disease caused by Phytophthora species in six rare or threatened species. Will it kill or cure?

    Australian Journal of Botany 73 (5)

    K. L. McDougall , E. C. Y. Liew

13. ‘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

14. Reductions in fitness due to an endoparasitic plant are comparable to the impacts of hemiparasites

    Australian Journal of Botany 73 (5)

    P. G. Ladd , M. E. Andrew

15. Long-term surveillance of Phytophthora cinnamomi reveals no evidence of increased detections and new insights for monitoring and management

    Australian Journal of Botany 73 (1)

    T. J. Mason , K. L. McDougall, P. Craven, C. C. Simpson, G. C. Popovic, D. A. Keith

16. Spatially variable recruitment response to fire severity in golden-top wattle (Acacia mariae, family: Fabaceae), a thicket-forming shrub of semi-arid forests

    Australian Journal of Botany 73 (1)

    Boyd R. Wright , Damien D. Andrew , Michael Hewins, Claire Hewitt, Roderick J. Fensham

17. Half a century of change in floristics and structure in an urban grassy woodland: implications for conservation management

    Australian Journal of Botany 73 (1)

    Jamie B. Kirkpatrick , Ian Jenkinson, Kerry L. Bridle

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

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