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.