bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclones as an ecological factor in tropical lowland rain-forest, North Queensland
Authors: Webb LJ
Published: December 2005

The influence of cyclones on the structural and floristm composition of tropical lowland and foothill rain-forest in north Queensland is briefly described. Local topographic effects, as well as the general frequency and intensity of cyclones, are important. The local intensification of wind velocities, probably exceeding 100 m.p.h., which occur regularly in parts of the coastal corridor south of Cairns, produces "cyclone scrubs". Because of extensive windthrows, these have a low uneven canopy with scattered emergents densely draped by vines. In more sheltered areas, with cyclonic winds averaging 60–80 m.p.h. not locally accelerated by turbulence, upper canopy defoliation and occasional windthrows have resulted in a dense understorey of the shade-intolerant lawyer vine (Calamus australis (Mart.) Beccari) under a relatively even canopy averaging 90–110 ft high. On exposed spurs of the rugged coastal ranges, Acacia aulacocarpa A. Cunn. is a common emergent of vine forests. Fire following "dry" cyclone damage may further modify vine forests adjacent to fire-paths in sclerophyll or grassy forest. The principal effects of fire are the absence of the fire-sensitive Calamus spp., and the presence of numerous sclerophyllous species in addition to A. aulacocarpa. The reactions of Queensland tropical rain-forest to cyclones are compared with those described for west Africa, Malaya, and the West Indies. The catastrophic effect of cyclones on rain-forests overrides the usual ecological factors, and in such areas, even without human interference, a stable forest climax is not attained. The frequency of cyclonic damage means that exposed sites of the tropical lowlands and adjacent foothills of north Queensland have an uncertain silvicultural future.
A monographic study of Helichrysum subgenus Ozothamnus (Compositae) and of two related genera formerly included therein
Authors: Burbidge NT
Published: December 2005

The species included under Helichrysum sect. Ozothamnus in Bentham's "Flora Australiensis", vol. 3 (1867), are considered and the status of the section changed to that of subgenus. Two species are reinstated in the monotypic genera Acanthocladium and Argyroglottis and the remainder retained in Helichrysum subgenus Ozothamnus and grouped into two sections which also include the more recently described species. All species are fully described. Section Hebelaena, in which the plants are weakly woody perennials growing seasonally from the butt and bearing the capitula in open inflorescences, includes seven species. Section Ozothamnus includes woody species of corymbose or columnar habit of branching and bearing the capitula in dense corymbose inflorescences terminal to the seasonal growth. The section includes 36 species, of which three are new. Two varieties are raised to specific status and a number of taxa treated at the subspecific level.
Effect of sodium chloride on leaf succulence and area of Atriplex hastata L.
Authors: Black RF
Published: December 2005

The effect of NaCl in water cultures on morphology and histology are studied with A. hastata, a semisucculent halophyte with a mesomorphic leaf structure. NaCl is shown to extend the ontogeny of the living leaf, and to produce an accelerated rate of leaf thickening, which has its main emphasis in the extended ontogenetic period. The most rapid thickening rate occurred when a high salt concentration (0.6 m) was applied to only part of the root system, so as not to impede a rapid general growth rate in the plant. Maximum leaf areas occurred in 0.1m NaCl cultures, minimum areas in 0.6 m. Epidermal cell areas in a 0. m treatment were double those of the treatment devoid of NaCl and those in the 0.6 m treatment. Numbers of epidermal cells per leaf decreased progressively with increasing concentrations of NaCl. The salt-induced thickening rate is looked upon as a process superimposed on a rather similar light and moisture-sensitive process. Differences in timing between salt effects on leaf area and succulence are explained by differential vacuolation of epidermis and palisade tissue. The high-salt cultures (0.4–0.6 m, which greatly reduced growth, apparently did not reduce turgor pressures necessary for succulence. It is considered that the data required to explain differences noted in epidermal cell size are relationships between their rates of expansion and the rates of maturation of structural limiting factors.
Opal phytoliths in some Victorian soils and "red rain" residues
Authors: Baker G
Published: December 2005

Opaline bodies in certain Victorian soils have been regarded in the past as sponge spicules. It is now shown that the majority of these opaline bodies are the same as those developed in certain plants, hence they are recorded as opal phytoliths. This corrected identification of the opaline bodies is of fundamental significance in affecting certain aspects of the interpretation of the history of such components of soils. It is no longer necessary to consider these bodies of opal as sponge spicules carried into soils by wind transportation or other means. They are released from plants containing them and shed into the soils on the decomposition, or destruction during grass and forest fires, of phytolith-bearing vegetation, or sometimes via the dung of graminiferous animals. A few smaller phytoliths do become wind-borne, as evidenced by their occurrence in "red rain" and "red snow" residues. It is also shown that distilled water should always be used in treating soils for examination of their phytolith populations, because a small quantity of the smaller phytoliths (and diatoms) occurs in tap-water.
Studies on the Sarcomenia group of the Rhodophyta
Authors: Womersley HBS , Shepley EA
Published: December 2005

A study of species placed in the genus Sarcomenia, and study of allied genera, shows that Sarcomenia includes one species only. S. delesserioides Sonder. Other species belong either to Platysiphonia Boergesen or to Sarcotrichia gen. nov. The Australian Polysiphonia roeana is shown to belong to the Sarcomenia group and is placed in a new genus, Malaconema. Other related genera which are discussed are Cottoniella Boergesen and Taenioma J . Agardh. C. hawaiiensis Doty & Wainwright is placed in a new genus, Dotyella.

These genera form a uniform group, distinguished largely on vegetative features since their reproductive structures are very similar. The Sarcomenia group forms an intermediate and linking group between the Delesseriaceae and Rhodomelaceae, but shows somewhat more features in common with the latter family and may have been derived from rhodomelaceous ancestors. The group is recognized as a subfamily, the Sarcomenioideae, of the Rhodomelaceae, and all other groups of the Rhodomelaceae are considered to form a second subfamily, the Rhodomeloideae. Phylogenetic relationships of the Sarcomenioideae are discussed.
Factors affecting growith and distribution of kauri (Agathis australis Salisb.) I. Effect of light on the establishment of Kaura and of Phyllocladus trichomanoides D.Don
Authors: Bieleski RL
Published: December 2005

A method for determining the effect of light on seedling distribution in the field is described. It can be applied when seedling frequencies are as low as 1/m2. The frequency distribution of light intensities occupied by seedlings in a quadrat is compared with the frequency distribution of light intensities measured on a grid in the quadrat. This method was used to study the effect of light intensity on the establishment of two New Zealand gymnosperms, kauri (Agathis australis) and Phyllocladus trichomanoides, in the nursery community, a semimature Leptospermum scoparium – L. ericoides associes. Kauri and Phyllocladus did not occur at light intensities below 0.015 and 0.018 full daylight respectively. This limitation appeared to be due to the low light intensity presumably limiting photosynthesis. Kauri, but not Phyllocladus, also showed a high light intensity limit, at 0.30 full daylight, above which seedlings did not establish. Reasons are given for considering this as an indirect effect, probably through related solar heating affecting soil temperature or moisture. The optimal light intensity for kauri and Phyllocladus seedling establishment was close to the modal light intensity under the Leptospermum community: Leptospermum spp. were incapable of regenerating under their own cover. These two reasons appear to explain the suitability of the Leptospermum community as a nurse crop for the two conifer seedling species.
Factors affecting growth and distribution of kauri (Agathis australis Salisb.) II. Effect of light intensity on seedling growth
Authors: Bieleski RL
Published: December 2005

The effect of various light intensities on the growth of kauri seedlings is described. Daylight was screened to the required level with lath screens. There was no significant effect of light on seedling mortality in the light intensity range 0.40–0.02 full daylight. Seedling morphology was affected by light intensity, the ratios stem dry weight/root dry weight, stem length/root length, and fresh weight / dry weight increasing significantly with decreasing light intensity. Seedling growth was a linear function of log (light intensity), the growth rates and assimilation rates being similar to those for other forest tree seedlings. The compensation point was at 0.009 full daylight, close to the low light intensity limit to seedling establishment in the field but low compared with those of other tree seedlings. There was no high light intensity limit to seedling growth, such as that shown for seedling establishment in the field. The apparent discrepancy is discussed.
Studies of the family Proteaceae. I. Anatomy and morphology of the roots of some Victorian species
Authors: Purnell HM
Published: December 2005

The term ''proteoid root" is defined. The morphological and anatomical features of such roots are described. A shorn account is given of the anatomy of the primary root and of roots in which secondary growth has occurred. The types of root system found among representative Victorian genera are also described.
Studies on the origin, evolution, and distribution of the Gramineae. III. The tribes of the subfamily Eragrostoideae
Authors: Hartley W , Slater C
Published: December 2005

In further studies of grass distribution, maps are presented showing the world distribution of the Eragrosteae (sensu str.) and of the subfamily Eragrostoideae within which it is included. Both taxa show centres of high relative specific differentiation in inland Australia and in South West Africa, but in addition, the subfamily has centres of differentiation in the Sahara rekion, northern Mexico, and north-western India. The centres of differentiation are all in regions of hot, arid climate near the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. The close relationship between climate and distribution is most apparent in the case of the subfamily Eragrostoideae, species of which are relatively abundant in the grass flora of all arid regions with high winter temperatures and summer or non-seasonal rainfall incidence. The distributions of most of the other tribes and subtribes which have been included in the Eragrostoideae show a similar relationship to climate. Some apparent exceptions to this are discussed, and it is shown that the geographical evidence supports conclusions from recent cytotaxonomic and anatomical studies that the taxa concerned should be removed from the subfamily. The very wide distribution of the subfamily and of its constituent taxa, as well as the close relationship between the distribution pattern and climate, suggests that the subfamily is a very old one. Geographical and taxonomic evidence indicates that it may have originated in tropical or subtropical Africa at least as early as the Oligocene.
Some morphological, anatomical, and physiological changes in the pear fruit (Pyrus communis var. Williams Bon Chrétien) during development and following harvest
Authors: Bain JM
Published: December 2005

Morphological, anatomical, and physiological changes occurring in the
developing fruit of Pyrus communis var. Williams Bon Chretien were studied at
frequent intervals, from blossom until after commercial maturity, in three successive
seasons.
Morphological changes were shown by increase in measurements of volume,
long and short axis, and the width of the cortex (flesh), the morphology of the fruit
being interpreted by the receptacular theory, Anatomical changes were given by
the duration and distribution of cell division, differentiation of tissues, cell size,
and cell number. Physiological changes were expressed as changes in fresh weight,
dry weight, and moisture content for the whole fruit, and separately for the flesh,
peel, and core in the second and third seasons. Total and reducing sugars, starch,
titratable acidity, and total and protein nitrogen were estimated per gram of dried
flesh at each sampling. Respiration rates for whole fruit were measured by the
Pettenkofer method. Physiological changes could not be expressed on a per cell
basis because of the complex structure of pear tissue.
Data presented on the basis of the number of days from blossom showed two
distinct stages in fruit growth. Stage I, the first 42-56 days of development, corresponded
to the main cell division period and was characterized by more rapid
morphological but slower physiological changes (except for increase in protein
nitrogen) than Stage 11, the remainder of the time on the tree. Comparable trends
were found in the three seasons, but drought reduced growth rate in the first season.
Some ripening changes were followed on removal from the tree and after
periods of cold storage at 0°C.
Systematic studies of the anatomy of the genus Acrotriche R.BR. I. The leaf
Authors: Paterson BR
Published: December 2005

The leaves of the 12 species of Acrotriche (Epacridaceae) have been examined
anatomically from a systematic standpoint. It has been possible to distinguish
between the species on the basis of leaf characteristics alone. These distinctions
have been outlined in the form of a key to the species, and discussed fully in individual
specific descriptions. The most valuable diagnostic characters are: presence
or absence of papillose differentiation; shape of the leaf; shape of the sheath of
fibres supporting the vascular bundle; presence or absence of a parenchymatous
sheath around the bundles; and the presence or absence of calcium oxalate crystals
and large fat globules. The specific delimitations based on the leaf anatomy agree
with the morphological boundaries.
Embryological studies in the compositae, I. Sporogenesis, Gametogenesis, and Embryogeny in Cotula australis (Less.) Hook. F
Authors: Davis GL
Published: December 2005

Cotula australis has a discoid heterogamous capitulum in which the outermost
three whorls of florets are female and naked. The bisexual disk florets are fully
fertile and have a four-lobed corolla with four shortly epipetalous stamens. The
anthers contain only two microsporangia. Wall formation and microsporogenesis
are described and the pollen grains are shed at the three-celled condition.
The ovule is teguinucellate and the hypodermal archesporial cell develops
directly as the megaspore mother cell. Megasporogenesis is normal and the
monosporio embryo sac develops from the chalazal megaspore. Breakdown of
the nucellar epidermis takes place when the embryo sac is binucleate and its
subsequent development follows the Polygonum type. The synergids extend deeply
into the micropyle and one persists until late in embryogeny as a haustorium.
The development of the embryo is of the Asterad type, and the endosperm
is cellular.
C. coronopifolia agrees with C. australis in the presence of only two microsporangia
in each anther and the development of a synergid haustorium.
The nature of reaction wood. VI. The reaction anatomy of seedlings of woody perennials.
Authors: Scurfield G , Wardrop AB
Published: December 2005

The reaction anatomy of the stems of seedlings of A 1 species of hroad-leaved
trees was examined. The reaction was induced by bending the stems at right angles
or growing the plants horizontally.
As a result of greater cambial activity on the upper side such stems developed
a structural asymmetry characterized by enhanced xylem and phloem development.
The structural features of the lower side were similar to those of stems grown
vertically. The xylem on the upper side contained fewer vessels, more fibres, and
fewer medullary rays than that on the lower side of the same stem. "Gelatinous"
layers developed within the reaction fibres as well as in fibres of the phloem. Vessels,
medullary ray cells, and parenchyma cells were often compressed and sometimes
obliterated. Reaction fibres showed reduced wall pitting and tended to retain their
contents until they lay relatively deep within the stem. There were no differences
in fibre length between upper and lower sides of the stem, but comparisons were
probably confounded with an age difference. Cortical cells and, in species where
they occurred, canals were compressed on that side of the stem. Such cortical cells
were not only smaller in cross section than those on the lower side, but were also
shorter in length. This was also a feature of medullary ray cells. There was a greater
accumulation of tannins in phloem and cortex on the upper side of the stem.
The structure of reaction fibres was examined in ultraviolet, polarizing, and
electron microscopes. In the first of these, the "gelatinous" layer was seen to consist
of a series of concentric bands convoluted towards the cell lumen, the bands containing
radial striations. The polarizing microscope showed that the innermost part of the
wall possessed some birefringence. Both convolutions and birefringence tended to
disappear as the cells matured; staining with Congo red became less intense. The
heterogeneity of the "gelatinous" layer was confirmed by electron microscopic
examination.
The results are discussed in connection with the gravimorphic responses of
displaced stems, the altered patterns of lignification, and the development of growth
stresses in such stems.
Chromosome numbers in the proteaceae
Authors: Ramsay HP
Published: December 2005

Chromosome numbers have been determined for 19 genera and 53 species
of Proteaceae in Australia. The chromosomes are small in all genera except Persoonia
n = 7, Placospermum n = 7 (Johnson and Briggs 1963) and Bellendena n = 5
(Venkata Rao 1957), which have chromosomes comparable in size with those in
the Liliaceae and Ranunculaceae.
In other Australian genera chromosome numbers range from n = 14
(Cenarrhenes, Macadamia, Xylornelum, Lambertia, Banksia, Dryandra), n = 13
(Isopogon, Petrophile, Stirlingia, Adenanthos), n = 11 (Conospermum, Telopea,
Lomatia, Stenocarpus) to n = 10 (Symphionema, Grevillea, Hakea). There are no
genera counted so far in Australia with n = 12, a number common to many South
African Proteaceae.
Only one example of intrageneric polyploidy in the family is reported, for
Persoonia toru A. Cunn. n = 14 by Hair and Beuzenberg (1959), while Venkata
Rao (1957) discovered one example of intrageneric difference in number in two
species of Orites with n = 14, 15, but in all other members of the family investigated,
the chromosome numbers are constant for all species of the one genus, indeed for
all the genera in certain tribes, e.g. Banksieae.
Cytological evolution and distribution of the family have been discussed
and a scheme representing possible chromosome number relationships drawn up.
Dark Island heath (Ninety-mile plain, South Australia). VII. The effect of fertilizers on composition and growth, 1950-60
Authors: Specht RL
Published: December 2005

Field experiments described in this paper analyse the effect of increase in soil
fertility level on heath vegetation growing on the Makin sand. Fertilizers, P, N, Cu,
and Zn, were added to raise the fertility of the plots to that of more fertile soils which,
in coastal eastern and southern Australia, support a herbaceous understorey.
Increased fertility did not affect germination of heath plants, but it influenced
adversely the establishment of seedlings. Application of even small quantities of
fertilizers (2 cwt superphosphate per acre, 2 cwt sodium nitrate per acre) greatly reduced
the survival rate of all seedlings.
Phosphorus fertilizer produced greatly increased growth in both surviving seedlings
and mature heath plants; nitrogen together with phosphorus improved the growth
of some species still further. There was great variation in the responses of individual
species to fertilizers: some species showed maximum growth at 2 cwt superphosphate per
acre, others at 4, others at 8 cwt per acre. The first group is dominant in the climax
vegetation. Growth of the heath community was almost trebled by additions of 16 cwt
superphosphate per acre. "Phosphorus toxicity" symptoms were observed in some
mature heath species.
Phosphate fertilizer hastened maturation and flowering in some heath seedlings
which, after the addition of superphosphate, flowered some two years before the controls.
This treatment also induced annual flowering a week or two earlier than on the
control plots.
Annual grasses, herbs, and a moss appeared and survived on all phosphorustreated
plots, rarely in the unfertilized heath. Seeds of these annual species were windborne
either from neighbouring farms five miles away or from adjacent plant communities.
The results of these field experiments suggest that:
(1) herbaceous species fail to survive on impoverished soils because of the low
level of phosphorus which precludes satisfactory growth;
(2) heath species are excluded from the more fertile soils firstly by some harmful
effect on seedlings and secondly by competition from the more vigorous
herbaceous plants in this environment.
Gradually over the last 10 years heath plots fertilized with phosphorus fertilizers
have shown changes towards a herbaceous sward.
The nature of reaction wood. VII. Lignification in reaction wood
Authors: Scurfield G , Wardrop.A.B .
Published: December 2005

Lignification of reaction wood, caused to form in the stems of seedlings of
Trisrania conferta K.Br., Grevillea robusta A.Cunn., Eucalyptus botryoides Sm., E.
Melliodora A.Cunn. ex Schau., Hakea laurina R.Br., and Liquidambar styraciflua L.,
has been investigated with the use of ultraviolet microscopy and staining techniques.
The polarizing microscope was used in a supplementary study of cell wall structure.
The "gelatinous" layer of reaction wood fibres undergoes lignification, the
extent depending on whether the fibres are located in the middle or on the edges of areas
of reaction wood. There is evidence for the diffusion outwards into the "gelatinous"
layer of breakdown products of cell protoplasts. As the growing season advances,
there is a progressive reduction in the number of cambium cells dividing to form
reaction wood fibres. This process reaches its maximum expression in the deciduous
species Liquidambar styraciflua, where there is a complete change-over to the production
of normal cells at the end of the growing season.
The anatomical features of three areas of reaction wood caused to form in
stems of Tristania conferta and Eucalyptus melliodora by orientating horizontally
growing plants twice through 180° are described. They further emphasize the
importance of the location of individual reaction wood cells in the stem in determining
the structure of their walls and the pattern of wall lignification.
The results of staining sections for the enzyme peroxidase with benzidinehydrogen
peroxide are described. They point to the need for closer investigation by
direct methods of enzyme isolation and estimation.
Studies on Graminicolous Species of Phyllachora Fckl. III.. The relationship of certain Scolecospores to species of Phyllachora
Authors: Parbery DG , Langdon RFN
Published: December 2005

The present study and a survey of literature showed that of the various spore
types associated with species of Phyllachora, scolecospores typical of the form genus
Leptostromella were most common. Examination has shown that certain spore types
claimed as imperfect states of Phyllachora species are actually spores of hyperparasites.
Evidence that the scolecospores belong to the Phyllachora species with which they are
associated has been gathered.
Studies on the development of P. parilis showed that the scolecospores associated
with the perithecia of this species were genetically related to it. Attempts to germinate
the scolecospores associated with three species of Phyllachora were unsuccessful.
Similarly, when scolecospores 'were used as inoculum, test plants did not become
infected. When ascosporic inoculum were used, however, infection occurred. Only
one type of mycelium was found in each infection court, and pycnidia and perithecia
developed from this in close association. Consequently, although the scolecosporous
pycnidia developed prior to the perithecia, both types of fructification occurred in
individual Phyllachora colonies. Within each mature colony the tissues of the pycnidia,
perithecia, and clypeus became fused and were indistinguishable from one another.
The development of the pycnidium and scolecospores is described, and it is
shown that a different species of Leptostromella is associated with each different
Phyllachora species. The Leptostromella species can be distinguished especially by
the morphology of their sporophores.
When it was shown that the morphology of the Leptostromella associated with
each Phyllachora species was distinctive and constant, it was possible to assess the
frequency and distribution of these associations. With some species of Phyllachora
the association occurred in all specimens, while in others it was not as frequent. Always,
however, the distribution of the association was as widespread as the species of
Phyllachora concerned.
It was noted that hyperparasites were able to parasitize the Leptostromella
states as readily as the ascal states of various species of Phyllachora.
The function of the scolecospores is not known, but it is suggested that they
may be spermatia.
A Cytogenetical study of the Solanum aviculare species complex
Authors: Baylis GTS
Published: December 2005

The Solanum aviculare complex is a group of secondary polyploids with a
basic number n = 23 and an area that extends from New Guinea through Australla
to New Zealand. Six species are recognized, all of them incompatible in crosses,
and most of them vicarious ecologically. Two varieties are placed under S. aviculare,
both being mutants at a single locus. The morphology of these taxa is compared,
their types are located, and their distributions given.
The new names published are S, capsiciforme (Domin) Baylis comb. nov, and
S. aviculare Forst. var. latifolium Baylis var. nov.
Errors resulting from thickness of point quadrats
Authors: Wilson JW
Published: December 2005

When the needles used for point quadrat analyses have appreciable thickness,
this causes overestimation of leaf area. A theoretical study, supported by practical
trials, shows that the resultant error in estimates of "relative frequency" doubles with
a doubling of quadrat diameter or a halving of leaf breadth. With the point quadrat
techniques that have been in normal use the errors often exceed 50% and the estimates
obtained are usually less accurate than visual estimates. However, results of sufficient
accuracy for rough work can be obtained by using a narrow quadrat needle and applying
correction factors; and errors can be altogether avoided by recording contacts
with the sharpened point, but not the sides, of a needle gradually lowered through the
vegetation.
The opening and shedding mechanism of the female cones of Pinus radiata
Authors: Allen R , Wardrop AB
Published: December 2005

The opening of the female cones of P. radiata has been shown to result from
differential shrinkage between the adaxial vascular tissue and the abaxial sclerenchyma
of the cone scale. The organization of the secondary wall of the tracheids typically
consists of three helically organized concentric layers. In the outer and inner layers
the microfibrillar orientation is approximately transverse, and in the middle layer the
helix makes an angle of c. 40° with the longitudinal cell axis. In the sclerenchyma
the secondary wall consists of wide layers in which the microfibrils of the lamellae are
almost transverse to the longitudinal cell axis, alternating with narrow layers in which
the microfibrils of the lamellae are almost parallel to the cell axis.
Opening is preceded by a severance of the vascular connection between the cone
and the stem or branch by the occlusion of the lurnina of the tracheids of the peduncle
with resin. As radial growth of the stem proceeds, small fissures develop between the
xylem of the stem or branch and that of the cone peduncle. The fissures become filled
with resin and there is a progressive erosion of the tracheids of the peduncle until
ultimately the xylem of the peduncle is separated from that of the stem or branch.
A cytological study of the oat coleoptile
Authors: Wardrop AB , Foster RC
Published: December 2005

A study has been made of the cytoplasmic organization of epidermal and sub- epidermal parenchyma of oat coleoptiles both before and after the onset of extension growth. In the youngest cells studied (coleoptiles 0.5 mm long) the epidermal parenchyma was characterized by large stellate vacuoles and by the secretion of vesicles through the plasmalemma into the external periclinal cell wall. Vesicular secretion was not observed in the anticlinal walls or into the walls of subepidermal parenchyma. The subepidermal parenchyma was characterized by the presence of numerous thick-walled vacuolar structures and plastids rich in starch. In the extension phase (coleoptiles > 10 mm long) vesicular secretion was not observed, starch was absent from the plastids, and the cells contained large vacuoles with only a thin peripheral zone of cytoplasm. During the later stages of this phase the plasmalemma appeared to consist of two darkly stained membranes separated by a light zone, or of elaborations of this structure, e.g. dark, light, dark, light, dark. By contrast, in the pre-extension phase the plasmalemma appeared as a single membrane. The implications of these observations are discussed in relation to the process of wall formation.
Regeneration of the vegetation on Koonamore vegetation Reserve, 1926-1962.
Authors: Hall EAA , Specht RL , Eardley CM
Published: December 2005

Koonamore Vegetation Reserve was established on an overgrazed section of arid
vegetation in the north-eastern district of South Australia, in July 1925. It was fenced
to exclude sheep and rabbits, or so it was hoped. This paper discusses the regeneration
of perennial vegetation since that date. The species common on the Reserve (trees-
Acacia aneura, Casuarina cristata, Myoporum platycarpum, Heterodendrum oleifolium,
Eucarya acuminata; tall shrubs-Eremophila sturtii, E. scoparia, E. longifolia, Acacia
burkittii, Cassia nemophila, C. sturtii; low shrubs-Atriplex vesicaria, A. stipitata,
Kochia sedifolia) are characteristic of large areas of arid southern Australia.
Little or no regeneration of most of the tree and shrub species has occurred in
unprotected areas. Many stands are showing obvious signs of senescence and many
trees have died. Rabbits appear to be a major problem hampering regeneration.
However, stands of Atriplex spp. in paddocks adjacent to the south and east
sides of the Reserve have provided a seed source for effective recolonization of some
denuded areas within the Reserve. The regeneration of Cassia spp. has also been
spectacular in some places.
Problems in regeneration and fluctuations in numbers of perennial species are
discussed in relation to community dynamics, range management, and soil erosion.
Senecio lautus complex in Australia. I. Taxonomic considerations and discussion of some of the related taxa from New Zealand
Authors: Ali SI
Published: December 2005

Reasons for the retention of the name Senecio lautus Forst. f. ex Willd. for both
New Zealand and Australian forms are advanced. It is concluded that the New Zealand
population should be given the status of a subspecies. Synonymy of S. lautus subsp.
lautus and typification of various names involved are discussed. S. glaucophyllus subsp.
discoideus (T. Kirk) Ornd. is reported for the first time from Tasmania.
The effect of mineral nutrient deficiencies on the structure of the leaf cells of tomato, spinach, and maize
Authors: Vesk M , Possingham JV , Mercer FV
Published: December 2005

Observations were made by electron microscopy of the leaf cells of normal
(full nutrient) tomato, spinach, and maize plants and of plants grown deficient in
each of the known essential macro- and micronutrients except chlorine. In the
case of spinach, observations were also made by phase contrast and fluorescence
microscopy. A feature of this study was the large variation found in the shape,
size, and appearance of chloroplast sections from both full-nutrient and mineral deficient
plants. A representative range of photographs showing this variation
is presented. Specific changes in chloroplast appearance were found in the cases
of manganese deficiency and iron deficiency and distinctive changes were found
in the 10 other deficiencies. The results obtained are discussed in relation to other
published results describing the effects of mineral deficiencies on plant cell ultrastructure.
Two new fungi from New Guinea
Authors: Reid DA
Published: December 2005

Two new fungi are described, Tribolospora sycopsidis, which is assigned to the
new genus Tribolospora (Sphaeropsidales), and Marasmiellus goniosporus (Agaricales).
Phenological variation in Heteropogon contortus and its relation to climate
Authors: Tothill JC
Published: December 2005

Heteropogon contortus Beauv. ex Roem. & Schult. (spear grass or tanglehead)
exhibits conisiderable: morphological and phenoiogicai variation. Wniie the
morphological variation is apparently unrelated to geographic distribution, the
phenological variation appears to be closely associated with differences in climate.
Flowering is largely governed by day length, but the seasonal pattern of rainfall
distribution has selected only those day lengths which promote flowering within
the rainfall season.
In the tropical region of north-eastern Australia flowering occurs in late
summer and short days, since the wet season prevails over the second half of the
summer. When northern material is grown in uniform grass gardens south of
this tropical region, late maturity still prevails; hence this behavioural pattern is
genetically fixed.
In the subtropics, on the other hand, adequate rain may fall over the entire
potential growing season or any part of it. In the garden great variation of phenology
marks the southern material. Furthermore, sampling within local populations may
also show great variation from early maturity through to late.
It is suggested that in Australia H. contortus is naturally a species of the
semi-arid tropics. It has spread into the subtropics through its ability to match
the extended but more uncertain rainfall season by producing types of differing day
length response. This variation is fixed by the predominantly apomictic mode of
reproduction, while the perenniality of the plants ensures survival over periods of
unsuitable climate. A long-term equilibrium is therefore established between the
flowering behaviour of the population and its climate.
A knowledge of the patterns of behaviour within and between populations is
likely to be Important for increased pastoral efficiency, firstly, in preventing natural
populations from deteriorating towards earlier maturity, and secondly, in lengthening
the productive season of pasture growth.
Mangroves in eastern and southern Australia
Authors: Macnae W
Published: December 2005

The floral and faunal ecology of mangrove associations in Australia, particularly
those in tropical Queensland, are discussed in this paper.
The mangroves conform to a basic pattern of zonation and there may be recognized
(1) a landward fringe which may be either (a) forested or (b) colonized by Avicennia
and by halophytes; (2) Ceriops thickets; (3) Bruguiera forests; (4) Rhizophora forests;
and (5) seaward fringe of Avicennia and Sonneratia.
These zones may be modified by the interaction of such factors as rainfall,
evaporation, and inflow of freshwater. Where rainfall is well in excess of evaporation
the zonation is complete and uninterrupted. Where evaporation is well in excess of
rainfall bare areas replace much of zones (2), (1), and (3) in that order and zones (3)
and (5) become narrow. Zone (5) is rarely affected.
The animals, being forms which live in the shelter and shade of the trees, are
affected by this distribution but generally show little or no clear zonation. The animal
communities are described and where zonation occurs this is discussed and reasons
postulated for this zonation.
Nutrition of Grevillea robusta
Authors: Moore cWE , Keraitis K
Published: December 2005

Seedlings of G. robusta were grown in perlite in a glasshouse in which the day/
night temperature regime was controlled at approximately 25/20°C. The effects of
nutrient deficiencies and of potassium × nitrogen interactions were examined.
Deficiency symptoms were observed when each major element, and the minor
elements manganese and boron, were omitted from the nutrient solution, and in general
omissions had significant effects on height, basal stem diameter, stem weight, leaf weight,
root weight, and number and weight of branches. Omissions of zinc, copper, and
molybdenum had no effect on these characteristics, and no deficiency symptoms were
observed.
Significant effects of increasing nitrogen and increasing potassium were
obtained for all characters measured, and except for basal stem diameter there were
significant potassium × nitrogen interactions.
The development of deficiency symptoms for potassium and nitrogen is
dependent not only on the absolute level of the particular nutrient but also on the
balance of both nutrients. This was particularly evident in the case of potassium
deficiency.
Chromosome numbers in Stackhousia (Stackhousiaceae)
Authors: Turner BL
Published: December 2005

Meiotic material was examined for eight populations of five Australian species.
Chromosome counts were determined as follows: S. brunonis (n=c. 15 or 16), S.
Huegelii n=10), S. monogyna (n=9, 15), S. pubescens (n=9, 18), and S. cf. georgei
n=10).
Population differentiation in Australian Cardamine. III. Variation in germination response
Authors: Thurling N
Published: December 2005

Genetic variation in germination response was observed among a series of
Cardamine populations whose habitats range from sea-level to 7200 ft in southern
New South Wales. This variation was closely related to altitude.
In populations from below 2000 ft, germination was inhibited at high temperatures,
whereas those from above 5500 ft did not germinate at low temperatures. Among
populations in which germination was inhibited at low temperatures the intensity of
low temperature inhibition increased with increasing altitude.
The adaptive significance of high and low temperature seed dormancy in these
populations of Cardamine is discussed.
Polythrinciopsis Gen.Nov, (Fungi Imperfecti) on Phragmites communis Trin
Authors: Walker J
Published: December 2005

The new genus Polythrinciopsis, with the type species P. phragmitis, is described
from a leaf spot of Phragmites communis Trin, in eastern New South Wales. The genus is
characterized by hypophyllous conidiophores, which develop in clusters from a few fungal
cells in the stomatal opening and which show a strongly unilateral placement of spore
scars; by large, hyaline to very pale olivaceous, two-celled, acrogenous conidia; and by an
abundant superficial mycelium developing on the under side of the leaf spots. The
relationship of this fungus to some other genera of the Fungi Imperfecti is discussed.
A comparison of the phosphorus nutrition of Australian heath plants and introduced economic plants
Authors: Specht RL , Groves RH
Published: December 2005

Dry weight and phosphorus fractionation data are presented for seven species
grown over a range of phosphorus levels from 0.Wi to 10.0 p.p.m. in 2 iitres of water
culture. As the phosphorus level was established at the beginning of the experiment and
not afterwards adjusted, the maximum available phosphorus for each species (six plants
per pot) was within the range of 0.3 to 3000 μg, plus seed phosphorus, per plant. The
species were representative of two groups: species indigenous to the heath formation
(Eucalyptus baxteri, Casuarina pusilla, Acacia suaveolens, and Banksia ornata) and
introduced economic species now being grown with fertilizer on the same soils (Pinus
radiata, Avena sativa, and Trifolium subterraneum).
Results showed that at least one of the economic species, T. subterraneum, was
able to absorb phosphorus from nutrient solutions to the same extent as the native species.
No difference in growth, as measured by total dry weight, was observed in any
species in the nutrient cultures containing less than 30 μg P per plant. 300 μg P per
plant produced extra growth in all species except P. radiata, which responded only at
3000 μg P per plant. Nutrient imbalance temporarily decreased growth in all cultures
containing 3000 μg P per plant.
An important factor in the growth of perennial heath species at low levels of
substrate phosphorus is considered to be an increase in the percentage of orthophosphate
in the plant at a time of the year when active growth is being made.
Other factors, such as the low death-rate of leaves and an efficient means of
redistribution of nutrients from senescing leaves, may also be important.
The significance of these findings in relation to the growth of the indigenous
species in the field is discussed. Species which possess all these characteristics have a
decided advantage for survival in low phosphorus environments.
Morphological and ontogenetic studies in Plams. IV. Ontogeny of the vasuclar pattern in four Genera
Authors: Periasamy K
Published: December 2005

The median dorsal strand is the first to differentiate in Cocos, Phoenix, and
Caryota. It traverses the terminal abaxial ridge of the plications, to end at the apex of
the non-plicate margin of the lamina wing. The series of strands that afterwards
differentiate tangentially on either side of it form the first vasculature of the adaxial
ridges of the plications, and are termed "primary strands". In Borassus, the median
dorsal strand differentiates only after 5-10 pairs of primary strands are differentiated.
In Cocos and Borassus, each primary strand traverses one adaxial ridge; hence
the primary strands are more or less equal in number to the pinnae in Cocos and the
segments in Borassus. In Phoenix, each primary strand executes an almost right-angled,
adaxial curve at its tip and branches dichotomously into two to four branches, each
traversing a line parallel to an adaxial ridge, in the "haut" formed by the fusion of the
adaxial ridges with each other. Therefore the primary strands are characteristically fewer
than the pinnae. In addition to the branches that vascularize the haut, the primary strands
make connections later with some of the strands of the pinnae that differentiate in
the lamina. When the haut is shed, those parts of the branches of the primary strands
situated in the haut are lost, leaving the primary strands connected to the laminar
strands alone. In Borassus, during dissection of the palmate lamina, those parts of the
primary strands situated in the apical halves of the adaxial ridges are constricted, along
with the surrounding ridge, and shed. In the basal half of the adaxial ridge, the primary
strand makes connections with other neighbouring strands of the lamina. In Caryota,
the primary strands are comparatively few, since the primary plications are few.
The strands formed adaxial and abaxial to the tangential row of primary strands
are irregularly disposed, and are termed the adaxiai and abaxial complexes respectively.
These strands vascularize the rest of the lamina, and also the adaxial ridges. The
strands of the adaxial complex of Cocos are inversely oriented.
The primary strands extend to the thin ventral part of the sheathing base in
Cocos, Borassus, and Caryota, but are confined to the thick dorsal part in Phoenix.
The oblique courses of the strands on the two sides of the median ventral line of the
sheath as mirror images of one another, and their spatial and temporal sequence of
differentiation along two different transverse depths, account for their remarkable interlocking
as "warps and wefts" along the median ventral line.
The primary strands differentiate acropetally. The adaxial and the abaxial
strands show acropetal, basipetal, or discontinuous differentiation in different parts
of the leaf.
Although the basic pattern of vasculature seen in the younger stages does not
change, the vasculature of the mature leaf becomes very complex by the formation of
numerous additional bundles and branches, and their anastomoses, especially in the
sheath and rachis.
The sex forms of species in the flora of the south-west of Western Australia
Authors: Mccomb JA
Published: December 2005

The sex form of each species in the flora of the south-west of Western Australia
was determined, and the proportions of the different forms compared with data available
for South Australia. Although the western flora has been substantially isolated since at
least the mid Tertiary, no significant difference in the proportion of hermaphrodite
species from that of South Australia was found. A re-analysis of the sex forms of the
flora of the British Isles was also made, and it was found that this flora has a higher
proportion of non-hermaphrodite species than has either Western Australia or South
Australia. The possible evolutionary significance of these observations is discussed.
Hybridization of Haynaldia villosa with Triticum aestivum
Authors: Halloran GM
Published: December 2005

Accounts of hybridization between Haynaldia and species of genera in the
Triticinae are discussed. The first successful hybridization of Haynaldia villosa and
hexaploid wheat is reported. Crossability was very low, of the order of 1.2%. The
hybrid was more wheat-like than Haynaldia-like in general phenotypic characters.
There was very little, or no, pairing between Haynaldia and Triticum chromosomes.
The significance of this event to evolutionary studies in the Triticinae and to the
genetic improvement of bread wheat is discussed.
Sampling for association analysis
Authors: Lange RT
Published: December 2005

An association analysis was made of dunal heath vegetation at Gosse Hill in
the Ninety-Mile Plain, South Australia, and the results compared with those of a similar
analysis performed by Rayson in 1957 at Dark Island, 9 miles to the south-east in the
same expanse of heath. Similarities and differences between vegetation at the two
localities are described and discussed in terms of homogeneous group structure and the
nature of underlying interspecific associations. It is deduced that the structure of this
heath cannot be fully understood from a single analysis, and problems therefore arise
in sampling for association analysis.