bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Karyological Studies in the Genus Androcymbium (Colchicaceae)
Authors: Margelí Marta , Pedrola-Monfort Joan , Xirau Joan Vallès
Published: December 2005

A karyological study was carried out in the genusAndrocymbium Willd. The karyotypes of 26 populationsbelonging to six species of the section Erythrostictus(Schldtl.) Benth. in Benth. & Hook.f. (included intheA. gramineum (Cav.) T.Macbr. group) and of onepopulation of a species of the section Androcymbium are established and themean results for each taxon are given. Chromosome counts from severalpopulations of all the species, the chromosome number ofA. eucomoides Willd., and most of the karyotypes arepresented here for the first time. A new basic number, x= 10, is also reported for the genus. On the basis of the dataobtained, a descendent dysploidy process in the evolution of the genus issuggested and the members of the A. gramineum group areconsidered to be schizoendemics.
Track Analysis Reveals the Composite Nature of the Andean Biota
Authors: Katinas Liliana , Morrone Juan J. , Crisci Jorge V.
Published: December 2005

The Andean subregion corresponds to south-western South America below
30˚S latitude, extending through the Andean highlands north of this
latitude, and comprises five provinces: Subantarctic, Central Chilean,
Patagonian, Puna and Paramo. Based on a track analysis of the Andean biota,
three main types of distributions were found: (1) no relationship of the
Andean subregion with other areas (Andean endemic distributions); (2)
relationships with one area or subregion, namely (a) Austral, (b) Tropical and
(c) Amphitropical distributions; and (3) relationships with more than one
subregion (cosmopolitan distributions). These relationships were described and
mapped as individual tracks, based on data from plant and animal taxa.
Coinciding individual tracks constitute generalised tracks, which follow three
basic patterns: Andean endemic, Austral and Tropical. The first pattern is
represented by three generalised tracks, namely (a) along the Puna, Central
Chilean, Subantarctic and Patagonian provinces; (b) along the Central Chilean,
Patagonian and Subantarctic provinces; and (c) in the Subantarctic and
Patagonian provinces. The second pattern (Austral) is represented by two
generalised tracks: (a) along the Subantarctic province of South America,
south-eastern Australia, and New Zealand and (b) along the Subantarctic
province and New Zealand. The third pattern (Tropical) is based on three
generalised tracks joining (a) all the Andean subregion with the Neotropical
subregion; (b) Paramo and Puna provinces, and the Neotropical subregion; and
(c) Patagonian province and Neotropical subregion. The Austral pattern
reflects the existence of an ancient Austral biota, with Gondwana events
likely to have played a major role in its evolution, whereas the origin of the
Neotropical pattern is probably linked to a more recent history, especially
the uplift of the Andes and further glaciations. Both of these patterns reveal
that the biota of the Andean subregion has a complex or hybrid origin where
two different ancestral biological and geological worlds met and combined. The
Puna, Patagonian, and Subantarctic provinces appear as panbiogeographic nodes,
because of the numerous tracks that cross them, probably due to complex
geological events. It is possible that the patterns analysed are the
consequence not only of vicariant events promoted by tectonic phenomena, but
also of dispersal and/or extinctions that have concealed these events.
The weed invasion in Tasmania since 1970
Authors: Rozefelds A. C. F. , Cave L. , Morris D. I. , Buchanan A. M.
Published: December 2005

Tasmanian Herbarium (HO) collections are shown to provide temporal and distributional data to monitor
weed introductions into the State flora during the last 25 years. Information obtained from herbarium
collections, the botanical literature, and anecdotal sources indicates that since 1970, 159 new plant taxa
have been recorded as naturalised in Tasmania, bringing to a total over 740 weed species recorded from
the State. Most of these species are from the families Poaceae (15.1%), Fabaceae (10.1%), Asteraceae
(6.9%), Cyperaceae (5.7%), Rosaceae s.l. (5.0%), Caryophyllaceae and Liliaceae s.l. (3.8% each), Iridaceae (3.1%), and Juncaceae and Ranunculaceae (2.5% each). While for many taxa the mechanisms for introduction remain unknown, at least 35% were introduced as ornamentals, and some 5% arrived through agricultural practices. Of the 159 species, 19 are known only from Tasmania and have not been recorded from the Australian mainland. The majority of weeds are of European origin, with a high proportion being from Africa, North and South America, and mainland Australia, in that order. This study demonstrates that even with the current quarantine controls a large number of weed species have been introduced to the State flora in the last 25 years, and a considerable number of these species are
recognised as potential environmental weeds. The number of new weed species recognised is also
possibly due, in part, to more collections of weeds being undertaken in recent years. As a large
percentage of the weeds identified are ornamentals, stricter controls on the introductions of new
ornamentals may be needed. Some of the limitations of using herbarium collections to assess weed
introductions are also discussed.
Environment and Floristics of Ten Australian Alpine Vegetation Formations
Authors: Kirkpatrick J. B. , Bridle K. L.
Published: December 2005

Data on floristics, structure and environment were collected from quadrats
throughout the geographic range of alpine vegetation in Australia. These data
were used to explore the floristic and environmental relationships of ten
alpine vegetation formations: bolster heath, coniferous heath, heath, alpine
sedgeland, fjaeldmark, tall alpine herbfield, short alpine herbfield,
grassland, bog and fen. Alpine sedgeland and coniferous heath, and tall alpine
herbfield and grassland, proved to be closely similar in their floristics.
Grassland and coniferous heath were most separated in ordination space. The
environmental variables with the largest numbers of significant differences
between formations were extractable phosphorus, summer temperatures, winter
temperatures and topography. However, many other edaphic, climatic,
topographic and biotic variables were important in discriminating between
formations. The results of the formation-environment analyses were largely
consistent with the relationships suggested in the previous literature.
However, some environmental differences between formations that were observed
or posited from local studies did not prove to be exportable to the alpine
zone as a whole. Edaphic and topographic variables appear to be more important
in discriminating the environments of alpine formations than the environments
of alpine floristic communities.
Structure of mycorrhizae of the Wollemi pine (Wollemia noblis) and related Araucariaceae
Authors: McGee P. A. , Bullock Suzanne , Summerell B. A.
Published: December 2005

Two types of mycorrhizae were found on the roots of Wollemia nobilis Jones, Hill & Allen collected from the field, Paris-type arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) and ectendomycorrhizae. By contrast, roots ofAgathis robusta (C.Moore ex F.Muell) and Araucaria cunninghamii Aiton ex D.Don, also members of the family Araucariaceae, had only Paris-type AM. Arbuscular mycorrhizae were found in both nodules and elongate roots from all plants, but ectendomycorrhizae were found only on elongate roots of oneplant of W. nobilis. Implications of these findings are discussed in relation to outplanting propagated specimens of W. nobilis.
Is Geographic Range Correlated with Climatic Range in Australian Spyridium Taxa?
Authors: Coates Fiona , Kirkpatrick J. B.
Published: December 2005

The major centres of local endemism and richness at the species level and
below in Spyridium Fenzl are located on the southern
coast of Western Australia and in south-eastern South Australia. There are
only a few Spyridium taxa with ranges that transgress
the boundaries of the following four regions: south- western Western
Australia; south-eastern South Australia and western Victoria; eastern
Victoria, New South Wales and southern Queensland; Tasmania. Synthetic
climatic variables were generated for all recorded populations of
Spyridium taxa. Variabilities in these were related to
the maximum geographic ranges of taxa in Australia as a whole, and within the
regions, in order to test the hypothesis that narrow endemism is explained by
climatic restriction since the last glacial. In Australia as a whole, local
endemics are both narrowly and widely distributed climatically, as are more
widespread Spyridiumtaxa, and there were no significant
relationships between the climatic and geographic ranges of taxa confined to
the Australian mainland regions. However, Tasmanian taxa exhibited a strong
positive relationship. Restriction of range as a result of climate change is
an unlikely explanation for local endemism in Spyridium
in mainland Australia, where topographic and climatic gradients are generally
subdued, and which apparently experienced less severe climatic oscillations
during the Quaternary. However, this hypothesis cannot be rejected for
Tasmania, which experienced more extreme Quaternary climatic fluctuations than
the present-day areas of mediterranean climate, and hence more severe
fluctuations in the area and location of climatically suitable habitats.
A New Technique for Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Germplasm Collection from Remote Sites: Culturability of Embryos Following Low-temperature Incubation
Authors: Samosir Yohannes M. S. , Godwin Ian D. , Adkins Stephen W.
Published: December 2005

A new technique for coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)
germplasm collection was evaluated in the laboratory and tested in the field
in Indonesia. The technique involved the non-sterile isolation of embryos, and
incubation in sterile ascorbic acid solution (1 mg L –1 ) at 5 1˚C
in the dark. During this incubation period the embryos could be transported
and/or stored for a period of up to 4 days without embryo viability loss.
Following this period the embryos were surface sterilised with sodium
hypochlorite (1.5% w/v) for 20 min, washed with sterile water and
cultured in a liquid Y3 basal nutrient medium supplemented with Morel and
Wetmore vitamins, sucrose (175 mM) and activated charcoal (2.5 g L –1 ).
After two weeks the embryos were subcultured onto a solid medium of similar
constitution to encourage germination. Germinated embryos grew and produced
healthy plants with normal morphology. Despite mild chilling injury as
indicated by elevated ethylene production and solute leakage, the transported
embryos retained viability with normal morphology. Using the low-temperature
incubation treatment, the microorganism density in the ascorbic acid solution
was kept low while that around other embryos kept at higher temperatures
(25˚C) increased. Even though embryos were exposed to a low-temperature
treatment for up to 4 days they were able to germinate (95% viable) and
grow in an identical fashion to freshly cultured embryos.
Charophyte Population Dynamics during the Late Quaternary at Lake Bibersee, Switzerland
Authors: Haas Jean Nicolas
Published: December 2005

Oospores of 11 charophyte species were found in the Late Quaternary gyttja
deposits of Lake Bibersee near the town of Zug. Except for the Boreal period
rarely more than three different species were growing simultaneously during
the Holocene. This compares well to typical Characeae lakes of the same size
today, and shows that considerable changes in the hydrophyte diversity have
taken place through time. During the first part of the Holocene the lake was
oligotrophic and the species composition was mainly regulated by lake-level
fluctuations due to climatic factors. During the younger periods of the
Holocene the lake became mesotrophic, and pH values were for a longer period
slightly alkaline. During the Early to Middle Bronze Age (1900–1400 BC)
the considerable alterations in the hydrophyte composition and the
simultaneous extensive prehistoric agriculture on the fertile shores of the
lake point to human impact as the primary cause for changes in charophyte
diversity.
Life Histories of Charophytes from Permanent and Temporary Wetlands in Eastern Australia
Authors: Casanova Michelle T. , Brock Margaret A.
Published: December 2005

The results of an experiment on the demography of charophytes in permanent and
temporary sites in two wetlands are outlined and the charophytes that
germinated and established are described in relation to their life histories.
Three life-history patterns are represented. First, Monoecious annual species
germinate easily and rapidly after inundation, they grow quickly and initiate
sexual reproduction at the expense of vegetative expansion, produce relatively
few, large oospores and die in winter. Second, Dioecious annual species are
slower to germinate than Monoecious annuals, they grow more slowly, but also
initiate sexual reproduction early in life. They usually produce large numbers
of small oospores and die in unfavourable seasons. Both winter-growing and
summer-growing Dioecious annuals were represented in experiments. Third,
Dioecious perennials germinate after a lag time and establishment; vegetative
growth and expansion takes place early in spring. Reproduction in Dioecious
perennials is stimulated by increasing water temperatures and other
environmental cues. Vegetative reproductive organs are produced in autumn and
individual shoots can be very long-lived. Life-history parameters such as
germination requirements, establishment requirements and timing of vegetative
growth and reproduction can be important in determining the distribution
patterns in charophytes.
Towards a Biogeography of North American Charophytes
Authors: Mann Henry , Proctor Vernon W. , Taylor Alberto S.
Published: December 2005

The great bulk of the world’s charophyte literature of the past 100
years or more suffers from several major limitations. Much is entirely
descriptive with but few attempts to ascribe any functionality to the features
under consideration, or how they adapt such species to their respective
ecological niches. Charophyte distributions have been attributed almost
entirely to physical parameters with virtually no consideration given to the
role of aquatic herbivores or other biotic environmental factors. Furthermore,
most workers have focused on relatively restricted areas with little or no
reference to others either near or far removed. That there is much to be
gained from a wider focus (both spatially and conceptually) that incorporates
greater conjecture as well as enhanced collaboration is here suggested. How
are the charophyte floras of one region similar to, or different from, those
of another, and, of particular significance,
‘Why?’ The authors, being North American,
focus on that continent but with the firm conviction that most generalities
applicable there hold equally true for other landmasses, and have done so for
the previous 10, if not 100, million years. This account focuses first, if
somewhat superficially, on 14 widely distinct North American charophyte
communities (plus South American Lake Titicaca) and then in greater detail on
four of those. Among other issues considered are how species richness relates
to latitude; why some geographical entities support more charophyte species
than do others; the extent to which charophyte floras reflect the availability
of different habitats; the contributions of herbivory to the preceding; the
stability of the North American charophyte flora; the ecological
considerations most often reflected by charophyte zonation and how–or to
what extent–range extensions reflect niche preferences or requirements.
While the authors well appreciate just how minimal their efforts may appear a
century hence, at least they hope to have placed on the table some
considerations with which colleagues from other landmasses may agree, disagree
or suggest modifications.
Charophytivory, Playas y Papalotes, a Local Paradigm of Global Relevance
Authors: Proctor Vernon W.
Published: December 2005

The Llano Estacado region of western Texas and adjacent New Mexico has one of
the most species-rich charophyte floras known for North America, but upon
closer inspection this flora is seen to consist of two, strictly
non-overlapping segments, one of 12 taxa, the other of nine. The larger group
of species is confined to a vast series of shallow, ephemerally inundated
depressions known as playas. These normally fill with run-off rainwater in
late May or early June, remain flooded through early to mid-September before
eventually drying to the curling polygon stage near the end of September.
Approximately 8 months later the cycle is repeated. The remaining nine
charophytes are confined to permanently inundated sites, the most common of
which are livestock-watering windmill complexes, known as papalotes. Rarely,
if ever, are members of the playa-12 encountered in papalotes or members of
the papalote-9 in playas. The underlying bases for this ‘two
flora’ dichotomy stem from the contrasting amphipod populations
engendered by the two habitat types. Most freshwater amphipods (scuds),
including the common North American herbivore
Hyalella azteca (Saussure), cannot withstand complete
desiccation which, accordingly, prevents its colonisation of playas. By
contrast, scuds often reach exceptionally high densities in the associated
concrete or metal tanques of papalotes, since such specialised habitats are
usually free of vertebrate predators, e.g. birds, fish, turtles, salamanders.
Scud- resistant charophytes are larger and slower to develop gametangia,
features inimical to success in short- lived playas. By contrast, precocious
charophyte opportunists–typical of playa floras–cannot withstand
the grazing pressures of papalote (or papalote-like) environments. While
charophytivory is assumed to be of worldwide occurrence and significance, it
has been clearly demonstrated only in the unique juxtaposition of
‘playas y papalotes’.
Phylogeny and Biogeography of Chara (Charophyta) Inferred from 18S rDNA Sequences
Authors: Meiers S. T. , Proctor V. W. , Chapman R. L.
Published: December 2005

Competing hypotheses concerning the relationships among subsections of the
genus Chara were tested with parsimony and maximum
likelihood analysis of small subunit (18S) ribosomal DNA gene (rDNA)
sequences. The traditional hypothesis as stated by Wood and Imahori (1965)
separates Chara into subgenera and subsections based primarily on stipulode
and cortication characters, whereas Proctor’s (1980) hypothesis proposed
subgenera based on the break-up of Pangea into Laurasia and Gondwana, and
subsections based on the subsequent break-up of these two supercontinents.
Both parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses strongly refuted Wood and
Imahori’s hypothesis, as well as the importance traditionally placed on
stipulode and cortication characters. Partial or total loss of cortication may
occur within a subsection, as demonstrated by
C. imperfecta, C. braunii,
C. muelleri and C. brittonii.
Although the nodal stem cell gives rise to the branchlets, stipulodes and
axial cortex, stipulodes can be retained despite the loss of cortication as
demonstrated by C. hydropitys, which is placed solidly
within Willdenowia by both analyses. Proctor’s
hypothesis was supported with Gondwanan subsections basal (except for
C. tomentosa) and Laurasian subsections placed together
in a monophyletic clade in both analyses, although the placement of subsection
Grovesia is uncertain. Monophyly of subsections
Wallmania and Willdenowia and
Lamprothamnium are strongly supported.
Lamprothamnium is placed within the genus
Chara, which disagrees with previous (McCourt
et al. 1996) rbcL analyses.
Further studies are needed to identify phylogenetically informative
morphological characters for extant taxa, and a method is needed to link
extant species to the extensive fossil data for a fuller understanding of the
phylogeny and biogeography of this distinctive genus.
Salinity Tolerance in Nitellopsis obtusa
Authors: Winter U. , Kirst G. O. , Grabowski V. , Heinemann U. , Plettner I. , Wiese S.
Published: December 2005

Nitellopsis obtusa (Desv.) J. Groves collected from an
oligohaline lake was subjected to long-term salinity treatments in the range
of 1.1–17.6 psu (26–520 mosmol kg–1)
by adding artificial sea salt to the lake water. The extent of turgor
regulation and the solutes involved were estimated by examination of the
vacuolar sap. Under salinity stress, N. obtusa did not
show the capacity to accumulate K+ which enables
euryhaline characeans to restore turgor pressure perfectly and brackish water
species at least in part. The K+ concentration of
the vacuolar sap remained constant at lower salinities but decreased with
increasing salinity and time of exposure. An increase in
πi by Na+ and Cl–
could be considered an inefficient turgor response, but it is better explained
as a failure to regulate osmotic potential and to inhibit influx of
Na+ . Sucrose concentrations did not show clear
relations to external salinity, but contributed 24% of the vacuolar
πi in whorl cells and 16% in internodes.
Provided that ionic ratios of Na+,
K+ and Ca2+ in the water
approximately correspond to seawater, N. obtusa can
survive salinity fluctuations up to 17 psu for at least a week. For permanent
growth, however, the distribution range of the species is restricted to
oligohaline waters with salinities not exceeding 5 psu.
Epiphytic Overgrowth of Charophyte Thalli by Stromatolite-like Structures and Fungi in the Lower Cretaceous of the Iberian Ranges (Spain)
Authors: Martín-Closas Carles
Published: December 2005

The Lower Cretaceous (113 million years old) lacustrine deposits of Las Hoyas(Iberian Ranges, Cuenca, Spain) yield an epiphytic assemblage formed by thecharophyte species Clavatoraxis diaz-romeraliiMartín-Closas & Diéguez overgrown by a muddy, laminatedstromatolite-like structure. Fossil charophyte thalli coated with biogeniclaminations were previously unknown from the fossil record. Within thisstromatolite-like structure, filaments are found which correspond to thalli ofanother charophyte, Palaeonitella vermicularisMartín-Closas & Diéguez, and to septate hyphae of fungi(Ascomycetes). The distribution pattern of the biogenic lamination and itsselective growth only on the strongest thalli ofClavatoraxis diaz-romeralii suggests that it occurredwhen these macrophytes were still alive, standing upright on the lake bottom.From this point of view the stromatolite-like structures are reminiscent ofextant overgrowths of charophyte thalli by epiphytic, filamentouscyanobacteria, eucaryotic algae and fungi. These assemblages appear to developafter eutrophication of nutrient-poor environments, which are more suitablefor charophyte growth.
Monophyly of Genera and Species of Characeae based on rbcL Sequences, with Special Reference to Australian and European Lychnothamnus barbatus (Characeae: Charophyceae)
Authors: McCourt Richard M. , Casanova Michelle T. , Karol Kenneth G. , Feist Monique
Published: December 2005

Sequences for the chloroplast-encoded large subunit of the Rubisco gene
(rbcL) were used to test the monophyly of multiple
isolates within species, and multiple species within genera, of green algae in
the Characeae (Class Charophyceae). Parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses
supported the monophyly of genera and most species, with the exception of a
paraphyletic assemblage comprising isolates of two ‘species’,
dioecious Chara connivens Salzm. ex A.Br. and monoecious
C. globularis Thuill., which together constitute a
monophyletic group. The rbcL data support the
independent evolution of either monoecious or dioecious sexual systems in the
two connivens-globularis, clades. Comparisons of
disjunct isolates of the monotypic
Lychnothamnus barbatus (Meyen) Leohn. revealed nearly
identical rbcL sequences in isolates from Croatia,
Germany and Australia, although all three sequences were unique. The variation
exhibited by these isolates was similar to variation between isolates within
species of Chara and
Lamprothamnium from different continents. The limited
variation may be due to dispersal of thalli or oospores between continents;
however, the rarity of known intercontinental transfers of Characeae in the
last two centuries suggests that the Australian population is probably not an
exotic from Europe. Lychnothamnus barbatus populations
in Australia and elsewhere thus merit continued protected status.
Studies on the camparative physiology of Chara corallina. III. Nitrogen relations of internodal cell components during internodal cell expansion
Authors: Mercer MJ , Mercer FV
Published: December 2005

Changes in the total nitrogen content of single internodal cells and in the
nitrogen content of the cell wall, chloroplast fraction, TCA-insoluble cytoplasmic
fraction, cytoplasmic sap, and vacuolar sap during the growth of the internodal cell
are described. The nitrogen content of all fractions increases as the cells expand from
c. 10 �l to over 200 �l in volume, and protein increases in the cytoplasm, the chloroplast
fraction, and the cell wall.
Cell wall nitrogen accounts for over half the total nitrogen of the cell and the
bulk of the soluble nitrogen is present in the cytoplasm; only about 1% is found in
the vacuole. The observations are discussed in relation to the cells of higher plants.
Contributions to the biology of Mulga. I. Flowering
Authors: Preece PB
Published: December 2005

In spite of its wide distribution in arid Australia and its importance to the pastoral
industry, mulga (Acacia aneura Benth.) has not been the subject of any detailed
investigations to determine the climatic requirements for regeneration. An investigation
of these requirements for flowering and seed set, in which trees growing in the field were
given additional water for a period of 12 months, showed that flowering occurred several
times in the year but that the principal flowerings were in spring and late summer.
It was not shown definitely that rain was necessary to bring about flowering at these
seasons, although the results suggested that flowering was heavier and seeding more
successful when additional water, or good rains, reduced the normally severe water
stress. Of the two principal flowering seasons, only the late summer one led on to seed
set and the shedding of ripe seed.
From rainfall records and values for the climatic requirements derived from
observations made during the investigation, it was estimated that seed could have been
set successfully once every six years in the experimental area since records began around
1890.
The morphology and development of Lenormandia prolifera (C. Ag.) J. Agardh (Amansieae, Rhodomelaceae)
Authors: Saenger P , Ducker SC
Published: December 2005

The history and nomenclature of Lenormandia prolifera are given.
Observations are made on the structure of the vegetative fronds and the various
reproductive organs. L. prolifera is compared with other members of the Amansieae.
A description is given of carpospore development in L. prolifera.
Strucure and ontogeny of normal and abnormal stomata in vegetative and floral organs of Physalis minima L
Authors: Patel RC , Inamdar JA
Published: December 2005

Fourteen types of normal and abnormal stomatal structure and development in
vegetative and floral organs of Physalis minima are presented. Those described include
anomocytic, anisocytic, paracytic, and diacytic stomata, those transitional between
paracytic and diacytic, and stomata with a single subsidiary cell. Anomalies observed
are degeneration of the meristemoid, a persistent stomatal initial, single guard cells,
twin stomata, single guard cells in relationship with a normal stoma, twin single guard
cells, stomata with aborted guard cells, and arrested development. Development of the
anomocytic type is haplocheilic or perigenous; that of the anisocytic, paracytic,
diacytic, transitional, and with a single subsidiary cell is syndetocheilic or
mesogenous. The persistent stomatal initials are variable in shape and occur solitary
or in close relationship with the normal stoma. They may be notched and divide by
centripetally extending furrows. Single guard cells develop directly from the meristemoid,
or one of the guard cells degenerates before or after pore formation. Twin stomata,
single guard cells in close relationship with normal stomata, and twin single guard cells
develop from two adjacent meristemoids. Stomata with aborted guard cells are formed
as a result of degeneration of guard cells. Arrested development results from early
degeneration of nuclei and cytoplasm. The aberrent developments noticed here are
partly due to extrinsic factors.
Vegetation studies in the Simpson Desert, N.T.
Authors: Wiedemann AM
Published: December 2005

A transect of contiguous quadrats was used to study the sand dune vegetation of a small area of the Simpson Desert. The study was carried out shortly after a period of abundant precipitation which resulted in optimum winter growth conditions for both ephemeral and perennial species. The frequency data of 54 species were analysed by computer programmes that grouped the 729 quadrats according to similarity of species composition. Seven habitat types could be distinguished: swale hard clayey sand, lower slope clayey sand, mid-slope clayey sand, mid-slope Triodia mound, upper slope loose sand, steep slope loose sand, and crest mobile sand. Rather than sharply defined plant communities corresponding to these habitat types, the species groupings tended to form a continuum from swale to crest. Additional description of the vegetation is provided by studies of two permanent plots and of the size class distributions of eight shrub and tree species. An appendix listing all species collected during the study period is included.
Revision of Some Eocene Charophytes from the Zaysan Basin, Eastern Kazakstan
Authors: Zhamangara Ayzhan K. , Lucas Spencer G.
Published: December 2005

New collections of Eocene charophytes from the Zaysan basin of eastern
Kazakstan allow taxonomic revision of some previously reported species.
Sphaerochara zajsanica Gluchovskaya, 1984, reassigned as
Peckisphaera zajsanica (Gluchovskaya) comb. nov., from
the middle Eocene, is the oldest Palaeogene charophyte known from the Zaysan
basin. The Lychnothamnus formosus group from the upper
Eocene encompasses gyrogonites previously assigned by Kyansep-Romashkina
(1980) to Amblyochara orbae,
Rhabdochara formosa,
Rhabdochara septata, Harrisichara
aff. subteres and
Harrisichara connexae.
Operculum development and evolution in Eucalypts
Authors: Pryor LD , Knox RB
Published: December 2005

Operculum development of 62 species in seven subgenera of Eucalyptus was
traced by rapid freeze-sectioning techniques and a comparative study was made of the
perianth in Angophora. Four principal pathways of operculum development were
detected. In those species having two perianth whorls, sepal and petal primordia were
always initiated sequentially but with variation in the time involved between their
appearance. In those with a single operculum shown to be calycine, the petaline
whorl was totally suppressed.
Eucalypt phytoglyphs: The micronanatomical features of the epidermis in relation to taxonomy
Authors: Carr SGM , Milkovits L , Carr DJ
Published: December 2005

The eucalypt leaf contains a store of untapped information of potentially
great value taxonomic and evututionary studies. Tie cuticie of certain eucalypts
is shown to possess a complex and species-specific ornamentation so distinctive that
its features can be regarded as diagnostic. The term "phytoglyph" is coined for the
constellation of microanatomical features of the surfaces of leaves, including the
microanatomy of the cuticle. Phytoglyphic analysis relates to the combination of
three methods, light microscopy of stained cuticles, scanning electron microscopy
of leaf surfaces, and light microscopy of thin sections of the cuticular and associated
structures. Its use is illustrated by the dissection of the "form species" E. dichromophloia
into a number of separate and recognizable entities, some of which were
previously accorded the status of species. The plant geographical and other
implications of this dissection are dealt with. In particular, E. dichromophloia F.
Muell. is to be regarded as a species of very restricted distribution.
The microanatomical characters of the cuticle are closely controlled products
of the epidermal layers. The fact that specimens which (on other grounds) can be
grouped together as a species have identical cuticular microanatomy suggests that
the phytoglyph is genetically strongly determined and does not consist of inadvertent,
trivial surface features with a high degree of plasticity. This in turn raises
the problem of the development of the cuticular microanatomy which cannot be
explained on current views of the formation of the cuticle by passive diffusion of
precursor substances through the epidermal walls, followed by a hardening process.
Redefinition of European Oligo - Miocene Charophyte Biozonation
Authors: Berger Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2005

Recent studies concerning the Oligo–Miocene stratigraphy (35 to 5
million years ago) need the revision of the calibration of the European
charophyte biozonation by Riveline et al. in 1996.
Moreover, another charophyte biozonation elaborated in Spain by Feist
et al. in 1994 also modifies this standard model.
Presented here is a discussion and a possible solution to redefine the
Standard European Charophyte biozonation during the Oligocene and Miocene.
Oncobasidium: A new genus of tulasnelloid fungi.
Authors: Talbot PHB , Keane PJ
Published: December 2005

Oncobasidium theobromae Talbot & Keane is described as a new genus and
species of Basidiomycotina (Tulasnellales, Ceratobasidiaceae). This fungus occurs
in the xylem and forms small corticioid fructifications on leaf-scars of cocoa (Theobroma
cacao L.) showing dieback symptoms, in the Territory of Papua and New
Guinea. Its affinities within the tulasnelioid fungi are discussed.
Studies on Graminicolous species, of Phyllachora Nke. in Fckl. VI. Additions and corrections to part V
Authors: Parbery DG
Published: December 2005

The present contribution adds to a recent monograph of graminicolous species
of Phyllachora and corrects some omissions and errors. Two new species, P. africana
and P. oblongospora, are described, and four names previously put into synonym are
reconstituted as belonging to valid species, viz. P. eximia, P. setariecola, P. sporobolica,
and P. texensis. Three species names have been changed : P. acuminata to P. acutispora,
P. gracilis (sensu Parbery 1967) to P. eximia, and P. bonariensis to P. setariecola.
Two names have been put into different synonymy. P. caespitica is now regarded as
synonymous with P. malabarensis instead of P. bambusina, and P. standleyi as
P. paspalicola instead of P. punctum. A number of new hosts of Phyllachora as well
as new geographic and host range extensions are recorded. Some comments are made
on doubtful and excluded species as well as some general comment on the taxonomy
of this genus.
Two outstanding ordination problems
Authors: Williams WT , Dale MB , Lance GN
Published: December 2005

Ordination techniques seem hitherto not to have been applied to two problems
of considerable botanical interest: (i) the ordination of a set of groups after a numerical
classification, and (ii) the ordination of an asymmetric system. The botanical contexts in
which these problems arise are discussed. It is shown that Gower's "principal coordinate
analysis" can be simply extended to cover these two cases; computer programming
requirements are minimal, and standard programmes are available for the Control
Data 3600 computer.
Variations in heat resistance of ecotypes of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. and their significance
Authors: Karschon R , Pinchas L
Published: December 2005

Depending upon the seed provenance, the heat resistance value of leaves of
E. carnaldulensis varies from 47.4 to 50.0°C. It is not related to the mean maximum
temperature of the hottest month at the seed source.
The relation of heat resistance to wax deposits, colour, and temperatures of leaf
surfaces is examined.
The implications of the findings in the phylogeny and ecotypic divergence of the
species and its cultivation outside its natural habitats in Australia are discussed.
Physiological studies on dormancy in seeds of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). III. Changes in auxin and growth inhibitor contents during development of the seeds of a dormant and a non-dormant cultivar
Authors: Sreeramulu N , Rao IM
Published: December 2005

Growth substances in developing seeds of dormant and non-dormant cultivars
of groundnut were chromatographically separated, and their content at various RF
values estimated by the rice coleoptile bioassay technique.
Growth promotors increased from 20 to 30 days in the acidic and neutral
fractions of the dormant and non-dormant seeds. From 30 days onwards, growth
promotors decreased while inhibitors accumulated, but their relative proportions
varied in the two types of seeds. In mature non-dormant seeds, the content of growth
promotors in the acidic fraction was higher than that of inhibitors; in dormant seeds
it was lower. In the neutral fraction the content of inhibitors was higher than that of
promotors in seeds of both types. The balance of growth-promoting and inhibiting
substances in relation to seed development and dormancy is discussed, and it is concluded
that the acidic inhibitors are responsible for dormancy in groundnut seeds.
The invasion of native forest by Phytophthora cinnamomi. I. Brisbane Ranges, Victoria
Authors: Weste GM , Taylor P
Published: December 2005

Disease within an open sclerophyll forest dominated by Eucalyptus species of
relatively low stature (15-20 m) was shown to be caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi
Rands, an introduced root pathogen. Diseased sites were mapped and measured. The
rate of advance of the pathogen over a period of 5 months was calculated at 4 m per
month through moderately drained soils compared with 7 m per month through soils
subject to waterlogging. Areas showing disease symptoms increased from 10.8 to 90%,
the major extensions occurring along gullies. Spread of the fungus was associated with
road-making activities, waterlogging, and the presence of drainage channels. Symptom
expression in the different species was studied and shown to be similar to that associated
with water stress. Most of the 42 species comprising the woody flora were susceptible to
the disease, those particularly susceptible including the dominants. During a period of
8 months mortalities occurred in 50% of the species. Grasses, sedges, and Eucalyptus
goniocalyx appeared to be field-resistant, but were uncommon in the Aora of the sites
studied.
Cytogeography of the genus Eremophila
Authors: Barlow BA
Published: December 2005

Polyploidy is of relatively frequent occurrence in Eremophila (x = 18). In 27
species examined karyologically from four or more localities, 13 were uniformly
diploid, one was uniformly tetraploid, and 13 showed infraspecific polyploidy, diploid
and/or tetraploid and/or hexaploid races being recorded. In most cases the chromosome
races within a species have a pattern of geographical replacement. It is suggested
that the formation of polyploid biotypes may lead to geographical expansion into
new territory. Polyploidy may be effective in fixing adaptive recombinants near the
margins of the diploid area, or may have direct adaptive effects on cell physiology.
The ancient land surfaces of Western Australia appear to be a reservoir for relic
diploid populations.
In a few cases closely related entities which occur sympatrically have been found
to be at different ploidy levels in the area of overlap. It is suggested that polyploidy in
Eremophila has also facilitated the establishment of genetic isolation between differentiating
biotypes.
A comparison of the water use by heath vegetation at Frankston, Victoria, and Dark Island Soak, South Australia
Authors: Specht RL , Jones R
Published: December 2005

Empirical water use equations for a perennial evergreen heath community,
dominated by a relatively dense and uniform stand of Leptospermum myusinoides,
growing on deep sand near Frankston, Victoria, are:
4-6 years after a fire: Eα/Eo = 0.0245(P + S) - 0.441,
7-9 years after a fire: Eα/Eo = 0.0222(P + S) - 0.439,
where Eα is the actual monthly evapotranspiration, Eo the monthly pan evaporation,
P the monthly precipitation, and S the total soil water (extractable by oven-drying)
stored in 6 metres of sand at the beginning of the month, all values being measured in
centimetres. Both P and S contribute to a water store, partly unextractable, but most
of it capable of being evaporated and transpired. The intercept on the abscissa indicates
soil water normallv unextractable from the water store by the particular plant community
-water normally unavailable to plants at values of soil water potential below
- 15 bars, plus water potentially available but held in parts of the profile poorly explored
by plant roots. Above this intercept the gradient indicates the rate of change of actual
evapotranspiration, at any particular value of monthly pan evaporation, per unit change
of extractable water (P + S).
The equations were compared with that for a heath community dominated by
numerous emergent bushes of Banksia ornata at Dark Island Soak, South Australia:
10-14 years after a fire: Eα/Eo = 0.0433(P + S) - 0.101,
S being the total soil water stored in 2 metres of sand at the beginning of the month.
No runoff and little drainage were observed at either site. Months when drainage
was observed were omitted from the calculations.
The gradient of the water use equation for Dark Island Soak is almost double
that observed at Frankston. The presence of emergent bushes of Banksia ornata in the
Dark Island heath may account for this marked difference. If so, this would explain
the apparent ability of tall shrubs and small trees to invade heaths on deep sandy soil
in south-eastern Victoria.
The negligible effect of fertilizer on water use by the Frankston heath is reported
in an Appendix.
Variation in some floral, seed, and growth characteristics of Acacia harpophylla (Brigalow)
Authors: Coaldrake JE
Published: December 2005

Statistical and other numerical methods of analysis were used to examine variation in Acacia harpophylla (brigalow), a species of wide occurrence in north-eastern Australia. Experiment indicated that the species is largely cross-pollinated. From material collected in the field floret counts, seed size, longevity, and imbibition and germination rates all revealed substantial variation, possibly of a clinal type, within the species. In a glasshouse experiment with 255 seedlings measurement of 19 characters revealed wide differences in morphology, growth, and ontogeny. Over the geographic range sampled, much of the variation found would be consistent with selection for adaptation to increasing temperature and aridity. It is suggested that analogous variation may occur in other Australian species of Acacia.
Extant Gyrogonite Populations of Chara zeylanica and Chara haitensis: Implications for Taxonomy and Palaeoecology
Authors: Soulié-Märsche Ingeborg
Published: December 2005

Chara zeylanica (Klein ex Willdenow) R.D.Wood is known
to develop populations which display either four- or eight-scutate antheridia.
Despite only minor differences in the vegetative features, plants with these
two types of male gametangia proved to be reproductively isolated and
C. haitensis Turpin was validated as the correct name
for the octoscutate plants (Proctor et al. 1971). Here
we provide data for the calcified female reproductive organs (gyrogonites) of
both species in order to determine whether they can be distinguished or not.
Ten populations from both field collections and culture material were studied.
The morphological characteristics of the gyrogonites were determined on the
basis of measurements of 100 specimens for each population. The gyrogonites of
four- and eight-scutate plants proved to be significantly different and thus
enhanced separation at species level. Ecology, biogeography and the possible
phylogenetic relationships of the taxa are discussed. Unlike
C. zeylanica, which displays worldwide distribution
within the tropical belt, the modern distribution of
C. haitensis seems hitherto restricted to the American
continent. Within this area, C. zeylanica grows
preferentially in permanent lakes whereas C. haitensis
is only found in temporary water bodies. Given these different ecological
requirements, the fossil record of both taxa, determined from their specific
gyrogonite morphology, can provide information about the nature of ancient
lake-ecosystems particularly useful for Quaternary studies in the Americas.
Permeability of Isolated Eucalyptus gummifera Cuticle Towards Alcohols and Amides
Authors: Whitecross MI , Mercer FV
Published: December 2005

The permeability of cuticle isolated from E. gummifera towards a range of
aliphatic alcohols and amides was measured in vitro. These compounds were selected
to assess the importance of lipoid solubility and molecular size in penetration of cuticle
by non-electrolytes. Permeabilities were examined in relation to molecular refractions
(as a measure of molecular volume) and oil/water partition coefficients (as a measure of
lipoid solubility) of the permeating substances. Results were consistent with the cuticle
functioning generally as a lipoid membrane which allows substances to permeate by
passive diffusion according to their lipoid solubilities. A molecular sieve model might
account rather better for the smallest of the permeating molecules. No asymmetry was
observed in regard to inward and outward movement of alcohols or amides.
As a first approximation, the isolated cuticle behaves as a homogeneous lipoid
membrane having some aqueous pores.
Histochemistry of Reaction Wood Cell Walls in Two Species of Eucalyptus and in Tristania Conferta R.Br
Authors: Scurfield G
Published: December 2005

The results of extensive histochemical tests carried out on the walls of reaction
wood cells in the stems of Eucalyptus spp. and Tristania conferta are presented. They are
interpreted on the basis of the known chemistry and structure of such walls. These, in
their turn, are related to the location of the cells in the stems. Of particular interest is
the histochemical and structural heterogeneity of cell wall layer G. This heterogeneity is
discussed in relation to the penetration of G by lignin precursors of extracellular origin
and the possible release of phenolic substances from the protoplasts of living reaction
wood, ray, and xylem parenchyma cells. The presence of peroxidase in the G layer is
confirmed, and the marked tendency of G to stain when supplied with certain phenols
and hydrogen peroxide demonstrated. Reduced lignification of G is tentatively attributed
to retardation of lignin precursor penetration of G rather than to a lack of precursor
availability.
The Effect of Soil Nutrients on the Production of Proteoid Roots by Hakea Species
Authors: Lamont B
Published: December 2005

The mode of the proteoid root response curve occurs at a considerably lower
level of nitrogen or phosphorus than that of the response curve for non-proteoid roots.
As a consequence, the relationship between proteoid and non-proteoid roots can be
regarded as passing through four phases as nutrient availability increases: (a) an increase
in proteoid root production as non-proteoid root growth increases; (b) a decrease in
proteoid root production as non-proteoid root growth increases; (c) a decrease in
proteoid root production as non-proteoid root growth decreases; (d) an absence of
proteoid roots as non-proteoid root growth decreases. Only the first two phases are
considered relevant to plants growing under field conditions. It is concluded that
nutrient concentration in a number of soils, especially nitrogen availability, largely
determines the relative contribution of proteoid roots to the root systems of two species
of Hakea.