bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palynological Studies in Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla F. Muell.) Communities: Pollen Analysis in Gilgai Soil Under the Primary Forest
Authors: Litchfield WH
Published: December 2005

A pollen analysis of acid clays under brigalow is presented. The pollen fluxes in a first pair of soil
profiles throw light upon the natural history of one locality as regards both its modern vegetation and
the physical stability of gilgai. Fluxes in the relative pollen preservation indicate intensity of biological
attack on the exine. In a profile representative of the higher level, preservation is good enough,
erosion or fill on a micro-scale so slight, and any vertical down-wash so slow as to show up residual
flux variations from successional change. But under this natural canopy, even though there is only a
very slow wash of litter and soil down to the bottom of the depression, a faster tempo of decay than
any in the higher ground, and physical incorporation down deeper cracks, maintain a balance that
prevents accumulation on an almost bare surface. This shows up in deeper penetration of pollen
grains, in even the residual pollen types being severely eroded, and in irregular fluxes in which the
successional trace is lost. Presumably, old Myrtaceae types have washed out of the soil above. The
pollen fluxes indicate a natural replacement of eucalypt forest by brigalow some time before clearing.
The expanding fluxes at the immediate surface are taxa from outside the forest, particularly the
Chenopodiaceae, that would have become more abundant after clearing. Insight into soil stability
comes from the marked contrast in the distribution and the preservation of the pollen grains across
the microrelief. The higher level is physically more stable than the bottom of the adjacent depression.
Depressions are surprisingly dry in natural forest, but these pollen fluxes suggest that they are occas-
ionally the wettest microenvironment.
The Lodicules of Wheat: Pre- and Post-Anthesis
Authors: Craig S , O'Brien TP
Published: December 2005

Development of the lodicules in wheat is described in pre- and post-anthesis flowers. Each lodicule
consists of a vascular fleshy body and an avascular membranous wing. At the onset of anthesis,
the vascular region swells extensively and subsequently contracts after which the tissues autolyse rap-
idly. The membranous wing remains intact. Possible controls and mechanisms of the swelling and
destruction of these small organs are discussed.
Seasonal Shoot Growth of Eucalyptus spp. In the Brisbane Area of Queensland (With Notes on Shoot Growth and Litter Fall in Other Areas of Australia)
Authors: Specht RL , Brouwer YM
Published: December 2005

Field data, collected at fortnightly intervals over a period of three years, show a distinctly bimodal
rhythm in the shoot growth of Eucalyptus species in the Brisbane area of Queensland. Maximum
growth occurs in autumn and spring; growth is reduced during summer and, apart from periods of
warmer weather, virtually ceases during winter.
The bimodal growth rhythm is due to the interacting influence of unimodal curves relating
monthly values for dry matter production of the leaf canopy to the respective effects of mean daily
temperature, intensity of solar radiation, and available water. When the mean monthly temperature
falls below 16-18°C, most photosynthates are translocated to stems and roots: little canopy growth
then occurs, thus accentuating the winter depression in shoot growth.
Shoot growth in the Brisbane region is compared with that observed in other areas of Australia.
Shoot growth is minimal in plant communities dominated by: (a) arid to subhumid species of Acacia
when the mean monthly temperature falls below 24-26°C (b) Eucalyptus spp., Myoporum sp.,
Heterodendrum sp. and dominant heath species when the mean monthly temperature falls below
16-18° (c) Acmena smithii (at least at Wilson's Promontory) and Leptospermum myrsinoides when
the temperature falls below 13-14° (d) Pinus radiata when the temperature falls below 10°. In
contrast, Nothofagus cunninghamii shows little shoot growth when the temperature rises above 16°.
Morphology and taxonomy of the Dasyaceae and the Lophothalieae (Rhodomelaceae) of the Rhodophyta
Authors: Parsons MJ
Published: December 2005

To date the knowledge of the family Dasyaceae has been obtained from species known only in the
northern hemisphere, yet southern Australia is an important centre of distribution for species of
this family.
These morphological studies on the Dasyaceae concern four species of Dasya (Dasya clavigera
(Womersley) comb. nov. has been transferred from Dasyopsis), five species of Heterosiphonia and
two species of Thuretia. Additional comments are made on a further species of Dasya and one of
Heterosiphonia. New descriptions of the genera are given. Several features reported in the literature
as being characteristic of the Dasyaceae are found to be inconsistent and it is shown that the development
of the fusion cell, and the sympodial growth of the thallus, are good family characters.
Three genera of the tribe Lophothalieae (Rhodomelaceae) are studied because of their superficial
similarity with species in the Dasyaceae. The type species of Lophothalia, Doxodasya and
Haplodasya, and one other species of Doxodasya and Haplodasya (H. tomentosa sp. nov.) are studied
in detail to provide an understanding of the tribe Lophothalieae. Haplodasya, once placed in the
Dasyaceae, is removed to the Lophothalieae. Comparisons of the Lophothalieae with Brongniartella
(as described in the literature) are made and the differences require the formation of a new tribe,
the Brongniartelleae, to take Brongniartella and similar genera once placed close to Lophothalia.
It would appear that the Lophothalieae and the Dasyaceae are examples of parallel evolution
of thallus form and are not closely related.
Two species of Dasya and two of Heterosiphonia were used in an attempt to culture these plants
completely through their life cycle in the laboratory. Dasya clavigera has been successfully taken
through its life cycle for two generations of sexual plants and one of tetrasporangial plants. No
other species grew to reproductive maturity.
Detection of Die-Back Disease in the Brisbane Ranges by Aerial Photography
Authors: Hogg J , Weste G
Published: December 2005

Black and white panchromatic and colour infrared aerial film were used to detect areas of diseased forest in the Brisbane Ranges, Vic., Australia. Two extensive areas of damaged forest were detected. Subsequent ground surveys revealed that the first was a seasonal defoliation due to insect attack, while the second was characterized by death of both the eucalypt overstorey and the shrubby understorey caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi.
Vegetation History and Water Fluctuations at Lake Leake, South-Eastern South Australia. II. 50 000 B.P. To 10 000 B.P
Authors: Dodson JR
Published: December 2005

A drill core from Lake Leake contains a sedimentary sequence extending from about 50,000 B.P.
until the present. This paper discusses the results of the pollen analyses and six radiocarbon dates
which span the period from about 50,000 until about 10,000 B.P. There are core sections which
yielded low numbers of pollen and thus there are gaps in the vegetation record. It is suggested that
open eucalypt woodland was replaced by eucalypt woodland with heath at about 50,000 B.P. and
remained until about 39,000 B.P. Open woodland then returned but was replaced by eucalypt
woodland with heath by 38,000 B.P. Some time after 35,000 B.P., open eucalypt woodland conditions
returned and persisted until near 10,000 B.P. when Casuarina stricta migrated into the area. Through-
out the period in question the climate was drier than it has been in the last 10,000 radiocarbon years.
There were wet periods about 50,000 and 39,000 B.P. and from 38,000 to 35,000 B.P. The character
of the sediments and the relative amounts of pollen preserved suggest that conditions were relatively
dry from 50,000 to 39,000 B.P. and from after 35,000 until near 10,000 B.P.
The lake was driest during the period of the last glaciation but the presence of eucalypt pollen
is interpreted as indicating that the average annual minimum temperature was above 10�C and the
average annual rainfall was above 20-25 cm.
On the Classification of Australian Acacias
Authors: Pettigrew CJ , Watson L
Published: December 2005

The Australian acacias have been examined in considerable detail, via extensive morphological
and anatomical observation and numerical analyses involving 171 species. This work has provided
further evidence of the need -to divide Australian Acacia taxonomically into two main series,
associating the bipinnate-leaved Botryocephalae closely with the uninerved phyllodinous species and
separating them from the Pulchellae. It has also made available a large body of morphological and
anatomical data, suitable for generating special purpose keys and potentially useful for other
purposes.
Sporacarpic species of Endogonaceae in Australia
Authors: Tandy PA
Published: December 2005

Fructifications of nine Australian members of the Endogonaceae are described. Five of these are new species: Endogone aggregata, E. reticulata, E. crassa, Glomus tubaeformis, and Glomus tener. .Endogone flammicorona Trappe & Gerdemann is reported for the first time in the southern hemisphere, and Glomus macrocarpus Tul. & Tul. var. macrocarpus is a new record for South Australia. A key to the known sporocarpic species of the Endogonaceae in Australia is provided.
Sorus Ontogeny and Sporogenesis in Some Smut Fungi
Authors: Langdon RFN , Fullerton RA
Published: December 2005

Investigations of sorus ontogeny and sporogenesis in the type species of Ustilago and Sorosporium
and in other species usually included in those genera have established criteria far defining Ustilago
and Sorosporium. Ustilago is a genus to accommodate smuts that destroy host tissues and whose
mycelium is converted entirely to spores after necrosis of host tissues. No columellae or peridia of
fungal origin are formed. In Sorosporium species on Saponaria and several grasses, sporogenous
hyphal coils are the progenitors of spore balls, this characteristic contrasting with the lack of such
organization in Ustilago. Sorosporium saponariae has no well-defined sorus, the spore balls developing
from hyphae that grow out of the plant tissues into the spaces between floral organs in buds. The
graminicolous species of Sorosporium have sori with well-defined columellae and peridia of fungal
origin developed from a soral meristem. It is suggested that smuts with sori developing in this way
and having sporogenesis of the Sorosporium type should be grouped in a separate genus. The ontogeny
of spore walls of several species of Ustilago and Sorosporium has been elucidated by electron micro-
cope studies.
Estimation of the Mating System of Eucalyptus obliqua L'hérit. By Using Allozyme Polymorphisms
Authors: Brown AHD , Matheson AC , Eldridge KG
Published: December 2005

Seeds from four populations of E. obliqua were assayed for their allozyme genotype at three loci
(alcohol dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase) as members of open-pollinated
arrays to obtain quantitative estimates of three mating system parameters. These were (i) the pro-
portion of seed derived from self-pollination as distinct from the proportion randomly outcrossed,
(ii) the allele frequency in the pollen, and (iii) the within-population heterogeneity for the frequency
of detectable outcrosses. The rate of selfing varied between loci and populations, but overall suggested
that up to 24% of viable seed may derive from self-fertilization. This level of partial self-fertilization,
together with local variation in the mating system, yielded an observed average inbreeding coefficient
(Wright's fixation index) of 0.123 for these loci. In addition, the populations showed substantial
differences in gene frequency at each locus. The statistical techniques appropriate for the analysis
of open-pollinated progeny arrays are given in an appendix.
Growth and Development of Five Populations of Themeda australis in Response to Temperature
Authors: Groves RH
Published: December 2005

Five populations of the widespread indigenous grass Themeda australis were selected from sites in
south-eastern Australia with different temperature regimes. Differences between populations in some
morphological characters are reported for plants grown in a uniform environment.
In one experiment shoot and root temperatures were varied together: in a second, root tempera-
ture only was varied and shoot temperature kept constant. Results of both experiments show that
there were few significant differences between populations in the number of tillers per plant formed
at the various temperatures. Deniliquin plants had the greatest leaf area of all populations. Time
to anthesis differed between some populations and these differences could be related to the temperature
regimes of the sites of origin. Plants from Tantangara, the coldest site, flowered first and uniformly
at low temperatures, and plants from Deniliquin, where the summer (flowering) temperatures are
highest, flowered last at low temperatures but first and uniformly at high temperatures.
There were no differences between populations when mature post-flowering plants were subjected
to low temperatures as radiation frosts but, when seedlings were frosted, the Adelaide Hills popula-
tion from the most frost-free site was more frost-sensitive at - 6°C than all other populations.
It is concluded that genetic differentiation of ecological significance within the taxon T. australis
has occurred not only for the photoperiodic response reported previously but also for a temperature
response to flowering. While no differentiation has been shown for growth at medium and high
temperatures, a difference is reported in the ability of one population to withstand a minimal temperature of - 6° as frost.
Studies of Eucalypt Mycorrhizas. I. A Method of Mycorrhiza Induction in Eucalyptus gummifera (Gaertn. & Hochr.) By Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker & Couch
Authors: Mullette KJ
Published: December 2005

A simple method of producing mycorrhizas is described which enables mycorrhizal plants to be used in a wide range of experiments including controlled nutritional studies of Eucalyptus. Plants are grown in a Leonard jar apparatus under either sterile or non-sterile conditions, on soil or pure crushed quartz with nutrient solution media. On the sterile quartz media, inoculation with the crushed fruiting body of Pisolithus tinctorius induced more than 70% of tested Eucalyptus gummifera seedlings to form mustard yellow mycorrhizas when the phosphorus concentration was optimal, but the formation of mycorrhizas was dependent on the phosphorus concentration. No mycorrhizas were formed when phosphorus exceeded 5 ppm. On non-sterile, nutritionally poor Hawkesbury sandstone soils 92% of inoculated plants were infected. Only a few of the non-inoculated plants in either medium were lightly infected. A simple but reliable method for inducing mycorrhizas is proposed.
The Fine Structure of Dehydrated and Reviving Leaves of Borya nitida Labill.—A Desiccation-tolerant Plant
Authors: Gaff DF , Zee SY , O'Brien TP
Published: December 2005

The dry viable leaves of Borya nitida show degeneration of the protoplasm: bounding membranes of chloroplasts and mitochondria are vague and the former display extensive gaps, starch and grana are lost, while thylakoids and cristae are considerably reduced in number. The nucleus and nucleoli retain their integrity, as does also the tonoplast, even though the vacuole is fragmented. It appears that stress-induced degeneration of organelles is similar to that in desiccation-sensitive plants but occurs to a controlled level, at which a sufficient residual structure is still present to initiate the reconstruction of the cell fine structure on rehydration. During the recovery of the cell on rehydration, the degraded plastids appear to repair the bounding membranes and produce new thylakoids which, at the start of regreening, begin to form grana and starch grains. Mitochondria are fewer but better structured in the regreened leaf. It is suggested that the induction of desiccation tolerance in the initial stages of drying may be associated inter alia with the production of additional mitochondria and of additional sugar by starch hydrolysis; both processes would tend to ensure a supply of respiratory ATP to support reconstruction of the metabolic system during rehydration.
Fire and the opening of Banksia ornata F. Muell. Follicles
Authors: Gill AM
Published: December 2005

Banksia ornata is a sclerophyll shrub, characteristic of the heaths of south-eastern Australia. Its follicles are almost entirely dependent on fire for rupture and release of seed, although a few open under ambient field conditions. At air-dry moisture content (10-12% oven-dry weight) temperatures in excess of about 75°C are required for the rupture of the abscission layer between the woody valves, the time of exposure necessary for rupture decreasing with increasing temperature. At higher moisture contents rupture is delayed. No rupture occurs when follicles are water-saturated and exposed to a temperature of 100° over long periods. Similarly, no rupture occurs at room temperature when follicles are dried under vacuum (to 1.4% oven-dry weight). After rupture, the extent of valve reflexion is greatest when follicle valves are driest. These results are interpreted as follows. Follicle rupture occurs when tension across the abscission zone exceeds its strength: moisture has a major role in affecting the tension, and temperature a major role in affecting the strength.
Epidemiology of Potato Gangrene in Tasmania
Authors: Walker RR , Wade GC
Published: December 2005

In Tasmania, Phoma exigua Desm. var. exigua accounts for 90% of potential inoculum on tuber
surfaces and 90% of gangrene lesions in stored potato tubers. P. exigua Desm, var, foveata (Foister)
Boerema accounts for the remaining 10%. Tubers lifted from pre-senescent crops contain negligible
levels of surface-borne inoculum and develop few lesions in storage. Washing removes only a small
percentage of potential inoculum on tuber surfaces, which initiates infections if tubers are wounded
and held in an environment unfavourable for wound healing.
Tuber resistance to gangrene disease is determined by the interaction between tuber cultivar,
tuber maturity and the nature of the fungal isolate within both varieties of P. exigua. The resistance
response is greatest at high temperatures and is characterized by three phases: lesion retardation,
lesion arrest and lesion rejection. Lesion rejection represents the end product of tuber resistance
response and is associated with the development of post-infectional periderm.
Changes in Fine Structure of the Potato Meristem Following Heat Treatment for Virus Eradication
Authors: Sward RJ , Hallam ND
Published: December 2005

Potato virus S has been successfully eliminated from the 'Exton' cultivar of the potato (Solanum
tuberosum 'Exton'). This has been achieved by a variety of heat treatments and variations in nutrient
media for growing meristem tips. As part of this research program we have examined the fine structure
of the meristem tips following heat therapy, and aberrant changes were seen in rough endoplasmic
reticulum, ribosomes, mitochondria, chloroplasts and membrane systems. A combination of these
changes retard viral spread and development within the meristem.
The structure of Eucalypt roots
Authors: Tippett JT , O'Brien TP
Published: December 2005

The two eucalypt species Eucalyptus obliqua and E. st johnii differ in their susceptibility to Phytophthora cinnamomi, which infects their roots. A comparative study of the anatomy of the root systems of 12-week-old intermediate seedlings was made, the material used ranging in size from the finest roots to first order laterals. The root anatomy of the two species was similar but the species could be distinguished by differences in cortex persistence and in the rate of polyphenol accumulation. However, it was recognized that such differences were dependent on the age and growth rates of the roots sampled and could not be correlated with the differing susceptibilities of the two eucalypt species to Phytophthora cinnamomi. The walls of the exodermis and endodermis in both species are suberized and the ultrastructure of these walls was examined. Broad bands of suberized lamellae completely lined the exodermal cells in the zone of differentiation. In mature root zones the external radial walls of the epidermis were thickened and contained polyphenols. The roots which had commenced secondary thickening developed a specialized periderm, a polyderm, which consisted of alternating layers of suberized and non-suberized cells.
Numerical and cytotaxonomic evidence for generic delimitation in Australian Euphorbieae
Authors: Hassall DC
Published: December 2005

Chromosome numbers are reported for 24 Australian taxa of the tribe Euphorbieae Dumort. (Euphorbiaceae), with base numbers of x = 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11. The distribution of the base numbers into cytologically homogeneous groups conforms with the morphological groups as derived from a computer analysis. On the basis of these observations, Chamaesyce S. F. Gray is accepted as a genus distinct from Euphorbia L., and appropriate new combinations are made for the taxa used in this study.
Soil Moisture Redistribution as Affected by Throughfall and Stemflow in an Arid Zone Shrub Community
Authors: Pressland AJ
Published: December 2005

Changes in soil moisture under various densities of mulga (Acacia aneura F. Muell.) were followed from December 1971 to October 1973. Stemflow was instrumental in storing water at depth in the soil, being particularly noticeable with medium falls of rain (~ 75 mm); heavy (~ 160 mm) falls tended to mask the effect. Throughfall increased linearly with aggregate rainfall, and percentage throughfall decreased with increasing tree density. Of incoming precipitation, 94% was partitioned as throughfall under a tree density of 40 trees/ha-1 compared with 86% at a density of 4000 trees/ha. No distinct soil moisture patterns due to throughfall were found. Infiltration rates of water into the soil decreased with increasing distance from trees, being 46, 22 and 17 mm/h-1 after 10 min at distances 0.25, 0.5 and 2 m from a tree bole respectively, thus demonstrating that stemflow waters are absorbed at close proximity to the tree bole.The results are discussed in terms of the ecological importance of stem flow and soil moisture
patterning to the survival and growth of mulga and associated ground flora.
The Effects of Seasonality and Waterlogging on the Root Systems of a Number of Hakea Species
Authors: Lamont B
Published: December 2005

Proteoid and non-proteoid roots are produced only during winter-spring under the Mediterranean climatic conditions of south-western Australia. However, dormant roots can be induced to form new root structures in summer, if sufficient water is applied to that part of the root system. The seasonal occurrence of proteoid roots is therefore due to the annual variation in water available for growth of the surface parent roots. Both proteoid and non-proteoid root growth increase as water availability is increased from the permanent wilting point to one to two times field capacity, with a trebling in the proportion of proteoid roots by weight in the root system. This is followed by a steep decline in total root weight and in the proportion of proteoid roots in the root system as water availability is increased from two to three times field capacity. While the size of proteoid roots is greatest under non-waterlogged conditions (redox potential of 450-550 mV), their number per unit total root weight is greatest under moderately waterlogged conditions (redox potential of 120-350 mV).
Palynology of Tertiary sediments from Papua New Guinea. I. New form genera and species from upper Tertiary sediments
Authors: Khan AM
Published: December 2005

A palynolological investigation of Upper Tertiary sediments was carried out by analysis of core samples from Iviri No. 1 well, drilled by the Australasian Petroleum Company Pty Ltd, in the Central Delta region of Papua. Descriptions are given of six new form genera: Ophioglossumporites (Pteridophyta), Hakeidites, Guettardidites, Canthiumidites, Planchoniidites and Malvaceidites (Angiospermae). New species described are Ophioglossumsporites novaguineensis, Gleicheniidites major, Klukisporites ivirensis, Baculatisporites papuanus, Cingulatisporites papuanus, C. ivirensis, C. psilatus, Polypodiisporites foveoirregularis, and Microfoveolatosporites psilotiformis (Pteridophyta), Hakeidites martinii, Guettardidites ivirensis, Canthiumidites reticulatus, Planchoniidites areolatoides, Malvaceidites spinosus, Dicolpopollis metroxylonoides, Diporites barrellus, Diporites papuanus, Triporopollenites ulmiformis, Proteacidites heliciformis, P, knightiiformis, P. papuanus, Malvacipollis problematicus, Malvacerumpollis papuensis, Juglanspollenites polyporus, Rhoipites antidesmiformis, Discoidites novaguineensis, Extratriporopollenites elaegniformis, Tricolpites rubioides, Tricolpites tertiarius, Polyadopollenites gigantea (Angiospermae), and Tasmanites novaguineensis (Algae).' The new combination Stenochlaenidites papuanus is proposed for a pteridophyte species.
Birds as Possible Pollinators of Acacia pycnantha
Authors: Ford HA , Forde N
Published: December 2005

Acacia pycnantha, like many members of its genus, produces nectar from a gland at the base of the
petiole. Nectar is apparently produced only when the plant is flowering and only on petioles close
to the inflorescences. The nectary seems poorly placed to attract insect pollinators, but honeyeaters
and silvereyes take the nectar, brush against the flowers and could effect pollination. Insects also
visit the nectaries and flowers and may act as an additional attractant to the birds.
Early Stages of Regeneration After Burning in Dry Sclerophyll Vegetation. II. Regeneration by Seed Germination
Authors: Purdie RW
Published: December 2005

Following experimental burns in three dry sclerophyll communities, all except the geophytic species
regenerated from seedlings in the first year. The annual and perennial species in the shrub strata
regenerated from surviving seeds in the soil and ash, and the eucalypts from seeds released from the
trees after burning.
Although many seeds were destroyed during the fires, the germination of most species was higher
in burnt than in unburnt plots. Fire appeared to stimulate germination through direct heat effects on
the seeds, and by removing inhibitors present in the unburnt vegetation.
Seedling mortality was highest during the first year. Many seedlings died while in the cotyledon
stage, the main observed causes of mortality being desiccation, fungal disease and predation by
insects. Seedling survival was enhanced by burning, owing to the removal of the litter and other
fire-induced changes which made conditions more favourable for seedling establishment and/or
growth.
Two years after burning, the relative positions of dominance of the three major species in the
tall shrub stratum had changed compared with the pre-burn status of each. Evidence suggests that
such shifts in dominance depend on a number of interacting factors which selectively promote or
inhibit the recovery of each species.
The Effect of Barley Mildew on Barley and Wheat Competition in Mixtures
Authors: Burdon JJ , Chilvers GA
Published: December 2005

Competition experiments carried out in pots, based on the replacement series approach, indicated
that healthy barley plants possessed a higher competitive ability than wheat plants. In the presence
of powdery mildew, specifically infecting the barley, this discrepancy was mainly eliminated, and the
wheat then competed on approximately equal terms with the barley. The particular value of this
approach to parasite impact assessment is discussed together with a problem related to experimental
design.
Biology of Australian Seagrasses: the genus Amphibolis C. Agardh (Cymodoceaceae)
Authors: Ducker SC , Foord NJ , Knox RB
Published: December 2005

The two species of sea nymph, Amphibolis antarctica (Labill.) Sonder & Aschers, ex Aschers. and
A. grifithii (J. M. Black) Den Hartog, are endemic to Australia. They have distinctive leaf morphology,
and stem and rhizome anatomy. Environmental and ecological factors that limit the distribution
of both species in southern Australia are considered. Both species support a wide range of algal
and other epiphytes, and a list of the common epiphytic biota is presented. Penetration of the host
tissue by epiphytes is seldom observed.
Species richness, turnover and equilibrium in insular floras near Perth, Western Australia
Authors: Abbott I
Published: December 2005

In 1975 lists were made of the plant species occurring on 121 limestone islands, varying from 3 m2 to 160,900 m2 in area, west of Perth. Fifty-four of the islands supported no vascular plant species. An explanation of the different number of plant species found per island (S) was sought in terms of island area (A), elevation (E), and diversity of habitat types (H). Significant linear correlations were found between S and A, S and E, and S and H. The validity of neglecting islands with zero species number in regression analyses was evaluated and found to be wanting. Small islands (area < 5000 m2) tend to have impoverished floras; a study of the exceptions shows that the impoverishment is mainly due to exposure to sea spray.Inter-island distance plays a negligible part in determining the similarities of island floras. Comparisons of the present flora lists for 20 islands with those made by G. M. Storr in 1956 or 1959 show that species turnover has occurred. Although 12 islands show an increase in plant species number (as total plants, perennials, annuals and native species), this tendency is not significant. Annual species have higher extinction rates than perennial species and alien species higher ones than native species. Alien species also have higher immigration rates than native species. Floras of islands with cormorant colonies tend to have higher extinction rates than islands without. Islands with gull rookeries have higher immigration rates of alien species than islands without. Considering all 20 islands together there are no significant differences between extinction and immigration rates. These rates are independent of island area and isolation respectively. It is suggested that seabird colonies override the importance usually ascribed to island area and isolation in influencing these rates.
Studies of Marine algae in the lesser-known families of the Gigartinales (Rhodophyta). II. The Dicranemaceae
Authors: Kraft GT
Published: December 2005

The red algal family Dicranemaceae (Gigartinales) has been studied with regard to its vegetative
and reproductive morphology, The group is composed of two Dicranema species (D. revolutum
(C. Ag.) J. Ag. and D. cincinnalis sp, nov.), Peltasta australis J. Ag., Reptataxis rhizophora (Lucas)
gen. et comb. nov., and Tylotus obtusatus (Sond.) J . Ag. All except Reptataxis, from Lord Howe
I., are endemic to southern Australia. The last three genera are newly added to the family, which
is redefined to embrace their early gonimoblast similarities to Dicranema. The species are all
multiaxial, zonately tetrasporangiate and monoecious. Dicranema, Peltasta and Reptataxis have
broad, cellular cortexes and filamentous medullas, while Tylotus is pseudoparenchymatous throughout.
Tetrasporangia are nemathecial in Dieranem, Reptataxis and Tylotus, but scattered in
Peltasta. Spermatangia in Dicranema are formed in deeply buried catenate clusters, and are
similarly derived but non-catenate in the other genera. The species are all monocarpogonial, and
only Tylotus is procarpic. In none of the genera are sterile cells associated with carpogonial
branches. In Tylotus the supporting cell of the carpogonial branch fuses with the presumably
fertilized carpogonium and becomes the diploidized auxiliary cell. In Dicranema, Peltasta and Reptataxis,
2- or 3-celled carpogonial branches are directed to the thallus surface and presumably
fertilized carpogonia fuse with an auxiliary cell not necessarily on the same cortical branch system
as the supporting cell. Diploidized auxiliary cells in all four genera form small, irregular fusion
cells and emit multiple, filamentous gonimoblasts. Gonimoblast growth is mostly thallus-inward in
Dicranema, initially radial in Peltasta and Reptataxis, and lateral and outward in Tylotus and
advanced stages of Peltasta and Reptataxis. In Dicranema, Peltasta and Reptataxis an extensive
placenta of mixed and connected gonimoblast and vegetative cells forms between the fusion cell
and the peripheral carpospore-producing layers. In Tylotus vegetative/gonimoblast cell connections
occur mainly at the floor of the cystocarp. Carposporangia develop singly on elongate penultimate
gonimoblasts in Dicranema and Tylotus, but form chains in Peltasta and Reptataxis. Cystocarps
in all the genera are surrounded by thick ostiolate pericarps.
The genera of the Dicranemaceae are distinct from one another on frond and holdfast habits,
vegetative structure, carpogonial branch shape, auxiliary cell position, gonimoblast orientation,
carposporangial size, and mature cystocarp location and cross section. None of the four genera
seem obviously derived from or particularly closely related to any others outside the family, although
both Peltasta and Reptataxis show some features susesting possible links to the Sarcodiaceae.
Leaf Ultrastructure of Triodia irritans: a C4 Grass Possessing an Unusual Arrangement of Photosynthetic Tissues
Authors: Craig S , Goodchild DJ
Published: December 2005

Light, transmission electron and scanning electron microscopy have been used to investigate the
ultrastructural arrangement of leaf tissue in Triodia irritans, a C4 grass adapted to a hot, dry environment. Photosynthetic tissue was found to constitute 25% of the cross-sectional area of the leaf
and includes mesophyll and bundle sheath cell types. The mesophyll is restricted to discrete areas
and consists of long files of cells interconnected by a complex network of cytoplasm-filled cross
bridges. It is in contact with the vascular tissue via extensions from the bundle sheath, which make
intimate contact with it by way of plasmodesmata located in frequent pit fields. The mesophyll
cytoplasm is largely non-vacuolate, but in other respects is similar to that found in most other
species-viz., contains chloroplasts, mitochondria and occasional microbodies. Cells of the bundle
sheath extensions exhibit a uniform to slightly centripetal distribution of cytoplasm, consisting
mainly of grana-containing chloroplasts, mitochondria possessing elongate cristae, and microbodies.
Cells of the bundle sheath proper, which partially encircles the vascular tissue, do not make direct
contact with the mesophyll and contain fewer chloroplasts than the extension cells.
The arrangement of photosynthetic and of vascular tissues are discussed in terms of the classical
Kranz anatomy that is a feature of C4 plants, and the possible relationships between leaf structure,
photosynthetic activity and the translocation of photosynthate are considered.
A Study of the Fate of Seedlings Growing on Sandy Red Earths in the Charleville District, Queensland
Authors: Silcock RG
Published: December 2005

A field study was1 conducted at two sites in south-western Queensland into the fate of over 2100
seedlings which emerged in response to rain falling between October 1969 and April 1972 from sandy
red earths that originally supported mulga (Acacia aneura) scrubs. The four most numerous taxa
were the grasses Aristida and Digitaria, a group of herbaceous Malvaceae and the shrub Eremophila
gilesii. Of the emerging seedlings more than 50% died within 14 days and only 7 % flowered. Over
60% of those plants which flowered took longer than 4 months to reach this stage. Wilting was
common, 31 % of plants which flowered having wilted previously, although only 4% of these wilted
before 30 days of age.
Of the seedlings which exhibited secondary growth, e.g, tillering in grasses, only 49 % eventually
flowered. Only 33% of tillered grasses flowered, the perennials in general tillering and flowering
later than the annual grasses. Insects, particularly grasshoppers, were a continual problem, over
28 % of seedlings which survived 30 days being damaged by them.
The genus Euphorbia in Australia
Authors: Hassall DC
Published: December 2005

In Australia the genus Euphorbia L., sensu stricto, is represented by seven indigenous species in three subgenera. One species has been reported from Papua New Guinea and parts of South-east Asia, another from the New Hebrides; the remaining species are endemic to Australia. Two taxa are described as new species, viz. Euphorbia parvicaruncula and Euphorbia planiticola, and two former species are reduced to infraspecific rank, viz. Euphorbia tannensis subsp. eremophila, and Euphorbia tannensis subsp. eremophila var. finlaysonii. Observations are made on geographical distributions, interspecific relationships, and chromosome numbers.
Infection by Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands of Roots of Eucalyptus calophylla R.Br. and Eucalyptus marginata Donn. ex Sm
Authors: Malajczuk N , Mccomb AJ , Parker CA
Published: December 2005

On lateritic podzolic soils in Western Australia Eucalyptus calophylla is resistant to Phytophthora cinnamomi whereas Eucalyptus marginata is susceptible and eventually killed by the pathogen. On loam soils both eucalypts are resistant. Possible mechanisms for resistance of E. calophylla in lateritic soil and the inhibitory action of loam soils were investigated. Aseptically raised eucalypt seedlings succumbed to infection in liquid culture tubes. The mechanism of infection was compared by light and electron microscopy which showed similar fungal invasion and penetration into roots of both eucalypt species. Vegetative hyphae initially penetrated intercellularly and proliferated rapidly within cortical and stelar tissue. Intracellular invasion of these tissues occurred 48hr after initial infection through dissolution of the host cell wall. Chlamydospores were formed within a number of cortical cells. Unsuberized roots of mature trees produced aseptically showed reactions to invasion similar to those of the eucalypt seedling roots. Suberized roots were not invaded. The addition of small quantities of lateritic soil to sterile sand so as to introduce soil micro-organisms without altering the chemical and physical status of the sand, and subsequent inoculation of the sand with P.cinnamomi, resulted in a reduction of root damage on both eucalypts when compared with seedlings raised in sterile sand. Roots of E.calophylla were less severely damaged than those of E.marginata. The addition of small quantities of loam soil significantly reduced root damage in seedlings of both species. These results parallel both pot experiments and field observations, and suggest that microorganisms of the rhizosphere may be an important factor in the resistance of E.calophylla to infection, and in the inhibitory effect of loam soil on P.cinnamomi.
A Multivariate Morphometric Study of Species Relationships in Kangaroo Paws (Anigozanthos Labill. And Macropidia Drumm. ex. Harv.: Haemodoraceae)
Authors: Hopper SD , Campbell NA
Published: December 2005

Multivariate morphometric analyses of floral and leaf structure and an examination of seed morphology
of the 12 kangaroo paw species were undertaken to clarify taxonomic issues and phylogenetic
relationships in the group.
The study demonstrates substantial morphological differences between Macropidia Drumm.
ex Harv. and Anigozanthos Labill., and argues for their reinstatement as separate genera. Sufficient
differences among A. bicolor Endl., A. gabrielae Domin and A. viridis Endl, are also established to
justify their recognition as valid taxonomic species. Other groups of closely related Anigozanthos
species are identified and the division of the genus into only two sections, Anigozanthos and Haplanthesis, characterized by branched and unbranched flowering stems, is advocated.
Phylogenetic trends based on morphological relationships are discussed.
An embryological study of Bauera capitata with comments on the systematic position of Bauera
Authors: Prakash N , McAlister EJ
Published: December 2005

In Bauera capitata Ser. ex DC. the anthers are tetrasporangiate with a three- or four-layered anther wall. The tapetum is glandular and its cells remain uninucleate. Tannin accumulates in the epidermis and the endothecium, and many connective cells in addition contain druses. Simultaneous cytokinesis leads to tetrahedral and isobilateral tetrads of microspores. The pollen is shed when two-nucleate and is gorged with starch. Degeneration of contents of one or more sporangia is frequent. The ovules are anatropous, crassinucellar and bitegmic. Twin microspore tetrads and twin embryo sacs are common but only one embryo sac reaches maturity. The development of the embryo sac follows the monosporic, Polygonum type. Starch accumulates in the mature embryo sac and remains until the initiation of endosperm. The antipodal cells persist until fertilization and rarely multiply. The seeds are frequently sterile but contain a well-formed outer integument. The healthy seeds have in addition a five- or six-layered inner integument, a nuclear type of endosperm and an embryo. The embryological evidence points to a closer affinity of Bauera Banks ex Andr. to the Cunoniaceae than to the Saxifragaceae.
Nutrient Cycling in a Eucalyptus obliqua (L'hérit.) Forest. I. Litter Production and Nutrient Return
Authors: Attiwill PM , Guthrie HB , Leuning R
Published: December 2005

Total litter fall in mature Eucalyptus obliqua forest is typical for warm temperate forest, in the range 3.6-5.5 t ha-1 yr-1. Fifty per cent of the litter fall occurs in the summer months, and the seasonal
rate of litter fall is dependent primarily on temperature.
The concentration of nutrients in litter fall varies significantly throughout the year. Prior to
litter fall, about 70% of the phosphorus is withdrawn from that portion of the biomass which is
to fall as litter and the amount of phosphorus cycled in the litter is therefore very small. At the
other extreme, calcium is immobilized in large quantities immediately prior to litter fall. The internal,
or 'biochemical', cycling of phosphorus is probably of major significance in the functioning of
eucalypt forests on Australian soils characterized by a low phosphorus content.
A Comparison of Three Populations of Eucalyptus obliqua L'hérit. Growing on Acid and Calcareous Soils in Southern Victoria
Authors: Anderson CA , Ladiges PY
Published: December 2005

In the Otways district, Vic., Eucalyptus obliqua exhibits a wide edaphic tolerance and evidence is
presented for the existence of ecotypes in this region.
A comparison of three populations from acidic loam, neutral sand and alkaline sand showed
significant differences in yield response when grown under glasshouse conditions. A tall open-
forest population, naturally occurring on fertile acidic loams (pH 4.6-5.2), showed a marked
reduction in yield, was severely chlorotic and developed red and necrotic patches on leaves when
grown on calcareous sands of pH 6.5 and 8.0. Open-forest and low open-forest populations native
to the sands of pH 6.5 and 8.0 respectively also developed some chlorosis, but maintained greater
yields, particularly on the soil of pH 6.5. Chlorosis in all populations was correlated with decreased
levels of chlorophylls a and b, and carotenoids; on soil of pH 8.0, all populations showed increases
in calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus and the phosphorus/iron ratio in leaf tissue.
Populations showed differing contents of iron in seedlings (but with no particular trends), and the
low open-forest population developed a significantly low phosphorus/iron ratio when grown on
Leached calcareous soil of pH 6.5.
Carpological Evidence for Fossil Eucalyptus and Other Leptospermeae (Subfamily Leptospermoideae of Myrtaceae) From a Tertiary Deposit in the South Australian Arid Zone
Authors: Lange RT
Published: December 2005

A silicified fossil flora containing fruits like those of Leptospermeae (subfamily Leptospermoideae of Myrtaceae) is reported from the South Australian arid zone. The fossils are surface moulds and casts only. A selection is illustrated and discussed. Some are consistent with various sorts of Eucalyptus. Others resemble fruits of Leptospermum, Melaleuca and Callistemon, Calothamnus and Angophora. The flora is Tertiary, probably late Tertiary but possibly much older. The fossils and their circumstances are consistent with a mid-Tertiary central southern Australian eucalypt vegetation, in which the various series of eucalypts were already differentiated as postulated in existing, widely held views of eucalypt evolution and prehistory.
Biology of Australian seagrasses: Pollen development and submarine pollination in Amphibolis antarctica and Thalassodendron ciliatum (Cymodoceaceae)
Authors: Ducker SC , Pettitt JM , Knox RB
Published: December 2005

Development of the filiform pollen of the sea nymph Arnphibolis antarctica (Labill.) Sonder & Aschers. ex Aschers. has been characterized by high resolution light and electron microscopic methods. First pollen mitosis occurs at the end of the young spore period immediately preceding the vacuolate period, in contrast to many terrestrial pollens. Mature pollen is trinucleate, and is spirally coiled within the anther. The mature pollen wall shows a positive reaction for acid phosphatase like the intine of terrestrial pollens but is devoid of the outer exine layer, as judged by light and electron microscopic evidence. Development and arrangement of Thalassodendron ciliatum (Forssk.) Den Hartog pollen are similar. The adaptation of the pollen of aquatic plants for submarine pollination is reviewed in the light of evidence from 18th and 19th century work.
Population Studies on Acacia melanoxylon R. Br. I. Variation in Seed and Vegetative Characteristics
Authors: Farrell TP , Ashton DH
Published: December 2005

Considerable variation in phyllode shape and size was found between populations of Acacia melanoxylon sampled over the wide geographical range (27° of latitude) of this species in tropical and
temperate eastern Australia. Communities sampled range from closed-forest to open-forest and
grassy woodland.
Some evidence of relationships between morphological characters of the phyllodes and environ-
mental conditions of the collecting site was found, although such relationships are complex and not
easily understood. The most important factors determining phyllode shape and size were the distance
of the collecting site from the coast, and the seasonal distribution of the annual rainfall. Phyllodes
tended to be smaller and more symmetric in the drier inland areas.
Differences were found between seed characteristics of selected populations, although there was
no evidence of correlation of these with selected environmental parameters. Seedlings of 17 popu-
lations of A. melanoxylon grown under uniform glasshouse conditions showed some differences in
leaf morphology. The age at which conversion to phyllodes begins is correlated with the mean annual
rainfall at the site of origin of the seeds.
The occurrence of this species in such a wide variety of habitats in eastern Australia is probably
due to its clinal variation.
The genus Clavaria in south-eastern Australia
Authors: Petersen RH
Published: December 2005

The taxa from south-eastern Australia are described, and keys to species are furnished. Clavaria stegasauroides, C. citrinorubra, and C. muscula are described as new, and the character of the clamp connections in the genus is discussed.
The genus Ramariopsis in south-eastern Australia
Authors: Petersen RH
Published: December 2005

Keys and descriptions of the species known in south-eastern Australia are furnished. Ramariopsis cinnamomea (Fawc.) comb. nov. and R. cinnarnomipes sp. nov. are proposed, and brief comments are made on the phylogenetic relationships of the genus.