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Context: Vegetation mapping is subject to a diversity of approaches and lack of coordination, leading to low repeatability and predictive power in the species-rich flora of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region. Yet it has potential as a tool of use in fire management. Aims: This project, extending over five decades, aimed to develop an authoritative vegetation classification and map plant fire responses at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. Methods: Using Muir's classification approach, field surveys were conducted with aerial photography in hand. Thirty-three vegetation units were identified, described, mapped, and photographed. Defining attributes and taxa were identified for each unit. Key results: Map, descriptions, and photographs detail forest, woodlands, mallee, scrub thickets, heath, wetlands, and granite communities on the Reserve. The forest, woodland, and shrublands were adequately classified and mapped. However, granite complex and mallee were least satisfactory, oversimplifying a rich diversity of vegetation types and habitats. Conclusions: The Reserve may be divided for management into the central third of heath, shrublands, and low woodlands largely across the isthmus, the dunes and wetlands of the west with a greater diversity of vegetation types, and the eastern granite inselberg attaining 408 m with the most diverse vegetation types. The latter inselberg needs continued protection from fire and other disturbances. Greatest change in vegetation is seen in lowland landscapes where fire activity has also been pronounced. Implications: Vegetation mapping has been a valuable aid for managers and fire planning, and for active comanagement with appropriate Aboriginal families. This project, extending over five decades, developed an authoritative vegetation classification and mapped plant fire responses at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. Using Muir's classification approach, field surveys were conducted with aerial photography in hand. Thirty-three vegetation units were identified, described, mapped, and photographed. Defining attributes and taxa were identified for each unit. Vegetation mapping has been a valuable aid for phytogeographical placement of the Reserve, for managers and for fire planning. This article belongs to the Collection The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: There have been few long-term studies of the flora, phenology, and ecology of specific reserves in the species-rich flora of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region. Aims: This project, extending over five decades, aimed to develop an authoritative flora list and acquire data on phenology, threatened species, endemism, old and young landscapes, phytogeography, old lineages, and fire responses at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. Methods: The study used botanical collection on repeat surveys, herbarium studies, granite outcrop surveys and comparative phytogeographic analyses from maps on the Western Australian Herbarium's Florabase. Key results: Floristic survey recovered 853 taxa, 26% of those known in the Albany local government area. Possibly as many as 950–1000 taxa will be found in the future. The herbarium collections are the second largest of any conservation reserve in the Albany area. Flowering was most evident in spring and least in autumn. Three declared rare species and 20 conservation priority species were identified, as were short-range endemics, old clades, and natural hybrids. Conclusions: The flora is dominated by species predominantly from wetter forest regions. Consequently, Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve is correctly placed within the Bibbulmun Botanical Province. Several hypotheses of OCBIL theory (which addresses old, climatically-buffered, infertile landscapes) were supported, with increased local endemism, ancient clades, and reduced rates of natural hybridisation identified for the granite inselberg OCBIL Maardjitup Gurlin/Mt Gardner. Implications: Long term studies are invaluable for plant inventory. Continuing the minimal use of prescribed burning is advocated from plant data, in support of approaches to help conserve threatened animals. This project, extending over five decades, aimed to develop an authoritative flora list and acquire data on phenology, threatened species, endemism, old and young landscapes, phytogeography, old lineages, and fire responses at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. Intensive field work by many collectors was involved. Floristic survey recovered 853 taxa, 3 declared rare species, 20 conservation priority species and various short-range endemics, old clades, and natural hybrids. Continued avoidance of prescribed burning is advocated. This article belongs to the Collection The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Although the vascular flora of Western Australia is renowned for high species diversity and endemism, very little is known about the state's moss and liverwort flora. Aims: In 1984 we conducted surveys of bryophytes in Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. Methods: We searched comprehensively for bryophytes at seven major habitats on the Reserve, collecting voucher specimens subsequently identified with modern literature and with the help of Australian bryophyte experts. We updated the text to reflect modern taxonomy and considering modern literature on phytogeography and hypotheses associated with OCBIL (Old, Climatically Buffered, Infertile Landscapes) theory. Key results: A total of 38 species of mosses representing 25 genera from 13 families were identified along with 10 species of liverworts representing nine genera and six families. Two moss species (Distichium inclinatum and Tortella dakinii) were previously unknown from Western Australia. Another represented a new species (Pleurophascum occidentale) in a heretofore monotypic genus, family, and order. The Pottiaceae, with 11 species, was the most diverse family of mosses. The Lepidoziaceae, with three species, was the most diverse family of liverworts. Conclusions: Lower levels of endemism in bryophytes versus vascular plants may reflect the bryophytes' capacity for wide and long-distance dispersal of spores and fragments. Bryophyte diversity and endemism may be less than on extensive OCBILs because much of the Reserve emerged from the ocean as recently as the mid-Pleistocene. Implications: This, the first listing published of bryophytes on a Reserve in WA, indicates the potential rewards for further survey of mosses and liverworts. In 1984 we searched comprehensively for bryophytes at seven major habitats on Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. A total of 38 species of mosses and ten species of liverworts included two moss species (Distichium inclinatum and Tortella dakinii) previously unknown from Western Australia. Another represented a new species (Pleurophascum occidentale) in a heretofore monotypic order. This, the first listing published of bryophytes on a Reserve in Western Australia, indicates the potential rewards for further survey of bryophytes. This article belongs to the Collection The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers should be aware that this document may contain sensitive information, images or names of people who have since passed away. Context: Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve on Western Australia's south coast is world renowned for its biodiversity, particularly its threatened fauna. Future co-management of the Reserve with Aboriginal peoples is likely, although very little information on the Noongar cultural heritage of the Reserve has been published and thus available for stewardship guidance. Methods: This study used oral history interviews on Country based on open-ended questioning and respect for intellectual property. Comprehensive surveys for Noongar cultural heritage were conducted on foot on the Reserve. Key results: A rich trove of women's and men's stories from the Knapp family about Two Peoples Bay is recalled and recorded. The Reserve features prominently in Wiernyert/Dreaming stories with classical human moral dilemmas, and transformations for wrong-doing are featured. Threatened animals and important plants are named as borongur/totems. Trading of gidj/spears of Taxandria juniperina is prominent. Use of fire traditionally was circumspect, and is confined to small areas and pathways in lowlands. Granite rocks are replete with lizard traps, standing stones, and stone arrangements. Conclusions: The Reserve has a long and layered oral history for Merningar Bardok Noongars, exemplified here by the Knapp family, members of which have enjoyed continuous oral history for countless generations. Granite rocks, wetlands, flora, and fauna are vitally important vessels of such knowledge. Implications: Cultural suppression has inhibited free cross-cultural exchange of kaatidjin/knowledge until recently. As respect for culture and Elders becomes paramount, positive co-stewardship of the Reserve will become a reality. Vibrant cultural interpretation and active management by Noongar guides and rangers is recommended. Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers should be aware that this document may contain sensitive information, images or names of people who have since passed away. Future co-management of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve Reserve with Aboriginal peoples is likely, although very little information on the Noongar cultural heritage of the Reserve has been published and thus is available for stewardship guidance. Published for the first time, a rich trove of women's and men's stories from the Merningar Knapp family about Two Peoples Bay includes Wiernyert/Dreaming stories with classical human moral dilemmas, trading of gidj/spears, and stone structures on granite. Some Noongar names for landforms are provided. This article belongs to the Collection The Natural History of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, Western Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultures in Mediterranean climate zones (MCZs) around the world have long been reliant on groundwater and springs as freshwater sources. While their ecology and cultural sustainability are recognized as critically important, inter-relationships between springs and culture in MCZs have received less attention. Here we augmented a global literature review with case studies in MCZ cultural landscapes to examine the diversity and intensity of cultural and socio-economic relationships on spring ecohydrogeology. MCZs are often oriented on western and southern coasts in tectonically active landscapes which control aquifer structure, the prevalence of westerly winds, and aridity, and generally expose associated habitats and cultures to harsh afternoon sunlight. Cultural appreciation and appropriation of springs ranges widely, from their use as subsistence water supplies to their roles in profound traditions such as Greco-Roman nymphalea as well as Asian and Abrahamic spiritual cleansing and baptism. The abandonment of traditional ways of life, such as rural livestock production, for urban ones has shifted impacts on aquifers from local to regional groundwater exploitation. The commoditization of water resources for regional agricultural, industrial (e.g., mining, water bottling, geothermal resorts), and urban uses is placing ever-increasing unsustainable demands on aquifers and spring ecosystems. When the regional economic value of springs approaches or exceeds local cultural values, these irreplaceable aquatic ecosystems are often degraded, over-looked, and lost. Sustainable stewardship of springs and the aquifers that support them is a poorly recognized but central conservation challenge for modern Mediterranean societies as they face impending impacts of global climate change. Solutions to this crisis require education, societal dialogue, and improved policy and implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological variation is common within widely distributed plant species and often raises interesting taxonomic and evolutionary questions. We sampled eight typical inland populations and two coastal dwarf populations of Banksia occidentalis to assess whether the coastal variant warrants taxonomic recognition. Genomic (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and morphometric analyses were undertaken to assess the variation within and between variants. Genetically, the coastal populations were more closely related to geographically adjacent populations of the typical variant than they were to each other, indicating that each coastal population has originated independently. Morphologically, the coastal populations also did not represent a cohesive phenotypic group, with both falling outside the range of variation for the typical variant, but also not overlapping each other. Wide morphological, but not genomic, variation was identified along a coastal–inland transect. Combined, these data indicate that the morphological variation in these coastal populations is the result of parallel ecotype evolution from experiencing similar environmental conditions and does not represent the diversification of a distinct evolutionary lineage that would have warranted taxonomic recognition. Our study highlights the consequences of strong selection pressures in marginal environments and provides fascinating insight to the long evolutionary history of the flora in this ancient Australian landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In early 2021 several tree stumps embedded in a remnant peat deposit were found in the intertidal zone of Wharton Beach, southwestern Australia by Esperance Tjaltjraak Rangers. Attempts were made to identify the tree using both dendrochronological and anthracological methods but were limited by the lack of reference information from tree species in the southwestern Australia. Radiocarbon dates from one stump indicates the tree lived for approximately 200 years, growing into the peaty sediments sometime before ca. 7340 cal yrs BP and died directly or indirectly as a result of marine transgression. The peat deposit is dated to 7608–7429 cal yrs BP but its exposed seaward edge was unconformably underlain by younger sand, dated by OSL to around 3550 years, which may have intruded as a result of a storm event. An OSL age of 12,600 years was obtained from the base of a laminated dune sequence behind the exposed peat deposit, and is significant given a similar age for a previously documented infant burial site in the area. Together these records provide a rare insight into the former wetland landscape and a cultural and scientific link to the drowned coastal plain. A need for more integrative research along this cultural corridor is clear but this preliminary study has demonstrated the value of combining Cultural Knowledge Systems and Western Science, for Tjaltjraak Healthy Country Program and analogous Aboriginal 'caring for country' programmes throughout Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OCBIL theory addresses the ecology, evolution, and conservation of biodiversity and cultural diversity on old climatically buffered infertile landscapes, which are especially prominent in southwest Australia and the Greater Cape Region of South Africa. Here, as a contribution to general theory on endemism, a few case studies are briefly discussed to ascertain the relevance of hypotheses in OCBIL theory to understanding narrow endemism in Mediterranean climate regions. Two new conservation management hypotheses are also introduced—minimising disturbance of OCBILS and conserving cross-culturally to achieve best outcomes. Case studies of endemics in southwest Australia (e.g., Eucalyptus caesia, Anigozanthos, Cephalotaceae, Daspypogonaceae) and South Africa (Moraea, Conophytum) and more limited evidence for the Mediterranean Region conform to OCBIL theory predictions. Narrow endemics, concentrated in OCBILs, have diverse origins that embrace major hypotheses of OCBIL theory such as prolonged persistence and diversification in refugia, limited dispersal, coping with inbreeding in small disjunct population systems (the James Effect), special adaptations to nutrient-deficient soils, and special vulnerabilities (e.g., to soil disturbance and removal). Minimising disturbance to OCBILs is recommended as the primary conservation strategy. OCBIL theory has a potentially significant role to play in advancing understanding of narrow endemism of plants in Mediterranean climate regions and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protection of biodiversity, human assets, and cultural heritage pose significant challenges to contemporary planning of bushfire mitigation activities. Current mitigation approaches are not always appropriate, and mismanagement is a source of distress for Indigenous peoples. Increased understanding of Indigenous fire knowledge and increased Indigenous participation may provide insight into more appropriate and inclusive land management for fire mitigation. We analysed contemporary Noongar and Western fire practitioner approaches within an Indigenous fire knowledge (IFK) framework to explore knowledge and aspirations for small reserves in the Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR) global biodiversity hotspot. We recorded an extensive knowledge base, characterised by a highly nuanced approach to burning, held by the Noongar coauthors. We explore potential approaches to applying this knowledge to build collaborative fire mitigation strategies with mutually beneficial outcomes for biodiversity, cultural heritage, and human assets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological restoration is addressing the challenge of biodiversity conservation in landscapes where native vegetation has been extensively cleared. Reestablishing ecological interactions that support self‐sustainable populations plays an essential role in restoration efforts. For animal‐pollinated plant species, comparing mating system dynamics within restoration populations with natural remnant populations can inform the progress of restoration activities. We assessed mating system parameters, seed weight, invertebrate floral visitors, and genetic diversity for two restoration populations and two native reference remnant populations of the animal‐pollinated, woody shrub/tree, Hakea laurina (Proteaceae) in the Southwest Australian Floristic Region. There was no difference in outcrossing rates between the two sites (restoration and reference populations combined) or treatments (sites combined). However, one restoration population showed significantly lower outcrossing that was correlated with reduced seed weight, greater inbreeding, and significantly lower invertebrate richness and abundance compared to its nearby remnant population. In contrast, in the other restoration population, all measures were comparable to the reference remnant population. Local genetic diversity available in remnant populations was captured in both restoration populations. Limitations to pollinator services may be affecting mating patterns and potentially population fitness, in a younger restoration population with reduced proximity to remnant vegetation, which has a tall coplanted overstorey species and spatially aggregated individuals. We highlight these aspects of restoration populations as important areas of ongoing research that will impact the reestablishment of ecological interactions, and the assessment of mating system dynamics as a valuable tool to inform the current progress of restoration activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OCBIL theory is a multi-hypothesis formulation aimed towards an understanding of the evolution, ecology and conservation of biological and cultural diversity on old, climatically buffered, infertile landscapes (OCBILs). OCBILs have been in existence contemporaneously with rainforest since Gondwanan times. Such landscapes are common in areas of eucalypt species richness embraced by Australia's two Global Biodiversity Hotspots, the Southwest Australian Floristic Region and the Forests of East Australia. Here, I summarize evidence pertaining to the eucalypts in the context of a recent reformulation of OCBIL theory into 12 evolutionary, ecological and cultural hypotheses and ten conservation management hypotheses. A compelling argument emerges for a new interpretation of the eucalypts evolving out of the OCBILs, rather than out of the rainforests as traditionally interpreted. This calls for a significant reinterpretation of best conservation management of the eucalypts. For example, traditional ideas on application of fire in eucalypt communities regarded as well adapted to this disturbance need to give way to a more nuanced and cautious view. This review of eucalypts seen as evolving out of the OCBILs helps in understanding the group from several new perspectives. Interpretation of other sedentary plant and animal groups as out of the OCBILs is commended for further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is an introduction to the special issue of the Biological Journal of the Linnean Society entitled OCBIL theory: a new science for old ecosystems. Firstly, we elaborate on the origins and development of OCBIL theory, which argues that landscape age, climatic buffering and soil fertility are key environmental dimensions shaping ecological and evolutionary processes across different scales. We then consider the 21 contributions made in this special issue in terms of cutting edge advances in the Southern Hemisphere that test, explore and apply aspects of OCBIL theory at the end of its first decade of formal publication. More attempts at refutation are urged, as untested aspects remain controversial. Lastly, a concluding discussion is offered on promising new lines of enquiry to develop the theory further and ensure its global application to pressing conservation issues facing biological and cultural diversity. Although OCBILs are absent or rare in much of the postglacial and periglacial Northern Hemisphere, we demonstrate, in south-west Europe and North America, starting with California, that they are likely to be found, thus extending the implications and applications of OCBIL theory in new directions. We also propose that, in many ways, Noongar Aboriginal cosmology from south-west Australia has developed sophisticated insights about ancient uplands that are precursors to key ideas in OCBIL theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OCBIL theory was introduced as a contribution towards understanding the evolution, ecology and conservation of the biological and cultural diversity of old, climatically buffered, infertile landscapes (OCBILs), especially in the Southern Hemisphere. The theory addresses some of the most intransigent environmental and cultural trends of our time – the ongoing decline of biodiversity and cultural diversity of First Nations. Here we reflect on OCBILs, the origins of the theory, and its principal hypotheses in biological, anthropological and conservation applications. The discovery that threatened plant species are concentrated in the Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR) on infertile, phosphorous-impoverished uplands within 500 km of the coast formed the foundational framework for OCBIL theory and led to the development of testable hypotheses that a growing literature is addressing. Currently, OCBILs are recognized in 15 Global Biodiversity Hotspots and eight other regions. The SWAFR, Greater Cape Floristic Region of South Africa and South America's campos rupestres (montane grasslands) are those regions that have most comprehensively been investigated in the context of OCBIL theory. We summarize 12 evolutionary, ecological and cultural hypotheses and ten conservation-management hypotheses being investigated as recent contributions to the OCBIL literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the floristics of granitoid inselbergs in the hitherto poorly documented south-eastern region of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR) and adjacent Great Western Woodlands, addressing several hypotheses of OCBIL (old, climatically buffered, infertile landscapes) theory. We found exceptional taxon richness (1550 taxa on 89 inselbergs, with 58 well-sampled inselbergs and 1493 taxa chosen for detailed analyses). Granite inselberg endemism declined towards the arid inland, although taxon richness did not. OCBILs are likely to be found up to 500 km inland, not ~300 km as previously hypothesized. Hybrids were extremely rare on the 58 inselbergs analysed, whereas rare species, including singletons, were abundant. Conversely, exotic weeds were less common than in the whole SWAFR flora (8.2% vs 12.8%). Granite plant communities were distributed in bands parallel to the south coast, approximating the general transition from the Esperance and Boylya Floristic Districts across the SWAFR boundary north into the Arid Zone's Great Western Woodlands. Positive correlations were found between several plant life forms and inselberg area. There was a decrease from the coast inland for most life forms, except for annual and graminoid herbs that increased in taxa inland. Thus, inselberg floristics exemplify the coast-to-inland OCBIL transition in this global biodiversity hotspot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geophytes are a considerable component of Southwest Australian flora and thus, unsurprisingly, feature heavily in the diets and culture of Noongar First Nations people of this old, climatically buffered, infertile landscape-dominated global biodiversity hotspot. Of ~650 geophyte species recorded in south-western Australia, 90 are known traditional Noongar foods. Despite the significant role of geophytes in Noongar traditional lives, there is little published knowledge of the ecological effects of harvesting geophytes. We measured and observed soil and plant outcomes of tuber harvest for two Noongar staple species of Platysace Bunge to test whether it improved soil conditions for plant growth and/or aided tuber availability, as suggested for other Australian Aboriginal root crops. Harvesting of Platysace deflexa led to increases in some soil nutrient levels and, unexpectedly, to an increase in bulk density. Platysace deflexa stem abundance was restored to the pre-harvest level within 1 year post-harvest, whereas tuber weight and volume were less than pre-harvest levels after 2 years. A post-harvest increase in the proportion of small tubers in crops suggests that harvest has a renewing and homogenizing effect on tubers. Site-based differences in post-harvest P. deflexa and Platysace trachymenioides quantity of tubers were consistent with preferential harvest of some populations by present-day Noongar families and their ancestors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OCBIL theory provides a basis for understanding of the evolution and ecology of biota on old, climatically buffered, infertile landscapes (OCBILs) worldwide. Here, we test a genetic hypothesis presented in OCBIL theory that predicts highly differentiated intraspecific population systems on OCBILs vs. more limited differentiation on young, often disturbed, fertile landscapes (YODFELs). We examined patterns of genomic and morphological divergence in Banksia seminuda across OCBILs and YODFELs in south-western Australia. We also used these data to determine whether these OCBIL and YODFEL populations represent distinct subspecific lineages, a point of previous contention among taxonomists. As hypothesized, genomic analyses based on 3466 SNP loci revealed strong structuring within B. seminuda , with high differentiation across narrow geographic scales among OCBIL populations vs. lower differentiation across much larger geographic scales among YODFEL populations. In addition, genomic and morphological divergence was found between OCBIL and YODFEL populations, providing comprehensive quantitative evidence for two subspecies. These findings have taxonomic implications for the species and provide support for OCBIL theory and its insights into the evolution, ecology and conservation of biota on ancient landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flora of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR) is characterized by remarkable richness, endemism, spatial turnover and numbers of threatened taxa. Increasingly, evolutionary history is recognized as contributing to SWAFR biogeographical patterns, culminating in the theory of old, climatically buffered, infertile landscapes (OCBILs) [and their counterpoint: young, often disturbed, fertile landscapes (YODFELs)]. For the SWAFR, we: (1) developed a spatially explicit distribution of OCBILs and YODFELs; (2) analysed the spatial distribution of Threatened and Priority (Data Deficient) flora; and (3) tested the hypotheses that Threatened and Priority flora will be most strongly represented in OCBILs and will have small geographical ranges. We found that OCBILs and YODFELs dominated spatially distinct portions of the SWAFR. Threatened and Priority flora were not uniformly or randomly distributed and were more strongly characterized by narrow-range endemics than the non-Threatened flora. The occurrence of Threatened and Priority flora was positively correlated with the age of surface exposure of landscape features and unique geological features of limited extent (if not YODFELs). The concentration of Threatened flora in OCBILs provides the opportunity to improve conservation management through investigations of how plant traits favoured by evolution in OCBILs might increase or decrease the susceptibility of the flora to anthropogenic threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occurring across all southern hemisphere continents except Antarctica, old, climatically buffered, infertile landscapes (OCBILs) are centres of biological richness, often in biodiversity hotspots. Among a matrix of young, often disturbed, fertile landscapes (YODFELs), OCBILs are centres of endemism and diversity in the exceptionally rich flora of the south-west Australian global biodiversity hotspot, home to Noongar peoples for ≥ 48 000 years. We analysed contemporary traditional Noongar knowledge of adjacent OCBILs (e.g. granite outcrops) and YODFELs (e.g. creekline fringes) both at a single site and in two larger areas to test whether patterns of disturbance dictated by Noongar custom align with OCBIL theory. We found that Noongar traditional knowledge reflects a regime of concentrated YODFEL rather than OCBIL disturbance—a pattern which aligns with maximal biodiversity preservation. SIMPER testing found traditional Noongar OCBIL and YODFEL activities are 64–75% dissimilar, whereas Pearson's chi-square tests revealed camping, burning, travelling through country and hunting as primarily YODFEL rather than OCBIL activities. We found that Noongar activities usually avoid OCBIL disturbance. This combined with high floristic diversity following enduring First Peoples' presence, suggests that traditional Noongar knowledge is valuable and necessary for south-west Australian biodiversity conservation. Similar cultural investigations in other OCBIL-dominated global biodiversity hotspots may prove profitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Plant species richness increases with declining soil phosphorus (P) availability, especially for Proteaceae in old infertile landscapes. This difference in richness might be attributed to faster diversification in lineages adapted to P-impoverished soils, i.e. species that possess specialised P-acquisition strategies, and have lower leaf P concentration ([P]) and higher seed [P]. Alternatively, a longer time for species accumulation might contribute to high species richness in low-P environments due to the geological stability of the landscapes in which they evolved. Methods: We assessed differences in diversification of Proteaceae in P-impoverished vs. nutrient-rich environments and whether these were linked to adaptations to P-impoverished soils. We explored mature leaf and seed [P] and investigated how these traits changed over the evolutionary history of the family, and within two species-rich genera (Banksia, Hakea). Results: Faster diversification was correlated with lower leaf and higher seed [P] for species-rich genera across the Proteaceae. For Banksia and Hakea, diversification rates peaked at relatively low leaf [P], but not at the lowest leaf [P]. Ancestral state reconstructions indicated that low leaf [P] is a trait that was likely present in the early evolution of the Proteaceae, with recent transitions to higher leaf [P] across several species-poor rainforest genera. Conclusions: Diversification of Proteaceae correlated strongly with P-related traits. In an evolutionary context, functional cluster roots, low leaf [P] and high seed [P] were likely key innovations allowing diversification. Selection for low leaf [P] early in the evolutionary history of Proteaceae pre-adapted ancestors of this family to diversify into oligotrophic environments. We discuss how our findings are likely relevant for understanding diversification dynamics of other plant families that occur in P-impoverished environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological genetics can provide a novel contribution to assessing the achievement of restoration objectives. We used paternity assignment to infer realized pollen dispersal within, and pollen immigration into, a restoration population of Hakea nitida, a common near‐coastal shrub or small tree in southwest Australia. We compared mating system parameters and genetic diversity with a nearby remnant reference population and assessed genetic divergence among the restoration and reference populations. We found realized pollen dispersal events closely tracked the frequency distributions of the distances between all plants within the restoration focus area. Mean realized pollen dispersal distance (359 m) approached the mean of the distances between all plants (407 m), far exceeding mean nearest neighbor distance (12 m). Maximum realized pollen dispersal distance (869 m) approached the maximum distance between all plants in the study area (1,033 m). Pollen immigration into the restoration study area was limited (4%). The mating system revealed moderate outcrossing rates (tm = 0.861 restoration and tm = 0.745 reference population), with significant and similar biparental inbreeding (tm − ts = 0.180, tm− ts = 0.186) but greater correlated paternity (rpm) in the restoration (0.519) than in the reference (0.188) population. Genetic divergence among the restoration and reference remnant population was moderate (FST = 0.094, DST = 0.239). Patterns of pollen dispersal and mating system parameters imply the attraction of pollinators within the restoration population as a key factor in progressing towards the establishment of self‐sustaining populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on extensive herbarium, field, botanical illustration, and molecular phylogenetic research, five genera and eight species are recognised for the Neotropical Haemodoraceae. New taxa include Cubanicula Hopper et al., Xiphidium pontederiiflorum M.Pell. et al. and Schiekia timida M.Pell. et al. Two new combinations are made, Cubanicula xanthorrhizos (C.Wright ex Griseb.) Hopper et al. and Schiekia silvestris (Maas & Stoel) Hopper et al. We also correct the author citation for Xiphidium, provide the necessary typifications for several names and present an updated identification key, comments, and photo plates for all species. Finally, we provide high-quality illustrations for most of the recognised species and their diagnostic characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous societies' interactions with plants may result in contemporary distribution patterns that reflect these relationships, such as concentration of resource species close to occupation sites or transport routes. Seeds of the cycad, Macrozamia dyeri, are food of Nyungar First People of the south‐eastern Southwest Australian Floristic Region. Processing of seeds by leaching in soil or water enables detoxification and preservation of the pre‐colonial staple, a Nyungar technique archaeologically dated to at least 13 000 years BP. We measured the distance of M. dyeri populations to cultural landscape features and registered heritage sites. We also compared within‐population plant distribution characteristics to Nyungar occupation preferences around granite inselbergs. We found evidence of Nyungar influence on contemporary distribution of M. dyeri. Populations of M. dyeri occur close to surface water features in the west and granite outcrops in the east of Nyungar country, which corresponds closely to differential pre‐colonial patterns of Nyungar occupation. M. dyeri population frequency was negatively correlated with distance to registered Nyungar sites, and 75% of all M. dyeri populations occur within 3.2 km of a registered Nyungar site. We found no correlation between habitat availability and size of granite populations, but found that Nyungar occupation preferences in relation to ground surface aspect, slope and landform type correlated with intra‐population M. dyeri plant distribution, suggesting a mutualistic relationship with Nyungar people, has influenced the plant's distribution. We suggest that contemporary M. dyeri distribution is therefore useful for interpreting past location‐specific Nyungar land practices to inform contemporary conservation management. Our findings demonstrate that along with edaphic, climate and other environmental factors, consideration of pre‐colonial human dispersal and land practices is important for plant conservation in Australia, particularly for taxa with prolonged use by humans. Further, we suggest that analyses of long‐lived Macrozamia elsewhere may be useful for interpreting past Aboriginal land practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High gene flow and a population structure corresponding to human rather than geographical drivers are likely to be genetic patterns of human-dispersed plant taxa. We examined variation in geographical structure and gene flow estimates based on three non-coding regions of plastid DNA in three south-west Australian members of the Platysace genus to identify whether a human influence on dispersion of utilized taxa was detectable. Edible tubers of Platysace deflexa and Platysace trachymenioides have been harvested historically by Noongar traditional owners, whereas Platysace effusa has no known cultural significance. We found differences between utilized and non-utilized taxa, particularly when considered against the generally complex phylogeographical patterning in south-west Australian plant taxa. Platysace effusa showed a pattern of high population divergence, low gene flow and multiple refugia, consistent with a long evolutionary history, past climatic oscillations and persistence in a highly fragmented landscape. In contrast, higher gene flow estimates, less divergence between populations and common haplotypes in P. deflexa and in P. trachymenioides over the south-eastern part of its range are consistent with anthropogenic influences. This study contributes to the understanding of human influences on south-west Australian plant taxa that have been present since the late Pleistocene, but to date have received little scientific attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of patterns of pollen dispersal, mating systems, population fitness, genetic diversity and differentiation in restoration and remnant plant populations can be useful in determining how well restoration activities have achieved their objectives. We used molecular tools to assess how well restoration objectives have been met for populations of Banksia media in the biodiversity hotspot of south-west Western Australia. We characterized patterns of pollen dispersal within, and pollen immigration into, two restoration populations. We compared mating system parameters, population fitness via seed weight, genetic diversity and genetic differentiation for restoration and associated reference remnant populations. Different patterns of pollen dispersal were revealed for two restoration sites that differed in floral display, spatial aggregation of founders and co-planted species. Proximity to remnant native vegetation was associated with enhanced immigration and more short-range pollen dispersal when other population variables were constant. Greater seed weights at remnant compared to restoration populations were not related to outcrossing rate. Equivalent mating system and genetic diversity parameters and low to moderate levels of genetic differentiation between restoration and remnant populations suggest pollinator services have been restored in genetically diverse restoration populations of local provenance B. media as early as four years from planting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants pollinated by vertebrates are often visited by native and exotic insects foraging for pollen and nectar. We compared flower visitation rates, foraging behaviour, and the contribution to reproduction of nectar-feeding birds and the introduced honeybee Apis mellifera in four populations of the bird-pollinated Anigozanthos manglesii (Haemodoraceae). The behaviour of floral visitors was quantified with direct observations and motion-triggered and hand-held cameras. Pollinator access to flowers was manipulated by enclosure in netting to either exclude all visitors or to exclude vertebrate visitors only. Apis mellifera was the only insect observed visiting flowers, and the most frequent flower visitor, but primarily acted as a pollen thief. Although birds visited A. manglesii plants only once per week on average, they were 3.5 times more likely to contact the anther or stigma as foraging honeybees. Exclusion of birds resulted in 67% fewer fruits and 81% fewer seeds than flowers left open and unmanipulated. Unnetted flowers that were open to bird and insect pollinators showed pollen-limitation and a large variation in reproductive output within and between sites. Although honeybees have been shown to pollinate other Australian plants, compared to birds, they are highly inefficient pollinators of A. manglesii. Plants pollinated by vertebrates are often visited by native and introduced insect species foraging for pollen and nectar, with potentially negative consequences for plant fitness. European honeybees are the most common visitor to the Red and Green Kangaroo Paw, but primarily steal nectar and pollen, with native nectar-feeding birds critical for high reproductive success. For many plant species the relative importance of bird-pollinators and exotic insect species remains largely unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical tests of comparability between restored and natural plant populations can be powerful tools for measuring progress towards restoration objectives, though they are rarely applied to critical metrics like genetic diversity, mating systems, and reproductive output via seed production. Here we compared these ecological and genetic measures for restored populations and nearby remnant reference populations of Melaleuca acuminata , a common understory shrub species of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region. Levels of diversity in 12 nuclear microsatellite markers developed for the species were moderate to high. Estimates of genetic diversity, mating system parameters and reproductive output (capsule width, capsule height, capsule volume [capsule width by capsule height], number of seeds per capsule or seed viability) were similar between restored and remnant populations. There was no evidence of genetic bottleneck effects in restored populations and allelic differentiation between restored and remnant populations at each site was low (DST ≤ 0.055). Results indicate that restored populations are comprised of genetically diverse local provenance material, and that pollinators are effectively delivering pollination-related ecosystem services equivalent to those at the reference populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical tests of comparability between restored and natural plant populations can be powerful tools for measuring progress towards restoration objectives, though they are rarely applied to critical metrics like genetic diversity, mating systems, and reproductive output via seed production. Here we compared these ecological and genetic measures for restored populations and nearby remnant reference populations of Melaleuca acuminata , a common understory shrub species of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region. Levels of diversity in 12 nuclear microsatellite markers developed for the species were moderate to high. Estimates of genetic diversity, mating system parameters and reproductive output (capsule width, capsule height, capsule volume [capsule width by capsule height], number of seeds per capsule or seed viability) were similar between restored and remnant populations. There was no evidence of genetic bottleneck effects in restored populations and allelic differentiation between restored and remnant populations at each site was low (DST ≤ 0.055). Results indicate that restored populations are comprised of genetically diverse local provenance material, and that pollinators are effectively delivering pollination-related ecosystem services equivalent to those at the reference populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollination by nectarivorous birds is predicted to result in different patterns of pollen dispersal and plant mating compared to pollination by insects. We tested the prediction that paternal genetic diversity, outcrossing rate and realized pollen dispersal will be reduced when the primary pollinator group is excluded from bird‐pollinated plants. Pollinator exclusion experiments in conjunction with paternity analysis of progeny were applied to Eucalyptus caesia Benth. (Myrtaceae), a predominantly honeyeater‐pollinated tree that is visited by native insects and the introduced Apis mellifera (Apidae). Microsatellite genotyping at 14 loci of all adult E. caesia at two populations (n = 580 and 315), followed by paternity analysis of 705 progeny, revealed contrasting results between populations. Honeyeater exclusion did not significantly impact pollen dispersal or plant mating at Mount Caroline. In contrast, at the Chiddarcooping site, the exclusion of honeyeaters led to lower outcrossing rates, a threefold reduction in the average number of sires per fruit, a decrease in intermediate‐distance mating and an increase in near‐neighbour mating. The results from Chiddarcooping suggest that bird pollination may increase paternal genetic diversity, potentially leading to higher fitness of progeny and favouring the evolution of this strategy. However, further experimentation involving additional trees and study sites is required to test this hypothesis. Alternatively, insects may be effective pollinators in some populations of bird‐adapted plants, but ineffective in others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acacia cyclops, or Ngaamarur, is a common coastal shrub or small tree of the southwest of Western Australia and South Australia used for restoration in these landscapes and elsewhere. Knowledge of genetic diversity and mating systems of restoration populations is often lacking but can help inform likely restoration success. We compared genetic diversity and mating system parameters at three restoration populations of A. cyclops to nearby remnant reference populations. Mean levels of genetic diversity in restoration populations (Na = 1.806, Ne = 1.560, He = 0.270, Ho = 0.359) were not significantly different from those in the reference populations (Na = 1.833, Ne = 1.574, He = 0.269, Ho = 0.352) suggesting diverse seed collections were made for restoration. Allelic genetic divergence among restoration and reference populations was low (DST ≤ 0.04) suggesting that seeds were of local provenance. Mating system parameters were similar among restoration (tm = 0.989, tm–ts = 0.010, rpm = 0.392) and reference populations (tm = 0.868, tm–ts = 0.039, rpm = 0.410), suggesting functionality of the mating system and restitution of generalist insect pollinator services in restored populations at 7, 10, and 12 years after planting. Lower levels of heterozygosity in progeny compared to adults suggest post‐germination or late‐acting selection against inbred seedlings. Evidence for selection and seedling attrition further emphasizes the benefits of collections from many individuals in well‐connected outcrossed source populations. Overall, results suggest available local genetic diversity was captured and restoration populations have mating systems equivalent to those of reference populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims In plants, the spatial and genetic distance between mates can influence reproductive success and offspring fitness. Negative fitness consequences associated with the extremes of inbreeding and outbreeding suggest that there will be an intermediate optimal outcrossing distance (OOD), the scale and drivers of which remain poorly understood. In the bird-pollinated Anigozanthos manglesii (Haemodoraceae) we tested (1) for the presence of within-population OOD, (2) over what scale it occurs, and (3) for OOD under biologically realistic scenarios of multi-donor deposition associated with pollination by nectar-feeding birds. Methods We measured the impact of mate distance (spatial and genetic) on seed set, fruit size, seed mass, seed viability and germination success following hand pollination from (1) single donors across 0 m (self), <1 m, 1–3 m, 7–15 m and 50 m, and (2) a mix of eight donors. Microsatellite loci were used to quantify spatial genetic structure and test for the presence of an OOD by paternity assignment after multi-donor deposition. Key results Inter-mate distance had a significant impact on single-donor reproductive success, with selfed and nearest-neighbour (<1 m) pollination resulting in only ~50 seeds per fruit, lower overall germination success and slower germination. Seed set was greatest for inter-mate distance of 1–3 m (148 seeds per fruit), thereafter plateauing at ~100 seeds per fruit. Lower seed set following nearest-neighbour mating was associated with significant spatial genetic autocorrelation at this scale. Paternal success following pollination with multiple sires showed a significantly negative association with increasing distance between mates. Conclusions Collectively, single- and multi-donor pollinations indicated evidence for a near-neighbour OOD within A. manglesii. A survey of the literature suggests that within-population OOD may be more characteristic of plants pollinated by birds than those pollinated by insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically fragmented and specialized habitats such as granite outcrops are understudied globally unique hot spots of plant evolution. In contrast to predictions based on mainstream population genetic theory, some granite outcrop plants appear to have persisted as very small populations despite prolonged geographic and genetic isolation. Eucalyptus caesia Benth. is a long‐lived lignotuberous tree endemic with a naturally fragmented distribution on granite outcrops in south‐western Australia. To quantify population to landscape‐level genetic structure, we employed microsatellite genotyping at 14 loci of all plants in 18 stands of E. caesia. Sampled stands were characterized by low levels of genetic diversity, small absolute population sizes, localized clonality and strong fine‐scale genetic subdivision. There was no significant relationship between population size and levels of heterozygosity. At the landscape scale, high levels of population genetic differentiation were most pronounced among representatives of the two subspecies in E. caesia as originally circumscribed. Past genetic interconnection was evident between some geographic neighbours separated by up to 20 km. Paradoxically, other pairs of neighbouring stands as little as 7 km apart were genetically distinct. There was no consistent pattern of isolation by distance across the 280 km range of E. caesia. Low levels of gene flow, together with strong drift within stands, provide some explanation of the patterns of genetic differentiation we observed. Individual genet longevity via the ability to repeatedly resprout and expand from a lignotuber may enhance the persistence of some woody perennial endemic plants despite small population size, minimal genetic interconnection and low heterozygosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining patterns of plant diversity on granite inselbergs is an important task for conservation biogeography due to mounting threats. However, beyond the tropics there are relatively few quantitative studies of floristic diversity, or consideration of these patterns and their environmental, biogeographic, and historical correlates for conservation. We sought to contribute broader understanding of global patterns of species diversity on granite inselbergs and inform biodiversity conservation in the globally significant Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR). We surveyed floristics from 16 inselbergs (478 plots) across the climate gradient of the SWAFR stratified into three major habitats on each outcrop. We recorded 1,060 species from 92 families. At the plot level, local soil and topographic variables affecting aridity were correlated with species richness in herbaceous (HO) and woody vegetation (WO) of soil‐filled depressions, but not in woody vegetation on deeper soils at the base of outcrops (WOB). At the outcrop level, bioclimatic variables affecting aridity were correlated with species richness in two habitats (WO and WOB) but, contrary to predictions from island biogeography, were not correlated with inselberg area and isolation in any of the three habitats. Species turnover in each of the three habitats was also influenced by aridity, being correlated with bioclimatic variables and with interplot geographic distance, and for HO and WO habitats with local site variables. At the outcrop level, species replacement was the dominant component of species turnover in each of the three habitats, consistent with expectations for long‐term stable landscapes. Our results therefore highlight high species diversity and turnover associated with granite outcrop flora. Hence, effective conservation strategies will need to focus on protecting multiple inselbergs across the entire climate gradient of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hickman, E.J. & Hopper, S.D. A revision of the tiurndins (Tribonanthes, Haemodoraceae). Nuytsia 30: 87-154 (2019). The tiurndins (Tribonanthes Endl.) comprise a small taxonomically challenging genus of geophytes endemic to the Southwest Australian Floristic Region. Six named and one undescribed species of Tribonanthes are recognised in recent literature. Tribonanthes poses the most difficult taxonomic problems remaining for the Haemodoraceae in Western Australia. It is a genus where herbarium studies alone are insufficient to delineate taxa. A knowledge of variation in wild living material has proved essential to resolve taxonomic difficulties in the tiurndins. This revision recognises and comprehensively illustrates living plants of the 12 recognised species, four of which are new (T. elongata E.J.Hickman & Hopper, T. keigheryi E.J.Hickman & Hopper, T. monantha E.J.Hickman & Hopper and T. porphyrea E.J.Hickman & Hopper). Tribonanthes variabilis Lindl. and T. uniflora Lindl. are reinstated. Morphological and molecular data also support the recognition of three new subgenera: subg. Tribonanthes, subg. Salina E.J.Hickman & Hopper and subg. Boya E.J.Hickman & Hopper. Botanical illustration, especially of internal floral morphology, has revealed several previously unrecorded characters that help diagnose the species of Tribonanthes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine claims that the role of botanical art in systematic botany is diminishing because of advances in photography, this review considers relevant literature and includes a quantitative analysis of trends in modern journals, monographs and floras. Our focus is on southern hemisphere systematic botany because, relative to the northern hemisphere, this is poorly represented in modern reviews of botanical art and photography. An analysis of all digitally available papers in Nuytsia, the Journal of the Adelaide Botanic Garden, Muelleria, Telopea, Austrobaileya and Systematic Botany established that, although photographic illustrations have increased since 2000, botanical illustrations have not always diminished. The cause of these trends is unknown, but it is likely to be due to several factors, including sourcing funding for production of botanical illustration, editorial preference for the use of illustrations or photographs, author preference for either illustrations or photographs, and moving to online publication, with no charges for colour reproduction. Moreover, the inclusion of botanical artists as co-authors in some scientific publications signals an ongoing and important role. Botanical illustration brings sharp focus and meticulous attention to detail regarding form and structure of plants. Photography is useful at the macro-scale for habitat and whole-plant traits, as well as at the micro-scale for anatomical textures and ultrastructure. These complementary approaches can be important components of taxonomic discovery, with the potential for a new role in modern trait analysis in molecular phylogenies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through a lens of Human Niche Construction theory, we examine Noongar (an indigenous people of south western Australia) relationships with southwestern Australian flora and suggest influences of these relationships on contemporary botanical patterns in this global biodiversity hotspot. By conducting a review of historical and contemporary literature and drawing upon the contemporary knowledge of Noongar Elders, we examine the merits of five key hypotheses of human niche construction theory in relation to this large cultural group. We find compelling evidence that supports Noongar niche construction, but caution that further research is required to test its likely ecological and evolutionary outcomes. We suggest that further collaborative, multi-disciplinary research that applies Noongar and Western science will lead to a greater understanding of the biological assets of southwestern Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After an 11-year period of exceptional specimen acquisition, we evaluated the robustness of the Western Australian Herbarium Specimen Database in elucidating patterns of diversity and phytogeographic maps of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR). Using rarefaction strategies to compensate for sample bias and a novel approach to multivariate classification and site ordination, we generated maps of floristic provinces and districts in the SWAFR. A 33% increase in specimen numbers and 10% additional taxa were recorded in the study area (SWAFR and 75 km inland buffer) over the 11 years, although historical biases in collecting patterns tended to persist. Although floristic district concepts were robust, regional and provincial concepts were more equivocal. We therefore opted for broad delineations rather than geographically precise ones. We propose a novel phytogeographic map, adding a new floristic province (Kalbarri), five new districts and other boundary adjustments for and in the SWAFR. The updated SWAFR has 8379 native vascular plant taxa (82% species and 18% subspecies), of which 47% are endemic and 49% have been described since 1970. Biodiversity indices generated from collections data should be used cautiously. In contrast, the new phytogeographic regionalization of the SWAFR is robust at the district level. Despite shortcomings, herbarium collections provide the best information available for broadscale analyses of plant diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemodorum basalticum R.L.Barrett, Hopper & T.Macfarlane, H. capitatum R.L.Barrett & Hopper, H. condensatum Hopper & R.L.Barrett, H. griseofuscum R.L.Barrett, M.D.Barrett & Hopper, H. interrex R.L.Barrett & M.D.Barrett, H. macfarlanei R.L.Barrett and H. thedae R.L.Barrett are described as new species. Haemodorum basalticum and H. macfarlanei are restricted to the Mitchell Plateau, H. capitatum is restricted to pindan sands in the Dampier Botanical District, H. condensatum is known from a small area in the remote Prince Regent National Park, H. griseofuscum is only known from a single location on Doongan Station in Western Australia, although possibly also occurs in the Northern Territory, H. interrex is restricted to the area around the headwaters of the Prince Regent River, and H. thedae is only known from Theda Station. A key is presented to all species known to occur in the Kimberley region, and H. subvirens F.Muell. and H. coccineum R.Br. are newly recorded for the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Although all five of the major mediterranean-climate ecosystems (MCEs) of the world are recognized as loci of high plant species diversity and endemism, they show considerable variation in regional-scale richness. Here, we assess the role of stable Pleistocene climate and Cenozoic topography in explaining variation in regional richness of the globe's MCEs. We hypothesize that older, more climatically stable MCEs would support more species, because they have had more time for species to accumulate than MCEs that were historically subject to greater topographic upheavals and fluctuating climates. Location South-western Africa (Cape), south-western Australia, California, central Chile and the eastern (Greece) and western (Spain) Mediterranean Basin. Methods We estimated plant diversity for each MCE as the intercepts of species-area curves that are homogeneous in slope across all regions. We used two down-scaled global circulation models of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to quantify climate stability by comparing the change in the location of MCEs between the LGM and present. We quantified the Cenozoic topographic stability of each MCE by comparing contemporary topographic profiles with those present in the late Oligocene and the early Pliocene. Results The most diverse MCEs - Cape and Australia - had the highest Cenozoic environmental stability, and the least diverse - Chile and California - had the lowest stability. Main conclusions Variation in plant diversity in MCEs is likely to be a consequence not of differences in diversification rates, but rather the persistence of numerous pre-Pliocene clades in the more stable MCEs. The extraordinary plant diversity of the Cape is a consequence of the combined effects of both mature and recent radiations, the latter associated with increased habitat heterogeneity produced by mild tectonic uplift in the Neogene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Granite outcrops may be able to act as refugia for species during adverse climate change, owing to their topographic complexity. We assessed this hypothesis by examining phylogeographical patterns in a common, geographically widespread granite endemic, Stypandra glauca (Hemerocallidaceae). Location Granite outcrops of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region, Western Australia. Methods Twenty-four tetraploid individuals of the granite endemic Stypandra glauca were sampled from each of 12 granite outcrops: 7 from a mesic environment and 5 from the semi-arid region. Phylogenetic reconstruction and divergence-dating was achieved using Bayesian and parsimony analyses of chloroplast haplotypes from 90 individuals. Nuclear diversity and population differentiation were analysed across all individuals using 10 microsatellite loci. Results Stypandra glauca exhibited high (chloroplast) or moderate (nuclear) levels of divergence among, and low diversity within, outcrops. Haplotype diversity was high in both sampling regions, and each haplotype was unique to one outcrop. There was little correlation between geographical and genetic distance. Both nuclear and chloroplast diversity were higher in southern (mesic) outcrops than in northern (semi-arid) outcrops, although the level of chloroplast divergence among outcrops was similar for both climatic regions. Main conclusions The levels of divergence and low diversity revealed in S. glauca support a scenario of prolonged isolation and persistence on granite outcrops in both mesic and semi-arid climatic regions, with no evidence of contraction-expansion dynamics across the outcrop network. The higher levels of diversity in the southern populations may result from the maintenance of a larger effective population size in southern regions, which retained more mesic climates during drier glacial periods. Although the climatic conditions differ between outcrops in this study, our results indicate that outcrops in both regions have harboured S. glauca throughout climatic changes, accentuating the value of these habitats to biodiversity conservation under future changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of refugia is an increasingly important adaptation strategy in conservation planning under rapid anthropogenic climate change. Granite outcrops (GOs) provide extraordinary diversity, including a wide range of taxa, vegetation types and habitats in the Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR). However, poor characterization of GOs limits the capacity of conservation planning for refugia under climate change. A novel means for the rapid identification of potential refugia is presented, based on the assessment of local-scale environment and vegetation structure in a wider region. This approach was tested on GOs across the SWAFR. Airborne discrete return Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) data and Red Green and Blue (RGB) imagery were acquired. Vertical vegetation profiles were used to derive 54 structural classes. Structural vegetation types were described in three areas for supervised classification of a further 13 GOs across the region. Habitat descriptions based on 494 vegetation plots on and around these GOs were used to quantify relationships between environmental variables, ground cover and canopy height. The vegetation surrounding GOs is strongly related to structural vegetation types (Kappa = 0.8) and to its spatial context. Water gaining sites around GOs are characterized by taller and denser vegetation in all areas. The strong relationship between rainfall, soil-depth, and vegetation structure (R2 of 0.8–0.9) allowed comparisons of vegetation structure between current and future climate. Significant shifts in vegetation structural types were predicted and mapped for future climates. Water gaining areas below granite outcrops were identified as important putative refugia. A reduction in rainfall may be offset by the occurrence of deeper soil elsewhere on the outcrop. However, climate change interactions with fire and water table declines may render our conclusions conservative. The LiDAR-based mapping approach presented enables the integration of site-based biotic assessment with structural vegetation types for the rapid delineation and prioritization of key refugia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a special focus on Australia, this paper proposes that plant diversity is fundamentally important for sustainable living at a time of unprecedented global change. The establishment of Australia as a nation is intimately linked with Botany Bay, named by Captain James Cook following the enthusiasm for novel botanical discoveries made by Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander on the Endeavour's first Australian landfall in 1770. On returning to England, Banks was introduced to King George III, and they became firm friends, the King inviting Banks to become honorary Director of the Royal Gardens at Kew in west London. Today, Kew is the world's largest botanical garden, with the most diverse scientific collections of plants on Earth, leading research, and conservation projects like the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership. Plant diversity has never been more important than now to help with solutions towards sustainable livelihoods. This paper touches upon global plant diversity patterns, ongoing scientific discovery, and strategies that have helped and will help towards humans living with and sustainably using plant diversity. Such approaches are embraced in the Breathing Planet Programme, Kew's strategy with partners for inspiring and delivering science-based plant conservation worldwide, aimed at enhancing the quality of life at a time of unprecedented global change. Today's plant science and cross-cultural learning with Australia's Aboriginal people are also helping better understand the astounding place that Banks first stepped onto at Botany Bay, and demonstrating that Australia has much to teach the world about plant diversity and human enrichment on ancient landscapes. OCBIL Theory is explored briefly to exemplify this contention; OCBIL is an acronym for 'old, climatically buffered, infertile landscapes'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Worldwide, many plant species are confined to open, shallow-soil, rocky habitats. Although several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this habitat specificity, none has been convincing. We suggest that the high level of endemism on shallow soils is related to the edaphic specialization needed to survive in these often extremely drought-prone habitats. Previous research has shown that species endemic to ironstone communities in SW Australia have a specialized root morphology that enhances their chance to access fissures in the underlying rock. Here we test the generality of these findings for species that are confined to a shallow-soil habitat that is of much greater global significance: granite outcrops. Methods We compared temporal and spatial root growth and allocation of three endemic woody perennials of SW Australian granite outcrop communities with those of congeners occurring on nearby deeper soils. Seedlings of all species were grown in 1·2 m long custom-made containers with a transparent bottom that allowed monitoring of root growth over time. Key Results The granite outcrop endemics mostly differed in a predictable way from their congeners from deeper soils. They generally invested a larger portion of their biomass in roots, distributed their roots faster and more evenly over the container and had a lower specific root length. In different species pairs the outcrop endemics achieved their apparent advantage by a different combination of the aforementioned traits. Conclusions Our results are consistent with earlier work, indicating that species restricted to different types of drought-prone shallow-soil communities have undergone similar selection pressures. Although adaptive in their own habitat in terms of obtaining access to fissures in the underlying rock, these root system traits are likely to be maladaptive in deeper soil habitats. Therefore, our results may provide an explanation for the narrow endemism of many shallow-soil endemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Carboxylate-releasing cluster roots of Proteaceae play a key role in acquiring phosphorus (P) from ancient nutrient-impoverished soils in Australia. However, cluster roots are also found in Proteaceae on young, P-rich soils in Chile where they allow P acquisition from soils that strongly sorb P. Scope Unlike Proteaceae in Australia that tend to proficiently remobilize P from senescent leaves, Chilean Proteaceae produce leaf litter rich in P. Consequently, they may act as ecosystem engineers, providing P for plants without specialized roots to access sorbed P. We propose a similar ecosystem-engineering role for species that release large amounts of carboxylates in other relatively young, strongly P-sorbing substrates, e.g. young acidic volcanic deposits and calcareous dunes. Many of these species also fix atmospheric nitrogen and release nutrient-rich litter, but their role as ecosystem engineers is commonly ascribed only to their diazotrophic nature. Conclusions We propose that the P-mobilizing capacity of Proteaceae on young soils, which contain an abundance of P, but where P is poorly available, in combination with inefficient nutrient remobilization from senescing leaves allows these species to function as ecosystem engineers. We suggest that diazotrophic species that colonize young soils with strong P-sorption potential should be considered for their positive effect on P availability, as well as their widely accepted role in nitrogen fixation. Their P-mobilizing activity possibly also enhances their nitrogen-fixing capacity. These diazotrophic species may therefore facilitate the establishment and growth of species with less-efficient P-uptake strategies on more-developed soils with low P availability through similar mechanisms. We argue that the significance of cluster roots and high carboxylate exudation in the development of young ecosystems is probably far more important than has been envisaged thus far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aim Identifying and protecting refugia is a priority for conservation under projected anthropogenic climate change, because of their demonstrated ability to facilitate the survival of biota under adverse conditions. Refugia are habitats that components of biodiversity retreat to, persist in and can potentially expand from under changing environmental conditions. However, the study and discussion of refugia has often been ad hoc and descriptive in nature. We therefore: (1) provide a habitat-based concept of refugia, and (2) evaluate methods for the identification of refugia. Location Global. Methods We present a simple conceptual framework for refugia and examine the factors that describe them. We then demonstrate how different disciplines are contributing to our understanding of refugia, and the tools that they provide for identifying and quantifying refugia. Results Current understanding of refugia is largely based on Quaternary phylogeographic studies on organisms in North America and Europe during significant temperature fluctuations. This has resulted in gaps in our understanding of refugia, particularly when attempting to apply current theory to forecast anthropogenic climate change. Refugia are environmental habitats with space and time dimensions that operate on evolutionary time-scales and have facilitated the survival of biota under changing environmental conditions for millennia. Therefore, they offer the best chances for survival under climate change for many taxa, making their identification important for conservation under anthropogenic climate change. Several methods from various disciplines provide viable options for achieving this goal. Main conclusions The framework developed for refugia allows the identification and description of refugia in any environment. Various methods provide important contributions but each is limited in scope; urging a more integrated approach to identify, define and conserve refugia. Such an approach will facilitate better understanding of refugia and their capacity to act as safe havens under projected anthropogenic climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While rarely tested, the rarity of a species may be linked to the rarity of symbiotic partners. The requirement of many terrestrial plants to form a symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi may limit the distribution and abundance of plant species. Here, in just the second test of the role of mycorrhiza in host species rarity, we investigate the influence of mycorrhizal specificity, distribution and ecological requirements in the genus Drakaea (Orchidaceae). In situ seed baiting was used to resolve the distribution of mycorrhizal fungi for three common and two co-occurring rare species of Drakaea. Mycorrhizal fungi were isolated from wild adult orchids and protocorms and the ITS nrDNA regions sequenced. An in vitro study tested the range of Drakaea species of which each fungus can support germination. All Drakaea species studied used a narrow monophyletic clade of Tulasnella endophyte for protocorm, seedling and adult plant stages. In situ seed baiting revealed that germination of Drakaea is largely restricted to the same microhabitat as that of the orchid. However, within this habitat Drakaea exhibit comparable germination to other Western Australian orchid genera. Rare and common Drakaea exhibited no difference in germination rates and both germinated in suitable habitat not currently occupied. Synthesis. In contrast to the previous study of the role of mycorrhiza in plant rarity, there was no evidence that mycorrhizal specificity contributed to rarity in Drakaea. However, the formation of mycorrhiza being mostly restricted to a specific microhabitat may limit the abundance of Drakaea in some landscapes. In Drakaea, the highly specific pollination system of sexual deception may contribute to rarity. A trend towards high specificity in orchid mycorrhizal associations in southern Australia is hypothesized to result from the predominance of old landscapes affording the opportunity for specialization on a single or few mycorrhiza(s) best adapted to the landscape conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The causes of orchid diversification and intrinsic rarity are poorly resolved. The Orchidaceae of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region use a diversity of pollination strategies and sites of mycorrhizal infection, and occupy a diversity of habitats. We combined a biogeographic analysis with analysis of factors associated with rarity to establish: (1) the landscape features correlated with taxon turnover and speciation, and (2) the possible role in taxon rarity of geographic region, pollination strategy, edaphic habitat and site of mycorrhizal infection. Southwest Australian Floristic Region. The distributions of 407 orchid taxa (species and subspecies) were mapped at the quarter-degree scale using 13,267 collections in the Western Australian Herbarium. This database was used to map taxon richness, for a biogeographic analysis and to quantify rarity of taxa. Using herbarium records, rarity was expressed as mean abundance, mean distribution and incidence of rarity based on abundance and distribution for each genus. We tested for differences in rarity of species between pollination strategies, edaphic habitats and sites of mycorrhizal infection. Taxon richness was highest in the High Rainfall Province. Biogeographic provincial boundaries for orchids were aligned with rainfall, while district boundaries tended to follow geological formations. When rarity was defined as either low abundance or small distribution, the greatest number of rare taxa occurred in areas of high taxon richness and naturally fragmented edaphic environments. For both abundance and distributional extent, sexual deception had a significantly higher incidence of rarity than food-rewarding taxa. There was no significant difference in rarity with site of mycorrhizal infection. While large-scale edaphic and climatic variation are correlated with orchid taxon turnover and speciation in a similar fashion to the flora in general, the processes responsible for patterns of diversity may differ. Fragmented edaphic environments appear to be associated with a higher incidence of rare species due to limited dispersal/colonization opportunities or radiations of taxa in allopatry. The high incidence of rarity in sexually deceptive taxa could be due to either low fruit set or the risk of specializing on a single pollinator species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ncient landscapes, which have not been glaciated in recent times or disturbed by other major catastrophic events such as volcanic eruptions, are dominated by nutrient-impoverished soils. If these parts of the world have had a relatively stable climate, due to buffering by oceans, their floras tend to be very biodiverse. This review compares the functional ecophysiological plant traits that dominate in old, climatically buffered, infertile landscapes (OCBILS) with those commonly found in young, frequently disturbed, fertile landscapes (YODFELs). We show that, within the OCBILs of Western Australia, non-mycorrhizal species with specialised root clusters predominantly occur on the most phosphate-impoverished soils, where they co-occur with mycorrhizal species without such specialised root clusters. In global comparisons, we show that plants in OCBILs, especially in Western Australia, are characterised by very low leaf phosphorus (P) concentrations, very high N:P ratios, and very high LMA values (LMA = leaf mass per unit leaf area). In addition, we show that species in OCBILs are far more likely to show P-toxicity symptoms when exposed to slightly elevated soil P levels when compared with plants in YODFELs. In addition, some species in OCBILs exhibit a remarkable P-resorption proficiency, with some plants in Western Australia achieving leaf P concentrations in recently shed leaves that are lower than ever reported before. We discuss how this knowledge on functional traits can guide us towards sustainable management of ancient landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Recent phylogenetic analysis has placed the aquatic family Hydatellaceae as an early-divergent angiosperm. Understanding seed dormancy, germination and desiccation tolerance of Hydatellaceae will facilitate ex situ conservation and advance hypotheses regarding angiosperm evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Summary. Nuytsia floribunda (Labill.) R.Br. ex G.Don, a monotypic arborescent root hemiparasite endemic to the Southwest Australian Floristic Region, sister to all other showy mistletoes, is described and illustrated. A review is provided of its mythological and practical use by Noongar Aborigines, its discovery and early documentation by Europeans, and its phylogeny, biology, ecology and systematics. Experiences with its cultivation and propagation before and after it was discovered to be parasitic are discussed. Nuytsia provides a useful case study for testing many hypotheses developed in OCBIL theory, which aims to explain the evolution and ecology of, and best conservation practices for, biota on very old, climatically buffered, infertile landscapes (i.e. OCBILs), found especially in regions such as the Southwest Australian Floristic Region, the Greater Cape of South Africa and the Pantepui of Venezuela. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]