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Summary One of the foremost technical issues addressed in reintroduction and restoration projects is the feasibility of establishing living plants. To advance the recovery process, the germination requirements of 201 threatened Western Australian seed-bearing taxa representing a range of life forms, families and ecophysiological characteristics were studied. Procedures used to stimulate germination in otherwise dormant seed involved pretreatment using thermal shock, scarification, seed coat removal, soaking in an aqueous smoke solution and/or additions of the growth hormone gibberellic acid (GA3 ). Sixty-one taxa germinated under the basic trial conditions of light (12- h photoperiod), temperature (constant 15°C) and moisture, without additional pretreatments. These taxa were generally those with canopy-stored seeds in the families Proteaceae and Casuarinaceae, and small-seeded taxa in Myrtaceae. Taxa with soil-stored seeds required single or multiple cues to stimulate germination. Seeds in the families Fabaceae and Mimosaceae were dependent on cracking of the seed coat, mechanically through nicking of the testa or through thermal shock, as were several non-leguminous species of the Sterculiaceae and Liliaceae. Complete or partial removal of seed coats, in conjunction with GA3 enhanced germination percentage in some taxa of the Myoporaceae, Lamiaceae and Myrtaceae. Application of GA3 also enhanced germination percentage in members of the Epacridaceae. Several taxa previously stimulated by aqueous smoke solutions were equally responsive to additions of GA3 after complete seed coat removal. In general, species with seed weights greater than 10 mg germinated better under a range of conditions than those with lighter seeds. There was no difference in germinability between resprouter and seeder species, and no obvious relationship between seed weight and germination rate. In the light of previous studies these results... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The velvet-leaf hibiscus, Hibiscus krichauffianus F.Muell. (Malvaceae subfamily Malvoideae), is predominantly associated with sand dunes in the Australian arid zone but the name is presently also applied to plants occurring in different habitats on the southern edge of the range, and in disjunct locations in Western Australia and eastern Queensland. We investigated the morphological and environmental variation within H. krichauffianus throughout the geographic range. As a result, we have identified two new species, H. verecundus McLay & Albr. and H. calcareus McLay & Albr.; coined a phrase name, H. sp. Belele (D.W.Goodall 3417) for a putative new taxon; and recircumscribed H. krichauffianus. We also assessed material collected when the protologue of H. krichauffianus was published in the late 1850s and selected a lectotype from the original material identified. The velvet-leaf hibiscus, Hibiscus krichauffianus. Our investigation of the Australian arid zone specialist Hibiscus krichauffianus resulted in the discovery of two new species, H. verecundus and H. calcareus , both of which are described here. We also recircumscribe and lectotypify H. krichauffianus, and raise a phrase name entity. Distribution maps, figures, a table of morphological differences and a key are provided to identify these species. (Image credit: Dave Albrecht.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: In a cross‐continental research initiative, including researchers working in Australia and Denmark, and based on joint external funding by a 3‐year grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, we have used DNA sequencing, extensive chemical profiling and molecular networking analyses across the entire Eremophila genus to provide new knowledge on the presence of natural products and their bioactivities using polypharmocological screens. Sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids and dimers of branched‐chain fatty acids with previously unknown chemical structures were identified. The collection of plant material from the Eremophila genus was carried out according to a 'bioprospecting agreement' with the Government of Western Australia. We recognize that several Eremophila species hold immense cultural significance to Australia's First Peoples. In spite of our best intentions to ensure that new knowledge gained about the genus Eremophila and any potential future benefits are shared in an equitable manner, in accordance with the Nagoya Protocol, we encounter serious dilemmas and potential conflicts in making benefit sharing with Australia's First Peoples a reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small but historically important collection of dried plants made over 300 years ago from Western Australia, then known as New Holland, was bequeathed to the University of Oxford in 1728. The collection, the first authenticated and documented record of the Australian flora comprises 26 extant specimens from the continent, many of them associated with published drawings and descriptions. These plants were collected in 1699 by the Englishman William Dampier (1651-1715), one-time pirate turned privateer, navigator and naturalist. Dampier had first visited New Holland in 1688 but did not collect plants on that occasion. However, he did make meticulous observations of the land, sea, winds, peoples, animals, plants, birds, fish, and other 'natural' things recording them in his journal. He was a keen observer and was able to write narratives well. Privateering allowed him to travel the world to 'indulge his curiosity'.1 Dampier's published writings are said to have inspired the most popular works of authors such as Daniel Defoe (Robinson Crusoe, 1719), Jonathan Swift (Gulliver's Travels, 1726) and Samuel Taylor Coleridge (The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, 1798).2 Dampier's accounts also influenced the travels of naturalists such as Mark Catesby (1683-1749), Joseph Banks (1743-1820), Robert Brown (1773-1858) and Charles Darwin (1809-1882). These eminent individuals took copies of Dampier's books on their expeditions. However, the endeavours of Dampier as a pioneering European botanical collector in the Southern Hemisphere are hardly known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new species of the lace bug genus Lasiacantha are described herein, L. adamah n. sp., L. caneriverensis n. sp., L. meedo n. sp., L. ningaloo n. sp. and L. spinosa n. sp., bringing the current number of Australian Lasiacantha species to 24. All new species of Lasiacantha are from the Carnarvon and Pilbara bioregions of Western Australia, where previously only one species was known. Further, half the Australian Lasiacantha species now known are from Western Australia. One of the new species, L. spinosa, has also been found in inland southern Queensland. This work also contains new collection and host plant records for L. pilbara Cassis and Symonds, corrections to the larval morphology of L. aureolus Cassis and Symonds and L. luritja Cassis and Symonds, a revised key to all representatives of Australian Lasiacantha, and a discussion of Lasiacantha host associations. Also provided are photos and mapped distributions of the new species and some habitat and host plant photos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses an update of vascular plants at the Western Australian Herbarium's census database in Perth, Western Australia. It says that 74 plant taxa were registered, in which 11 were added and 10 were naturalised in the Threatened and Priority Flora List for the State. It lists several species of vascular plants included in the update, including Cosmos bipinnatus Cav., Eremophila fallax Chinnock, and Aristida personata Henrard.

A survey was undertaken on the flora and plant communities associated with the northern Yerilgee Hills, located some 110 km west of Menzies and in the Yilgarn region of Western Australia. The hills are the formed by the exposure of the northern Yerilgee greenstone belt, and consist of seams of banded iron formation and mafic volcanics. A total of 183 taxa (182 native) were recorded from 51 quadrats and opportunistic collections. Four taxa were of conservation significance, two of these being new records for the survey area. At least three potentially new taxa, two regional endemics and one near-endemic taxon were also located. No range-restricted endemic taxa were reported. Six floristic community types were derived from numerical classification analysis of a presence/absence dataset of perennial species. Nonparametric ANOVA found significant differences between community types in site physical and soil chemical parameters. Ordination (nonmetric multidimensional scaling) analyses indicated generally highly significant (p ≤ 0.001) correlations between floristic composition and topographic position, substrate and edaphic factors. These outcropping landforms are currently unreserved and occur on unallocated crown land and mining tenements cover the entire area. Exploration activities are the most immediate threat to the Yerilgee communities, while mining is a future potential threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Johnston Range is located in the Mt Manning Region of the Eastern Goldfields, in Western Australia. These ridges and hills of outcropping banded iron formation and mafic bedrock are associated with the Marda--Diemals greenstone belt. Fifty permanent quadrats were established on the range and adjacent ridges during the course of a vegetation and flora survey. A total of 179 taxa (176 native) were identified, including five taxa of conservation significance that were new records for the survey area. Four range extensions (>100 km) and three regional endemic taxa were reported. Notable taxa included a Western Australian variant of Sida petrophila s.l., a regional endemic (Banksia arborea) and a new population of the declared rare and locally endemic taxon, Ricinocarpus brevis. Six floristic community types were described from classification analysis of a presence/absence matrix of floristic data. The communities were associated with geological substrate and a topo-edaphic gradient. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination found significant correlations between soil chemical and site variables and site floristic composition, and non-parametric ANOVA found significant differences in soil chemistry and site physical attributes among community types. The entire survey area around the Johnston Range is currently tenured as pastoral lease, and the greenstone and banded iron formations are under tenement for mining and exploration. The survey area lies outside of any proposed conservation reserves and secure conservation estate. Proposed developments must take consideration of the rare and endemic taxa and communities into the planning process to reduce impacts on conservation values of the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Montague Range of the Gum Creek Greenstone Belt is located in the central portion of the Yilgarn Craton, c. 70 km north of the township of Sandstone. Fifty permanent vegetation quadrats were established, within which all vascular flora and a series of environmental attributes were recorded. A total of 91 taxa were recorded, representing 28 families and 43 genera. Five taxa of conservation significance were identified, including Acacia burrowsiana (P1), Stenanthemum mediale (P1), Calytrix praecipua (P3), Sauropus ramosissimus (P3), and Baeckea sp. Melita Station (H Pringle 2738; P3). A single putative variant of the Acacia aneura complex was identified; further material of A. aneura aff. argentea is required for confirmation. Three taxa (A. aneura aff. argentea, A. aneura var. conifera, A. cockertoniana) represented significant range extensions. No weeds or regional endemics were collected during the survey. Six floristic communities were identified from the survey, which were related to topographical position, geology and edaphic factors. The Montague Range represents an important repository of significant taxa and floristic communities associated with banded ironstone formations. Any future exploration or development should ensure that the important conservation values and condition of the range are retained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lake Mason Zone of the Gum Creek Greenstone Belt is located in the central portion of the Yilgarn Craton, c. 40 km north of the township of Sandstone. Fifty permanent vegetation quadrats were established, with all vascular flora and a series of environmental attributes recorded. A total of 111 taxa were recorded, representing 28 families and 47 genera. Seven taxa of conservation significance were identified, including Acacia burrowsiana (P1), Stenanthemum mediale (P1), Calytrix erosipetala (P3), Sauropus ramosissimus (P3) Baeckea sp. London Bridge (ME Trudgen 5393; P3), Baeckea sp. Melita Station (H Pringle 2738; P3) and Grevillea inconspicua (P4). No new taxa or weed species were identified, but the collection of Acacia cf. coolgardiensis and Sauropus ramosissimus represented significant range extensions. Six floristic communities were identified from the survey, which had alliance to topographical position, local geology and edaphic factors. The Lake Mason Zone represents an important repository of significant taxa and floristic communities associated with banded ironstone formations. Any future exploration or development should ensure that the important conservation values and condition of the range are retained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lee Steere Range is located on the northern edge of the Yilgarn Craton, adjacent to the Capricorn Orogeny, c. 200 km north-east of the township of Wiluna. Fifty permanent vegetation quadrats were established, with all vascular flora and a series of environmental attributes recorded. A total of 100 taxa were recorded, representing 27 families and 40 genera. A single taxon of conservation significance was identified, which also represented a c. 200 km range extension for this taxon. Two putative taxa were collected; further material is required for confirmation. Five floristic communities were identified from the survey; these communities were strongly associated with topographical position, local geology and edaphic factors. The Lee Steere Range is a relatively intact banded ironstone formation with little evidence of disturbance. Any future exploration or development should ensure that the important conservation values and condition of the range are retained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quadrat-based survey was undertaken on the flora and plant communities associated with the Herbert Lukin Ridge, which is a series of low hills of banded iron formation within the Joyners Find greenstone belt, in the Murchison region of Western Australia. The Herbert Lukin Ridge are is located on a pastoral lease, and mining and exploration tenements covering the entire extent. A total of 191 taxa (species, subspecies, varieties and forms) and 10 hybrids were recorded. Nine taxa of conservation significance were found, seven of these were new records for the area and three of these were notable (> 100 km) range extensions. Significant range extensions (> 200 km) are reported for four taxa not listed as being of conservation significance. One regional endemic was identified for the study area, and one putative new taxon was found. Two species are recommended for an upgrading of their conservation status. Six community types were resolved from classification analysis of floristic composition from 50 sites, covering much of the extent of this greenstone belt. Floristic communities are strongly associated with geomorphology and soil chemistry, with the greatest distinction being between upland and outwash communities. None of the described communities are represented on conservation estate. At present, mineral exploration and mining appear to pose the greatest potential threats to these particular communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of the flora and plant communities of Jack Hills, 140 km WNW of Meekatharra, found 208 taxa, with 205 native and 3 weeds. Two priority taxon was found and two new species identified. Fifty quadrats were established to cover the major geographical, geomorphologic and floristic variation across the hills. Data from these quadrats were used to define six community types. Differences in communities were strongly correlated with altitude and soil fertility. Several communities had restricted distributions. None of the plant communities found on the Jack Hills is reserved in conservation estate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey of the flora and floristic communities of the Weld Range, in the Murchison region of Western Australia, was undertaken using classification and ordination analysis of quadrat data. A total of 239 taxa (species, subspecies and varieties) and five hybrids of vascular plants were collected and identified from within the survey area. Of these, 229 taxa were native and 10 species were introduced. Eight priority species were located in this survey, six of these being new records for the Weld Range. Although no species endemic to the Weld Range were located in this survey, new populations of three priority listed taxa were identified which represent significant range extensions for these taxa of conservation significance. Eight floristic community types (six types, two of these subdivided into two subtypes each) were identified and described for the Weld Range, with the primary division in the classification separating a dolerite-associated floristic community from those on banded iron formation. Floristic communities occurring on BIF were found to be associated with topographic relief, underlying geology and soil chemistry. There did not appear to be any restricted communities within the landform, but some communities may be geographically restricted to the Weld Range. Because these communities on the Weld Range are so closely associated with topography and substrate, they are vulnerable to impact from mineral exploration and open cast mining. At present, no areas of the Weld Range are within conservation estate. It is recommended that the distribution of these communities is further surveyed to ensure informed management, given the extent of proposed activities on the Weld Range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on the history and related literature of the botanical investigation of extra-tropical in western Australia. The early exploration of plant life in the country was made by British Captain Dampier. The explorer has collected some 40 species of plant from the tropical regions of Western Australia. The second collection of plants from the country was made by British Archibald Menzies, who was the naturalist on Vancouver's expedition. Information is given on some French naturalists who have made some plant discoveries in the region, which include Jacques Julien Houtou de Labillardière and Jean Bapsiste Leschenault.

The article presents information on the vegetation and climate of the Eremaean Province in Western Australia. The vegetation and climate of the Southwest Province is a region of graduated change, while the essential characteristic of Eremaea is almost imperturbable homogeneity and monotony. The West Australian Eremaea is divided into two different portions. The southern area owes its existence to the last traces of the winter rains. Eucalyptus woodlands alternate with arid shrub heaths depending on whether the subsoil is composed mainly of clay or sand. Species of eucalyptus ranging from very low trees to ones of imposing stature occur in the form of light woodland.

The article discusses some comparative studies on photosynthesis, respiration and water relations of 10 arid zone and two semi-arid zone plants under winter and late summer climatic conditions. Data on carbon dioxide exchange and water relations were obtained for eight arid and two semi-arid zone native plant species of Western Australia. In late summer, all species showed a positive carbon dioxide balance which indicates that there is sufficient soil water in deeper soil layers. All the species tested possess a high heat resistance and are well suited to their natural environment.