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Societal Impact Statement: Conservation seed banks maintain collections of many seed‐bearing plant species, providing germplasm and data to support management of wild populations. However, a proportion of plant species produce seeds that are difficult to collect, dry, store and utilise; these are known as 'exceptional' species. Here we tested a framework for identifying exceptional species, to document examples and provide case studies within the Australian flora. We present a workflow that may be used to identify additional exceptional species, and direct efforts to establish appropriate collection types (seeds and/or living collections, tissue culture or cryopreservation) for their ex situ conservation. Summary: Seed banking is well established to contribute to the conservation of many seed‐bearing plant species ex situ for future use in restoration, translocation, agriculture and horticulture. In Australia, over 67% of currently listed threatened plants are represented in conservation seed banks. However, there are challenges to conserving the full extent of plant diversity in seed banks, with growing recognition that we need to think beyond conventional seed banking methods to conserve 'exceptional' plant species that are difficult to collect, store and germinate. We examine how the framework for identification of such species can be applied to the Australian flora, using examples from the recently published guidelines for 'Plant Germplasm Conservation in Australia' and case studies and data arising from the Australian Academy of Science Fenner Conference on the Environment 'Exceptional Times, Exceptional Plants'. We present a workflow to assist conservation decision‐makers and practitioners in identifying exceptional species and overcoming barriers to storage of germplasm, enabling appropriate ex situ collection types to be established via seeds, living collections, tissue culture, cryopreservation or a combination of these. Australia's seed conservation sector continues to expand, with increasing expertise, facilities and networks established to conserve a diversity of plant species; however, resolving the challenges relating to each exceptionality factor requires significantly more time, labour and collaboration than current capacity allows. Understanding the barriers to conservation and production of healthy plants, via germination or other methods of propagation, is a critical component of conserving species long‐term and ultimately returning plants to the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomy of three informally-named, conservation-listed subspecies of Lambertia orbifolia C.A.Gardner was assessed using genotypic data generated from microsatellites in concert with morphological information. They were found to warrant formal taxonomic recognition and individualised conservation management. Lambertia orbifolia subsp. vespera A.D.Webb, L.Monks & Wege, an Endangered taxon from the Scott River Plains, and L. orbifolia subsp. pecuniosa A.D. Webb, L.Monks & Wege, a recently discovered and apparently rare taxon from south-west of Bowelling, are newly described and comparative data are provided for L. orbifolia subsp. orbifolia, a Critically Endangered taxon found near Narrikup. A revised description of L. orbifolia is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The successful recovery of critically endangered flora will rely increasingly on its translocation to secure sites where the amelioration of threats has been successful or where current threats such as weeds are absent. Translocations are both costly and time consuming and in many cases involve very small numbers of plants from critically endangered populations. Consequently it is important that effective, efficient methodologies are developed for the process and for monitoring success. Equally critical, as part of the same monitoring program, is the need to develop protocols for determining and predicting translocation success. Of the 28 Acacia species listed as threatened (Declared Rare Flora) 12 are critically endangered and all occur in agricultural areas where there has been extensive land clearing and habitat degradation. The Department of Conservation and Land Management has carried out 15 experimental translocations of critically endangered taxa as part of approved Interim Recovery Plans, including Acacia aprica and Acacia cochlocarpa subsp. cochlocarpa. Preliminary data are presented on the current status and success of experimental translocations of these two taxa of Acacia. Artificial watering and mulch had little effect on enhancing survival or growth of either taxon. Protection from grazing appears to be essential in ensuring translocation success. Continued monitoring is required to evaluate translocation success satisfactorily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR) is a global biodiversity hotspot with high plant diversity and endemism and a broad range of threatening processes. An outcome of this is a high proportion of rare and threatened plant species. Ongoing discovery and taxonomic description of new species, many of which are rare, increases the challenges for recovery of threatened species and prioritisation of conservation actions. Current conservation of this diverse flora is based on integrated and scientific evidence-based management. Here we present an overview of current approaches to the conservation of threatened flora in the SWAFR with a focus on active management through recovery and restoration that is integrated with targeted research. Key threats include disease, fragmentation, invasive weeds, altered fire regimes, grazing, altered hydro-ecology and climate change. We highlight the integrated approach to management of threats and recovery of species with four case studies of threatened flora recovery projects that illustrate the breadth of interventions ranging from In situ management to conservation reintroductions and restoration of threatened species habitats. Our review and case studies emphasise that despite the scale of the challenge, a scientific understanding of threats and their impacts enables effective conservation actions to arrest decline and enhance recovery of threatened species and habitats.