A new system for determining which plant species are indigenous in Australia

2007 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony R. Bean
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Dispersal Ability ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Indigenous Plants ◽  
Indigenous Status ◽  
Plant Introductions ◽  
European Settlement ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Indigenous Plant

An examination of Floras and related literature from various countries of the world has revealed a wide range of interpretations and concepts for indigenous plants. Nevertheless, an indigenous plant species has been universally defined as one that was not deliberately or accidentally introduced by man. An important recent addendum to the ‘indigenous’ definition is that it must disperse from an area where it is considered native. Particularly problematic are the so-called ‘pantropical’ or ‘cosmopolitan’ plants. These species are usually invasive and abundant, but most could not have crossed major barriers without the assistance of humans, and hence should be regarded as non-native species throughout much of their range. The accurate assessment of the alien or indigenous status of these and other taxa has been hampered by a lack of knowledge about their geographic origins and dispersal ability. Australian botanists have frequently adhered to a concept of indigenous plants being any that were thought to be present before European settlement in their region of interest – 1788 for the Sydney area, and as late as the 1850s for northern Australia. This definition is unrealistic and unworkable, especially when considering the ‘pantropical’ species. The transport of plants by maritime traders and explorers into the Indonesian and west Pacific areas has occurred for at least the past 3000 years. European colonisation in those areas from the 16th century accelerated plant introductions. Some of those plant species undoubtedly made their way to Australia before European settlement. This paper presents explicit definitions for indigenous (native) or alien (exotic, introduced, non-indigenous) plant species in Australia. A system of assessment using a combination of ecological, phytogeographical and historical criteria (the EPH system) allows the determination of ‘origin status’ for individual species. As a case study, data are presented for 40 plant species of disputed origin status. These species are assessed against the criteria, and a recommended origin status given for Australian occurrences.

Floristic composition of gold and uranium tailings dams, and adja­cent polluted areas, on South Africa’s deep-level mines

Bothalia ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. M. Weiersbye ◽  
E. T. F. Witkowski ◽  
M. Reichardt
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Mine Drainage ◽  
Deep Level ◽  
Floristic Composition ◽  
Polluted Soils ◽  
Introduced Plants ◽  
Tailings Dams ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Indigenous Plant ◽  
Uranium Tailings

Gold and uranium tailings (‘slimes’) dams and the adjacent polluted soils in the deep-level mining regions of South Africa (Carletonville, Klerksdorp and Welkom) were surveyed for the frequency of occurrence of naturally colonizing, actively introduced and persisting plant species. Fifty-six tailings dams with a combined area of 5864 ha. and a similar area o f tail- ings-polluted soils, were surveyed between July 1996 and March 1997. During the survey, 376 plant species and subspecies were recorded from the dams and adjacent polluted soils, with an additional  8 6  records obtained between 1998 and 2003 (i.e. a total of 462 taxa: species and infraspecific species). Overall, the most commonly represented families were the Poaceae (107 species and subspecies), Asteraceae (81). Fabaceae (55) and Anacardiaceae (16). with other families represented by just one to 14 species. Only 60 species were common to all three regions, and of these 24 had been introduced during rehabilitation attempts. Most of the species found on tailings were persisters or natural colonizers (53-88%, depending on substrate), with the vast majority being indigenous and perennial taxa (76% and 85% respectively), with semi-woody to woody growth forms (6 6% being resprouters, forbs, shrubs and trees). Less than 4% of the naturally-colonizing taxa found during the survey had also been introduced by vegetation practitioners. The majority of introduced plants were alien herbaceous taxa. The number and frequency of annuals was only high on recently vegetated sites, whereas annuals were rarely present on old-vegetated and never-vegetated dams. This list includes a wide range of indigenous plant species that may be suitable for phytoremediation of tailings dams and polluted soils due to their apparent tolerance of acid mine drainage and salinity.

scholarly journals Alien Plants are Less Palatable to Pest Herbivores than Native Plants: Evidence from Cafeteria Experiments in Search of Suitable Plant Species to Restore Degraded Ecosystems

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-24
Author(s):  
Mouldi Gamoun ◽  
Mounir Louhaichi
Keyword(s):  
Alien Species ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Native Plants ◽  
Feeding Preference ◽  
Alien Plants ◽  
General Tendency ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Evolutionary Potential ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Nowadays, the ecology and evolutionary potential of alien species are the subjects of several ecological studies. The goal of this study was to compare the feeding preference of Arion ater on seedlings and leaves of alien and native plant species. Seedlings of three native species and one alien species were offered to slugs individually and in combination. Afterward, leaf discs from the native and alien species collected from the same source site of slug’s habitat were offered individually and in combination for slugs. When the new plant emerges, it constitutes a generous source of potential food and slugs would even feed on seedlings, which are not particularly palatable. Nonetheless, when given a choice, slug often preferentially feeds on some food items while ignoring others. Alien plants are more resistant to herbivory than native plants. There is a general tendency for alien species to be less palatable than native species. In general, slugs may eat a wide range of seedlings that are much more attractive than mature plants of the same species. Therefore, the native herbivores were found to attack native plants and promoted alien plants. Consequently, highly unacceptable alien species such as Eucalyptus globulus may play an important role in the restoration process.

scholarly journals Efficiencies of indigenous South African plant biofilters for urban stormwater runoff water quality improvement with a focus on nutrients and metals

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. M. Jacklin ◽  
I. C. Brink ◽  
S. M. Jacobs
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Metal Removal ◽  
Stormwater Runoff ◽  
Column Experiment ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Urban Stormwater ◽  
Runoff Water ◽  
Indigenous Plants ◽  
Indigenous Plant

Abstract In South Africa, urban activities contribute high levels of pollution to rivers and groundwater via stormwater runoff. In reducing urban stormwater loads of engineered plant biofiltration, an effective and self-sustaining component of green infrastructure is a treatment option. The country's extensive natural biodiversity offers untapped potential of indigenous species' use in plant biofilters. This paper presents the findings of a plant biofilter column experiment, which investigated the performance of nine indigenous plant species under varied urban stormwater pollutant load strengths. Average significant loads of dissolved Cd (>98%), Cu (>84%), Pb (>99%) and Zn (>95%), as well as NH3-N (>93%), were removed by the plant biofilters, whereas the removal of -N (−37–79%) and -P (−81 to 63%) was more variable. Biofilters equipped with indigenous plant species were on average at least 11% more efficient than unvegetated soil in the removal of urban nutrient and metal pollutants. Over time, planted biofilters improved nutrient and metal removal efficiencies. The results support the inclusion of indigenous plants in biofilters within urban stormwater green infrastructure initiatives. Further research to inform plant biofilter design practicalities and assess plant biofilter performance in the field is warranted.

Exotic ancient plant introductions: part of Indian ‘Ayurveda’ medicinal system

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 356-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anurudh K. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Exotic Plant ◽  
Indian Culture ◽  
Exotic Plant Species ◽  
Medicinal Uses ◽  
Plant Introductions ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Indigenous Plant ◽  
Ancient Times ◽  
Botanical Remains

AbstractIndia is home to some of the oldest civilizations, during which period the local communities domesticated indigenous plant species for food and agriculture and medicinal uses. In this process, they also bio-prospected and/or absorbed potentially valuable exotic plant species, making them integral part of Indian culture, including the traditional medicinal system, theAyurveda. The present paper discusses the absorption of 26 plant species of exotic origin, before 8th century, as evidenced by archaeological sculptural or botanical remains and documentation of such plants in Sanskrit, theVediclanguage. Occurrence and/or introduction of such plants at such distant places in ancient times is visualized as a result of geographical continental fragmentation followed by drift, natural or man-made transoceanic movement, and cultural and trade exchange of plant material over time and space.

Individual plant species responses to phosphorus and livestock grazing

2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (7) ◽  
pp. 670 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Dorrough ◽  
S. McIntyre ◽  
M. P. Scroggie
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Individual Plant ◽  
Plant Species Composition ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Native Plant Species

Livestock grazing and fertilisation are primary management activities that determine variation in plant species composition within grazed temperate grassy ecosystems of Australia. The present paper provides an extensive catalogue of the responses of individual species to grazing and fertilisation that can be used to guide management and restoration in differing situations. A hierarchical model that links plant species identities, simple plant traits and two continuous predictive variables (livestock density and available phosphorus) was used to estimate probability of occurrence of plant species across grazing and phosphorus gradients. Certain species and groups of species, particularly native perennial geophytes, ferns and shrubs, were especially sensitive to increases in each of these management gradients, whereas a small group of exotic plants were most tolerant. In the moderately intensive livestock production landscapes sampled, most native plant species preferred ungrazed areas with low available phosphorus. Many non-native plant species also tolerated or preferred such habitats. Less than 1% of all observed species are predicted to occur at high levels of available phosphorus (75 mg kg–1) and heavy stocking (9 dry sheep equivalents ha–1). There is, however, a suite of native species that persist at moderate livestock densities, but only if soils are not phosphorus-enriched. These data can be used to guide options for restoration including ranking of potential sites or selection of species for reintroduction. In most cases, livestock grazing intensity is thought to be the primary factor influencing plant species composition in grazed woodlands. These data, however, highlight the great importance of fertilisation history in limiting ground-layer plant diversity and determining options for management.

scholarly journals Impact of secondary landscape structure on the presence of non-native plant species in the cadastral area of the Topoľčany town

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 136-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marek Gális ◽  
Jela Galková ◽  
Jozef Straňák
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Landscape Structure ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Ruderal Vegetation ◽  
Native Plant Species ◽  
Abiotic Conditions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Different Types

AbstractThis study characterises an impact of secondary landscape structure on the introduction of non-native plant species during the years 2008 and 2010−2012. The field mapping was realised in the cadastral area of the Topoľčany town. The area of study consists of built-up area with surrounding agricultural land. During the period of our research, we identified the presence of total 55 non-native plant species, including 21 invasive, 11 casual and 23 naturalised. The highest dominance occurred in elements of ruderal vegetation without trees (22) and in the vegetation protection of aquatic dams (15). Several species were observed in a wide range of landscape elements. The occurrence in many structurally different types of habitats confirmed the ability of non-native species to tolerate a wide range of biotic and abiotic conditions.

scholarly journals Selection of wild hosts for feeding by passion vine hopper Scolypopa australis (Walker) (Hemiptera Ricaniidae) in the Bay of Plenty

2002 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
pp. 368-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.P. Logan ◽  
P.A. Allison ◽  
K. Stannard
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Introduced Plants ◽  
First Instar ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Choice Tests ◽  
Late Instar ◽  
Wild Hosts ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Passion Vine

Passion vine hopper Scolypopa australis (Walker) (Hemiptera Ricaniidae) a pest of kiwifruit occurs on a wide range of native and introduced plants that are probably not equally preferred as hosts First instar nymphs and adults were observed on 69 and 53 respectively of 42 plant species found at varying frequency in a survey of gullies adjacent to kiwifruit orchards in the Bay of Plenty In choice tests with four plant species common in gullies firstinstar nymphs and adults preferred the native species mahoe (Melicytus ramiflorus) Under nochoice conditions survival from first to late instar was also best on mahoe Of 10 plant species in a nochoice test adults survived best and laid most eggs on the native species wineberry (Aristotelia serrata)

scholarly journals Preliminary Anti-bacterial Activity of Some Indigenous Plants of Bangladesh

1970 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasina Yasmin ◽  
Md Abu Kaiser ◽  
Md Moklesur Rahman Sarker ◽  
Mohammed Shafikur Rahman ◽  
Mohammad A Rashid
Keyword(s):  
Antibacterial Activity ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Soluble Fraction ◽  
Diffusion Method ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Zone Of Inhibition ◽  
Indigenous Plants ◽  
Shigella Boydii ◽  
Whole Plant ◽  
Indigenous Plant

The antibacterial activity of petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride and chloroform solublefractions of crude methanol extracts of nine indigenous plant species of Bangladesh was evaluated by the agardiffusion method. Kanamycin (30 μg/disc) was used as a standard antibacterial agent. The results indicated thatall the nine plant species (not all partitionates) exhibited moderate to potent antibacterial activity against a widevariety of gram- positive and gram-negative bacteria at a concentration of 400μg/disc. Among them the carbontetrachloride soluble fraction of whole plant extract of Corriandrum sativum (family-Apiaceae) revealed thehighest antibacterial activity against Shigella boydii with zone of inhibition of 29 mm.Key words: Antibacterial activity; Disc diffusion method; Extract; Indigenous plants of Bangladesh.DOI: 10.3329/dujps.v8i1.5337Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 8(1): 61-65, 2009 (June)

scholarly journals Advances and Applications of Water Phytoremediation: A Potential Biotechnological Approach for the Treatment of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Water

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5215
Author(s):  
Cristián Raziel Delgado-González ◽  
Alfredo Madariaga-Navarrete ◽  
José Miguel Fernández-Cortés ◽  
Margarita Islas-Pelcastre ◽  
Goldie Oza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Pollution Sources ◽  
Water Contaminants ◽  
Biotechnological Approach ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Great Relevance ◽  
Multidisciplinary Perspective ◽  
Viable Method

Potable and good-quality drinking water availability is a serious global concern, since several pollution sources significantly contribute to low water quality. Amongst these pollution sources, several are releasing an array of hazardous agents into various environmental and water matrices. Unfortunately, there are not very many ecologically friendly systems available to treat the contaminated environment exclusively. Consequently, heavy metal water contamination leads to many diseases in humans, such as cardiopulmonary diseases and cytotoxicity, among others. To solve this problem, there are a plethora of emerging technologies that play an important role in defining treatment strategies. Phytoremediation, the usage of plants to remove contaminants, is a technology that has been widely used to remediate pollution in soils, with particular reference to toxic elements. Thus, hydroponic systems coupled with bioremediation for the removal of water contaminants have shown great relevance. In this review, we addressed several studies that support the development of phytoremediation systems in water. We cover the importance of applied science and environmental engineering to generate sustainable strategies to improve water quality. In this context, the phytoremediation capabilities of different plant species and possible obstacles that phytoremediation systems may encounter are discussed with suitable examples by comparing different mechanistic processes. According to the presented data, there are a wide range of plant species with water phytoremediation potential that need to be studied from a multidisciplinary perspective to make water phytoremediation a viable method.

scholarly journals Native Plant Capacity for Gentle Remediation in Heavily Polluted Mines

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1769
Author(s):  
María Noelia Jiménez ◽  
Gianluigi Bacchetta ◽  
Francisco Bruno Navarro ◽  
Mauro Casti ◽  
Emilia Fernández-Ondoño
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Contaminated Soils ◽  
Aerial Part ◽  
Bioaccumulation Factor ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Dittrichia Viscosa ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cistus Salviifolius ◽  
Plant Capacity

The use of plant species to stabilize and accumulate trace elements in contaminated soils is considered of great usefulness given the difficulty of decontaminating large areas subjected to mining for long periods. In this work, the bioaccumulation of trace elements is studied by relating the concentrations in leaves and roots of three plants of Mediterranean distribution (Dittrichia viscosa, Cistus salviifolius, Euphorbia pithyusa subsp. cupanii) with the concentrations of trace elements in contaminated and uncontaminated soils. Furthermore, in the case of D. viscosa, to know the concentration of each element by biomass, the pool of trace elements was determined both in the aerial part and in the roots. The bioaccumulation factor was not high enough in any of the species studied to be considered as phytoextractors. However, species like the ones studied in this work that live on soils with a wide range of concentration of trace elements and that develop a considerable biomass could be considered for stabilization of contaminated soils. The plant species studied in this work are good candidates for gentle-remediation options in the polluted Mediterranean.

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