Foliar nutrient-allocation patterns in Banksia attenuata and Banksia sessilis differing in growth rate and adaptation to low-phosphorus habitats

Background and aims Phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) are essential nutrients that frequently limit primary productivity in terrestrial ecosystems. Efficient use of these nutrients is important for plants growing in nutrient-poor environments. Plants generally reduce foliar P concentration in response to low soil P availability. We aimed to assess ecophysiological mechanisms and adaptive strategies for efficient use of P in Banksia attenuata (Proteaceae), naturally occurring on deep sand, and B. sessilis, occurring on shallow sand over laterite or limestone, by comparing allocation of P among foliar P fractions. Methods We carried out pot experiments with slow-growing B. attenuata, which resprouts after fire, and faster-growing opportunistic B. sessilis, which is killed by fire, on substrates with different P availability using a randomised complete block design. We measured leaf P and N concentrations, photosynthesis, leaf mass per area, relative growth rate, and P allocated to major biochemical fractions in B. attenuata and B. sessilis. Key results The two species had similarly low foliar total P concentrations, but distinct patterns of P allocation to P-containing fractions. The foliar total N concentration of B. sessilis was greater than that of B. attenuata on all substrates. The foliar total P and N concentrations in both species decreased with decreasing P availability. The relative growth rate of both species was positively correlated with concentrations of both foliar nucleic acid P and total N, but there was no correlation with other P fractions. Faster-growing B. sessilis allocated more P to nucleic acids than B. attenuata did, but other fractions were similar. Conclusions The nutrient-allocation patterns in faster-growing opportunistic B. sessilis and slower-growing B. attenuata revealed different strategies in response to soil P availability which matched their contrasting growth strategy.

Euryglossina (Euryglossina) perpusilla (Hymenoptera: Colletidae: Euryglossinae) nesting in pre-formed cavities in Banksia attenuata (Proteaceae)

This article reports observations of nesting by Euryglossina (Euryglossina) perpusilla Cockerell, 1910 in preformed cavities in a Banksia attenuata tree in an urban bushland remnants.