Flora of Australia 49870 226146211 2008-07-17T00:58:53Z 124.176.85.205 /* Utilisation and conservation */ {{for|the series of monographs|Flora of Australia (series)}} {{redirect|Australian plants|the magazine|Australian Plants}} [[Image:Australian bush02.jpg|right|thumb|260px|Eucalypt woodlands in [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]].]] The '''flora of [[Australia]]''' comprises a vast assemblage of plant species estimated to over 20,000 [[vascular plant|vascular]] and 14,000 [[non-vascular plant]]s, 250,000 species of [[fungi]] and over 3,000 [[lichen]]s. The flora has strong affinities with the flora of [[Gondwana]], and below the [[family (biology)|family]] level has a highly [[endemic (ecology)|endemic]] angiosperm flora whose diversity was shaped by the effects of [[continental drift]] and climate change since the [[Cretaceous]]. Prominent features of the Australian flora are adaptations to [[aridity]] and fire which include [[sclerophyll|scleromorphy]] and [[serotiny]]. These adaptations are common in species from the large and well-known families [[Proteaceae]] (''[[Banksia]]''), [[Myrtaceae]] (''[[Eucalyptus]]'' - gum trees), and [[Fabaceae]] (''[[Acacia]]'' - wattle). The settlement of Australia by [[Indigenous Australians]] more than 40,000 years ago, and by [[History of Australia (1788-1850)|Europeans]] from 1788, has had a significant impact on the flora. The use of [[fire-stick farming]] by the Aborigines led to significant changes in the distribution of plant species over time, and the large-scale modification or destruction of vegetation for agriculture and urban development since 1788 has altered the composition of most terrestrial ecosystems, leading to the extinction of 61 plant species and endangering over 1000 more. ==Origins== [[Image:Hellyer Gorge, Tasmania.jpg|right|220px|thumb|The Tasmanian rainforest is considered a [[Gondwana]]n relic.]] {{main|Natural history of Australia}} Australia was part of the southern supercontinent [[Gondwana]], which also included [[South America]], [[Africa]], [[India]] and [[Antarctica]]. Most of the modern Australian flora had their origin in Gondwana during the [[Cretaceous]] when Australia was covered in subtropical rainforest. Australian ferns and gymnosperm bear strong resemblance to their Gondwanan ancestors,<ref>Page, C. N. and Clifford, H. T. 1981. Ecological biogeography of Australian conifers and ferns. In A. Keast ''Ecological Biogeography of Australia''. W. Junk</ref> and prominent members of the early Gondwanan angiosperm flora such as the ''[[Nothofagus]]'', [[Myrtaceae]] and [[Proteaceae]] were also present in Australia.<ref>Dettmann, M. E. and Jarzen, D. M. 1990. The Antarctic/Australian rift valley: Late Cretaceous cradle of Northeastern Australasian relicts? ''Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology'' 65:131-144.</ref> [[Image:Xanthorrhoea bushfire.JPG|left|thumb|160px|Scrubland with ''Xanthorrhoea'' following bushfire.]] Gondwana began to break up 140 million years ago (MYA); 50 MYA during the [[Oligocene]] Australia separated from Antarctica, and was relatively isolated until the collision of the [[Indo-Australian Plate]] with Asia in the [[Miocene]] era 5.3 MYA. As Australia [[continental drift|drifted]], local and global [[climate change]] had a significant and lasting effect: a circumpolar oceanic current developed, atmospheric circulation increased as Australia moved away from Antarctica, precipitation fell, there was a slow warming of the continent and [[arid]] conditions started to develop.<ref>Bowler, J. M. 1982. Age, origin and landform expression of aridity in Australia. In W. R. Barker, P. J. M. Greensdale. ''Evolution of the Flora and Fauna of Australia''. Australian Systematic Botany Society ISBN 0-909209-62-6</ref> These conditions of geographic isolation and aridity led to the development of a more complex flora. From 25-10 MYA pollen records suggest the rapid radiation of species like ''[[Eucalyptus]]'', ''[[Casuarina]]'', ''[[Allocasuarina]]'', ''[[Banksia]]'' and the [[Faboideae|pea-flowered legumes]], and the development of open forest; grasslands started to develop from the [[Eocene]]. Collision with the [[Eurasian Plate]] also led to additional [[South-east Asia]]n and [[Cosmopolitan distribution|cosmopolitan]] elements entering the flora like the ''[[Lepidium]]'' and [[Chenopodioideae]].<ref>Crisp, M. et al. 2004. Radiation of the Australian flora: what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in present-day communities? ''Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B - Biological Sciences'' 359: 1551-1571 </ref> The development of aridity and the old and nutrient poor soils of the continent led to some unique adaptations in the Australian flora and evolutionary radiation of genera – like ''[[Acacia]]'' and ''[[Eucalyptus]]'' – that adapted to those conditions. Hard leaves with a thick [[Cuticle (leaf)|outer layer]], a condition known as [[Sclerophyll|scleromorphy]], and [[C4 carbon fixation|C4]] and [[Crassulacean acid metabolism|CAM]] carbon fixation which reduce water loss during photosynthesis are two common adaptations in Australian arid-adapted dicot and monocot species respectively. Rising aridity also increased the frequency of fires in Australia. Fire is thought to have played a role in the development and distribution of fire-adapted species from the [[Late Pleistocene]]. An increase in charcoal in sediment around 38,000 years ago coincides with dates for the inhabitation of Australia by the [[Indigenous Australians]] and suggests that man-made fires, from practices like [[fire-stick farming]], have played an important role in the establishment and maintenance of sclerophyll forest, especially on the east coast of Australia.<ref>Singh, G. et al. 1981. Quaternary vegetation and fire history in Australia. In A. M. Gill, R. A. Groves and I. R. Nobel. ''Fire and the Australian Biota.'' Australian Academy of Science, 23-54</ref> Adaptations to fire include [[lignotuber]]s and epicormic buds in ''Eucalyptus'' and ''Banksia'' species that allow fast regeneration following fire. Some genera also exhibit [[serotiny]], the release of seed only in response to heat and/or smoke. ''[[Xanthorrhoea]]'' grass trees and some species of orchids only flower after fire.<ref>Gill, A. M. 1981. Adaptive responses of Australian vascular plant species to fire. In A. M. Gill, R. H. Groves, and I. R. Noble. eds. ''Fire and the Australian Biota''. Australian Academy of Science</ref> ==Vegetation types== [[Image:Australia Vegetation map.PNG|right|thumb|220px|Major vegetation groups in Australia as identified by the National Land and Water Resources Audit's Australian vegetation assessment in 2001.]] [[Image:Triodia hummock grassland.jpg|right|thumb|220px|Hummock grassland, the green hummocks are ''[[Triodia pungens]]'' and the blue-grey hummocks are ''[[Triodia basedowii]]''.]] Australia's terrestrial flora can be collected into characteristic [[vegetation]] groups. The most important determinant is rainfall, followed by temperature which affects water availability.<ref>Groves, R. H. 1999. Present vegetation types. In A. E. Orchard, ed. ''Flora of Australia - Volume 1'', 2nd edition pp 369-401. ABRS/CSIRO</ref> Several schemes of varying complexity have been created, the most recent scheme developed by the [[Natural Heritage Trust]] divides Australia's terrestrial flora into 30 [[List of Major Vegetation Groups in Australia|Major Vegetation Groups]], and 67 [[List of Major Vegetation Subgroups in Australia|Major Vegetation Subgroups]].<ref>Natural Heritage Trust. 2001. [http://audit.deh.gov.au/ANRA/vegetation/vegetation_frame.cfm?region_type=AUS&region_code=AUS&info=veg_type Australia's native vegetation : a summary of the National Land and Water Resources Audit's Australian vegetation assessment 2001]. National Land and Water Resources Audit ISBN 0-642-37128-8. The 2001 version has been [http://www.deh.gov.au/erin/nvis/mvg/pubs/mvg-list.pdf updated] as of 2006.</ref> According to the scheme the most common vegetation types are those that are adapted to arid conditions where the area has not been significantly reduced by human activities such as land clearing for agriculture. The dominant vegetation type in Australia is the hummock grasslands that occur extensively in arid Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory. It accounts for 23% of the native vegetation, the predominant species of which are from the genus ''[[Triodia (plant genus)|Triodia]]''. ''[[Zygochloa]]'' also occurs in inland sandy areas like the [[Simpson Desert]]. A further 39% of native vegetation is covered by a combination of: *Eucalypt woodlands found at the transition between hummock grasslands and higher rainfall areas where conditions still limit tree growth; the woodland may have a grass or shrubby understory. The most common species is ''[[Eucalyptus camaldulensis]]'' which occurs along the majority of inland waterways and creeklines in Australia. The largest area is in Queensland. *Acacia forests and woodlands that occur in semi-arid areas where tree growth is stunted. The dominant ''Acacia'' species varies with the location, and may include [[Acacia shirleyi|lancewood]], [[Acacia catenulata|bendee]], [[mulga]], [[Acacia cambagei|gidgee]] and [[Acacia harpophylla|brigalow]]. The largest area is in Western Australia. *Acacia shrublands in semi arid and arid regions. The most common are mulga shrublands; the largest area is in Western Australia. *Tussock grasslands that occur in semi-arid and some temperate parts of Australia; they host a large variety of grasses from more than 10 genera.<!-- Astrebla, Danthonia (Austrodanthonia), Dicanthium, Eragrostis, Poa, Themeda, Sorghum, Stipa, Heteropogon, Ophiuros, Oryza, Eragrostis, Spinifex and Bursaria--> The largest area is in Queensland. *Chenopod/samphire shrubs and forblands that are widespread in the near-estuarine, arid and semi-arid areas. Species in chenopod communities are drought and [[halophyte|salt tolerant]] and include the ''[[Sclerolaena]]'', ''[[Atriplex]]'', ''[[Maireana]]'', ''[[Chenopodium]]'' and ''[[Rhagodia]]'' genera while samphire representatives include ''[[Tecticornia‎]]'', ''[[Salicornia]]'', ''[[Sclerostegia]]'' and ''[[Sarcocornia]]''. Both South and Western Australia have large areas with this vegetation type. Other groups with restricted areas of less than 70,000 square kilometres include tropical or temperate rainforest and vine thickets, tall or open eucalypt forests, [[callitris]] and Casuarina forests, and woodlands and heath. ==Vascular plants== Australia has over 20,000 described species of vascular plants, these include the [[angiosperm]]s, seed-bearing non-angiosperms (like the conifers and cycads), and the spore-bearing ferns and fern allies.<ref name = "Orchard" >Orchard, A. E. 1999. Introduction. In A. E. Orchard, ed. ''Flora of Australia - Volume 1'', 2nd edition pp 1-9. ABRS/CSIRO</ref> Of these about 11% are naturalised species; the remainder are native or endemic.<ref>Hnatiuk, R.J. 1990. ''Census of Australian Vascular Plants''. AGPS ISBN 0-644-11606-4</ref> The vascular plant flora has been extensively catalogued, the work being published in the ongoing ''[[Flora of Australia (series)|Flora of Australia]]'' series. A list of vascular plant families represented in Australia using the [[Cronquist system]] is also available.<ref>Australian Biological Resources Study. [http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/abrs/online-resources/flora/main/published.html Flora of Australia Online - What's published and online, contributors and dates of publication]</ref> At the higher taxonomic levels the Australian flora is similar to that of the rest of the world; most vascular plant families are represented within the native flora, with the exception of the [[cactus|cacti]], [[Betulaceae|birch]] and a few others, while 9 families occur only in Australia.<!--9 in AGPIII, 14 in Cronquist--><ref>Crisp, M. D., West, J. G., and Linder, H.P. 1999. Biogeography of the Australian flora. In A. E. Orchard, ed. ''Flora of Australia - Volume 1'', 2nd edition pp 321-367. ABRS/CSIRO</ref><ref>Department of the Environment and Heritage. [http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/publications/series/paper2/index.html#contents Australia's Biodiversity: an overview of selected significant components], Biodiversity Series, Paper No. 2</ref> Australia's vascular flora is estimated to be 85% endemic;<ref>ESD Working Group on Biological Diversity. 1991. ''The Conservation of Biological Diversity as it Relates to Ecologically Sustainable Development'', Report of Working Party to the Ecologically Sustainable Development Secretariat, Canberra.</ref> this high level of vascular plant endemism is largely attributable to the radiation of some families like the [[Proteaceae]], [[Myrtaceae]], and [[Fabaceae]]. ===Angiosperms=== {| class="wikitable" style="margin:0 0 0.5em 1em;font-size:85%; float: right;" |+ '''Largest angiosperm families in Australia''' |- !width="70" style="background-color:LightGreen;"| Family !width="40" style="background-color:LightGreen;"| % of total&nbsp;flora<sup>1</sup> !width="130" style="background-color:LightGreen;"| Notable genera |- |[[Fabaceae]] |12.0 |''[[Acacia]]'', ''[[Daviesia]]'', ''[[Glycine (plant)|Glycine]]'' |- |[[Myrtaceae]] |9.3 |''[[Corymbia]]'', ''[[Eucalyptus]]'', ''[[Melaleuca]]'', ''[[Leptospermum]]'' |- |[[Asteraceae]] |8.0 |''[[Goodenia]]'', ''[[Olearia]]'' |- |[[Poaceae]] |6.5 |''[[Triodia (plant genus)|Triodia]]'' |- |[[Proteaceae]] |5.6 |''[[Banksia]]'', ''[[Hakea]]'', ''[[Grevillea]]'' |- |[[Cyperaceae]] |3.3 |''[[Cyperus]]'' |- |[[Orchidaceae]] |3.0 |''[[Caladenia]]'', ''[[Pterostylis]]'' |- |[[Ericaceae]] |2.1 |''[[Leucopogon]]'', ''[[Epacris]]'' |- |[[Euphorbiaceae]] |2.0 |''[[Ricinocarpos]]'' |- |[[Rutaceae]] |1.8 |''[[Boronia]]'', ''[[Correa]]'', ''[[Citrus]]'' |- |colspan="3"|<sup>1</sup> Based on total number of species<br> Data from Orchard modified to [[APG II system|AGPII]] classifications.<ref name = "Orchard" /> <!--fabaceae includes the [[mimosaceae]] and asteraceae the [[goodeniaceae]].--> |} The native Australian flora contains many [[monocotyledons]]. The family with the most species is the [[Poaceae]] which includes a huge variety of species, from the tropical bamboo ''[[Bambusa arnhemica]]'' to the ubiquitous spinifex that thrives in arid Australia from the genera ''[[Triodia (plant genus)|Triodia]]'' and ''[[Plectrachne]]''. There are more than 800 described species of [[Orchidaceae|orchid]] in Australia.<ref>Nesbitt, L. 1997. [http://farrer.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/APOL19/sep00-1.html Australia's Native Orchids]. [[Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants]]</ref> About one quarter of these are epiphytes; epiphytic orchids occur along the east coast and in Tasmania and do not occur in South or Western Australia. The terrestrial orchids occur across most of Australia, the majority of species being [[deciduous]] – their aboveground parts die back during the dry season and they re-sprout from a tuber when it rains.<!--example species--> Other families with well-known representatives include the alpine Tasmanian [[Gymnoschoenus sphaerocephalus|button grass]], which form tussock-like mounds from the [[Cyperaceae]]; the genus ''[[Patersonia]]'' of temperate iris-like grasses from the [[Iridaceae]]; and, the [[Anigozanthos|kangaroo paws]] from the family [[Haemodoraceae]]. The ''[[Xanthorrhoea]]'' grass trees, the [[Pandanus|screw palm]]s of the [[Pandanaceae]] and [[Arecaceae|palms]] are large moncots present in Australia. There are about 57 native palms; 79% of these only occur in Australia.<ref>Jones, D. 1984. ''Palms in Australia''. Reed Books ISBN 0-7301-0007-3</ref> ''[[Livistonia]]'' is unusual amongst the palm genera in Australia; rather than tropical habitats, its members are found in inland gorges and open forest.<!-- endemic genera ''[[Archontophoenix]]'', ''[[Carpentaria]]'', ''[[Hedyscepe]]'', ''[[Howea]]'', ''[[Laccospadix]]'', ''[[Lepidorrhachis]]'', ''[[Normanbya]]'', ''[[Wodyetia]]''.--> The [[Dicotyledon|dicots]] are the most diverse group of angiosperms. Australia's best known species come from three large and very diverse dicot families: the [[Fabaceae]], the [[Myrtaceae]] and the [[Proteaceae]]. The Myrtaceae is represented by a variety of woody species; gum trees from the genera ''[[Eucalyptus]]'', ''[[Corymbia]]'' and ''[[Angophora]]'', Lillipillies (''[[Syzygium]]''), the water-loving ''[[Melaleuca]]'' and ''[[Bottlebrush]]'' and the shrubby ''[[Darwinia (plant)|Darwinia]]'' and ''[[Leptospermum]]'', commonly known as teatrees, and [[Geraldton wax]]. The Proteaceae are also woody, well-known genera include ''[[Banksia]]'', ''[[Dryandra]]'', ''[[Grevillea]]'', ''[[Hakea]]'', the [[waratah]] and Australia's only commercial native food crop, the [[macadamia]]. Australia also has representatives of all three legume subfamalies. [[Caesalpinioideae]] is notably represented by ''[[Cassia (genus)|Cassia]]'' trees. The [[Faboideae]] or pea-flowered legumes are common and many are well-known for their flowers, including the [[Mirbelieae|golden peas]], ''[[Glycine (plant)|Glycine]]'' species and the [[Sturt's desert pea]]. The [[Mimosoideae]] is best known for the huge genus ''[[Acacia]]'' which includes Australia's floral emblem the [[Golden Wattle|golden wattle]]. Many plant families that occur in Australia are known for their floral displays that follow seasonal rains. The [[Asteraceae]] is well represented by its subfamily [[Gnaphalieae]], which included the paper or everlasting daisies; this group has its greatest diversity in Australia. Other families with flowering shrubs include the [[Rutaceae]], with the fragrant ''[[Boronia]]'' and ''[[Eriostemon]]'', the [[Myoporaceae]] with the ''[[Eremophila (plant)|Eremophila]]'', and members of the [[Ericaceae]] with Victoria's Floral Emblem ''[[Epacris impressa]]''. Amongst the most ancient species of flowering hardwood trees are the [[Casuarinaceae]], including beach, swamp and river oaks, and [[Fagaceae]] represented in Australia by three species of ''[[Nothofagus]]''. Trees of the [[Rosales]] are notably representented by the [[Moraceae]] whose species include the [[Moreton Bay Fig]] and the [[Port Jackson Fig]], and the [[Urticaceae]] whose members include several tree sized stinging nettles; ''[[Dendrocnide moroides]]'' is the most virulent. There are also numerous [[Santalaceae|sandalwood]] species including the [[quandong]]s and native cherry, ''[[Exocarpus cupressiformis]]''. The [[Brachychiton rupestris|bottle tree]] of the [[Malvaceae]] is one of 30 tree species from the ''[[Brachychiton]]''. There are about 75 native [[Loranthaceae|mistletoes]] that [[Parasitic plant|parasitise]] Australian tree species, including two terrestrial parasitic trees, one of which is the spectacular [[Western Australian Christmas tree]]. Australia's salt marshes and wetlands are covered by a large variety of salt and drought tolerant species from the [[Amaranthaceae]] which include the saltbushes (''[[Atriplex]]'') and bluebushes (''[[Maireana]]'' and ''[[Chenopodium]]''). Many of these plants have succulent leaves; other native succulents are from the genera ''[[Carpobrotus]]'',''[[Calandrinia]]'' and ''[[Portulaca]]''. Succulent stems are present in many of the [[Euphorbiaceae]] in Australia, though the best known members are the non-succulent looking fragrant Wedding bushes of the genus [[Ricinocarpos]]. [[Carnivorous plants]] which favour damp habitats are represented by four families including the [[Droseraceae|sundews]], [[Lentibulariaceae|bladderworts]], pitcher-plants from the [[Cephalotaceae]], which are endemic to [[Western Australia]], and the [[Nepenthaceae]]. Aquatic moncots and dicots both occur in Australian waters. Australia has about 51,000 square kilometres of [[seagrass]] meadows and the most diverse group seagrass species in the world. There are 22 species found in temperate waters and 15 in tropical waters out of a known 70 species worldwide.<ref>CSIRO. 2000. [http://www.marine.csiro.au/LeafletsFolder/pdfsheets/40.pdf About Australian Seagrasses]</ref> Aquatic dicots include the [[mangroves]]; in Australia there are 39 mangrove species that cover 11,500 square kilometres and comprise the third largest area of mangroves in the world.<ref>Robertson, A.I. and Alongi, D.M. 1995. [http://www.deh.gov.au/coasts/publications/somer/annex1/mangrove.html#HDR12 Mangrove ecosystems in Australia: structure , function and status] in D.P. Larr ed ''Our Sea, Our Future Major findings of the State of the Marine Environment Report for Australia'' Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories'' ISBN 0-642-17391-5</ref> Other native marine dicots here include [[Nymphaeaceae|water lilies]] and [[Myriophyllum|water milfoils]]. ===Non-angiosperms=== Seed bearing non-angiosperms present in Australia include the [[cycads]] and [[conifer]]s. There are 69 species of cycad from 4 genera and 3 families – they are all endemic and their distribution is confined to forests of eastern and northern Australia, with a few in south-western Western Australia and central Australia. Native pines are distributed through 3 families, 14 genera and 43 species, of which 39 are endemic. Most species are present in wetter mountainous areas consistent with their Gondwanan origins, including the genera ''[[Athrotaxis]]'', ''[[Actinostrobus]]'', ''[[Microcachrys]]'', ''[[Microstrobos]]'', ''[[Diselma]]'' and the Tasmanian [[Lagarostrobos franklinii|Huon pine]], sole member of the genus ''Lagarostrobos''. ''[[Callitris]]'' is a notable exception; species from this genus are found mainly in drier open woodlands.<ref name ="nonangio">''Flora of Australia Volume 48—Ferns, Gymnosperms and Allied Groups''. 1998. Australian Biological Resources Study/CSIRO Publishing ISBN 0-643-05972-5</ref> The most recently discovered species of conifer is the [[living fossil]] [[Wollemia|Wollemi pine]], which was first described in 1994. Spore bearing vascular plants include the [[fern]]s and [[fern ally|fern allies]]. True ferns are found over most of the country and are most abundant in tropical and subtropical areas with high rainfall. Australia has a native flora of 30 families, 103 genera and 390 species of ferns, with another 10 species being naturalised. The fern allies are represented by 44 native species of [[Psilotophyta|psilophytes]], [[horsetail]]s and [[Lycopodiophyta|lycophytes]].<ref name ="nonangio" /> Ferns prefer a cool and damp environment since water is required for reproduction, the majority of Australian species are found in bushland and rainforest, there are aquatic, epiphytic (''[[Platycerium]]'', ''[[Huperzia]]'' and ''[[Asplenium]]''), and terrestrial species including large tree ferns from the genera ''[[Cyathea]]'' and ''[[Dicksonia]]''. ==Non-vascular plants== The [[algae]] are a large and diverse group of photosynthetic organisms. Many studies of algae include the [[cyanobacteria]], in addition to micro and macro [[eukaryote|eukaryotic]] types that inhabit both fresh and saltwater. Currently, about 10,000 to 12,000 species of algae are known for Australia.<ref>Australian Biological Resources Study. [http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/abrs/sub-programmes/algae/index.html Algae of Australia]</ref> The algal flora of Australia is unevenly documented: northern Australia remains largely uncollected for seaweeds and marine phytoplankton, descriptions of freshwater algae are patchy, and the collection of terrestrial algae has been almost completely neglected.<ref>Entwisle T.J., and Huisman J. 1998. Algal systematics in Australia. ''Australian Systematic Botany'' 11:203-214</ref> The [[bryophytes]] – [[moss]]es, [[Marchantiophyta|liverworts]] and [[hornwort]]s – are primitive, usually terrestrial, plants that inhabit the tropics, cool-temperate regions and montane areas; there are some specialised members that are adapted to semi-arid and arid Australia. There are slightly fewer that 1,000 recognised species of moss in Australia. The five largest genera are the ''[[Fissidens]]'', ''[[Bryum]]'', ''[[Campylopus]]'', ''[[Macromitrium]]'' and ''[[Andreaea]]''.<ref>Klazenga, N. 2005. Generic concepts in Australian mosses. ''Australian Systemic Botany''. 18:17-23</ref> There are also over 800 species of liver- and horn-worts in 148 genera in Australia.<ref>McCarthy, P.M. 2006. [http://www.anbg.gov.au/abrs/liverwortlist/liverworts_intro.html Checklist of Australian Liverworts and Hornworts]. Australian Biological Resources Study, Canberra. Version 6. </ref> ==Fungi== {{main|Fungi of Australia}} The fungal flora of Australia is not well characterised; Australia is estimated to have about 250,000 fungal species of which roughly 5% have been described. Knowledge of distribution, substrates and habitats is poor for most species, with the exception of common plant pathogens.<ref>May, T. W. 2001. Documenting the fungal biodiversity of Australasia: from 1800 to 2000 and beyond. ''Australian Systematic Botany'' 14:329-356</ref> ===Lichens=== [[Lichen]]s are a composite organisms comprising, in most cases, an Ascomycete fungus and a unicellular green alga, their classification is based on the type of fungi. The lichen flora of Australia and its island territories, including [[Christmas Island]], [[Heard Island and McDonald Islands|Heard Island]], [[Macquarie Island]] and [[Norfolk Island]], currently comprises 3,238 species and infra-specific taxa in 422 genera, 34% of which are considered to be endemic.<ref>McCarthy, P.M. 2006. [http://www.anbg.gov.au/abrs/lichenlist/introduction.html Checklist of the Lichens of Australia and its Island Territories]. Australian Biological Resources Study, Canberra. Version 6</ref> ==Utilisation and conservation== {{main|Conservation in Australia}} [[Image:2007 solanum laciniatum.jpg|thumb|''[[Solanum laciniatum]]'']] The Australia flora was utilised by the [[Indigenous Australians|Indigenous inhabitants]] of Australia. They used hundreds of species for food, medicine, shelter, tools and weapons. For example, the starchy roots of ''[[Clematis microphylla]]'' were used in western Victoria to make a dough that was baked, and the leaves of the plant were used as a poultice applied to skin irritations and blisters.<ref>Traditional uses of the Australian flora have been written on extensively, for an overview see Isaacs, J. 2002 ''Bushfood: Aboriginal food and herbal medicine''. New Holland ISBN 1-86436-816-0 </ref> Economic exploitation of the flora by settlers since 1788 has not been extensive; forestry has been the most extensive use of the flora. Forestry species include a number of eucalypts used for paper and timber, [[Lagarostrobos franklinii|huon pine]], [[Araucaria cunninghamii|hoop pine]], [[Callitris columellaris|cypress pine]], [[Australian Blackwood]], and sandalwood from ''[[Santalum spicatum]]'' and ''[[Santalum lanceolatum|S. lanceolatum]]'' are also timber producing species. A significant area used by the pastoral industry is based on native pasture species including [[Astrebla|Mitchell grass]], [[Atriplex|saltbush]], [[Maireana sedifolia|bluebush]], [[Austrodanthonia|wallaby grass]], [[Stipa|spear grass]], [[Poa|tussock grasses]] and [[themeda triandra|kangaroo grass]]. Until recently the [[Macadamia|macadamia nut]] and ''[[Tetragonia tetragonoides]]'' were the only Australian food plant species widely cultivated. Although commercial cultivation of macadamia started in Australia in the 1880s, it became an established crop in [[Hawaii]].<ref> Power, J., ''Macadamia Power in a Nutshell'', 1982, ISBN 0-9592892-0-8, p. 13.</ref><ref>O'Neill, G. 1996. Winning back the macadamia. ''Ecos'' 88:15-19</ref> The development of a range of native food crops began in the late 1970s with the horticultural assessment of species for [[bushfood industry history|commercial potential]]. In the mid-1980s restaurants and wholesalers started to market various native food plant products. These included [[Acacia|wattles]] for their edible seeds; [[Davidsonia|Davidson's Plum]], [[Citrus glauca|desert lime]], [[Citrus australasica|finger lime]], [[Santalum acuminatum|quandong]], [[Syzygium leuhmannii|riberry]], [[Terminalia ferdinandiana|Kakadu plum]], [[Kunzea pomifera|muntries]], [[Solanum centrale|bush tomato]], [[Podocarpus elatus|Illawarra plum]] for fruit; [[Tetragonia tetragonoides|warrigal greens]] as a leaf vegetable; and, [[lemon aspen]], [[lemon myrtle]], [[Tasmannia lanceolata|mountain pepper]] as a spice. A few Australian native plants are used by the pharmaceutical industry, such as two [[scopolamine]] and [[hyoscyamine]] producing ''[[Duboisia]]'' species and ''Solanum aviculare'' and ''S. laciniatum'' for the steroid [[solasodine]]. Essential oils from ''[[Melaleuca]]'', ''[[Callitris]]'', ''[[Prostanthera]]'', ''Eucalyptus'' and ''[[Eremophila]]'' are also used medicinally. Due to the wide variety of flowers and foliage, Australian plant species are also popular for floriculture internationally. Modification of the Australian environment by Indigenous Australians and following European settlement has impacted on the extent and the distribution of the flora. The changes since 1788 have been rapid and significant: displacement of Indigenous Australians disrupted fire régimes that had been in place for thousands of years; forestry practices have modified the structure of native [[Image:Austnativheathcote.JPG|thumb|left|250px|[[Gymea Lily]] growing in [[Heathcote National Park]], Sydney.]]forests; wetlands have been filled in; and broad scale land-clearing for crops, grazing and urban development has reduced native vegetation cover and led to landscape salinisation, increased sediment, nutrient and salt loads in rivers and streams, loss of habitat and a decline in biodiversity.<ref>Williams J. 2000, Managing the Bush: Recent research findings from the EA/LWRRDC National Remnant Vegetation R&D Program, National Research and Development Program on Rehabilitation, Management and Conservation of Remnant Vegetation, Research Report 4/00.</ref> The intentional and unintentional release of [[invasive species in Australia|invasive]] plant and animal species into delicate ecosystems is a major threat to floral biodiversity; 20 introduced species have been declared weeds of national significance.<ref>Thorp, J.R. and Lynch, R. 2000. ''[http://www.weeds.org.au/docs/WONS/ Weeds of National Significance]''. Commonwealth of Australia & National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee ISBN 1-876977-20-5</ref> Since European settlement of Australia, 61 plant species are known to have become extinct; a further 1,239 species are presently considered threatened.<ref>[[Department of the Environment and Heritage (Australia)|Department of the Environment and Heritage]]. [http://www.deh.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicthreatenedlist.pl?wanted=flora EPBC Act List of Threatened Fauna]</ref> [[Protected areas of Australia|Protected areas]] have been created in every state and territory to protect and preserve the country's unique ecosystems. These protected areas include national parks and other reserves, as well as 64 wetlands registered under the [[Ramsar Convention]] and 16 [[World Heritage Site]]s. As of 2002, 10.8% (774,619.51 km²) of the total land area of Australia is within protected areas.<ref>Department of the Environment and Heritage. 2002. [http://www.deh.gov.au/parks/nrs/capad/2002/national/nat-type02.html Summary of Terrestrial Protected Areas in Australia by Type]</ref> Protected marine zones have been created in many areas to preserve marine biodiversity; as of 2002, these areas cover about 7% (646,000 km²) of Australia's marine jurisdiction.<ref>Department of the Environment and Heritage. 2002. [http://www.deh.gov.au/coasts/mpa/nrsmpa/about.html#status About the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas (NRSMPA)]</ref> The Australian Government's Threatened Species Scientific Committee has identified 15 [[biodiversity hotspot]]s in Australian and 85 characteristic ecosystems, as classified by the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia, cover the continent; some effort is being made to ensure each is represented within a protected area under Australia's [[Biodiversity Action Plan]].<ref>Department of the Environment and Heritage. [http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/hotspots/national.html National Biodiversity Hotspots]</ref><ref>Department of the Environment and Heritage [http://www.deh.gov.au/parks/nrs/ibra/version6-1/index.html IBRA Version 6.1]</ref> ==See also== *[[List of extinct flora of Australia]] *[[List of threatened flora of Australia]] *[[Flora of the Australian Capital Territory]] *[[List of flora on stamps of Australia]] *[[List of Australian floral emblems]] ==References== ===Notes=== <div class="references-small"> <references/> </div> ===General references=== <div class="references-small"> *Thiele, K. R. and Adams, A. G. eds. 2002. [http://www.publish.csiro.au/web_cds_demo/ffpa/html/index.htm Families of flowering plants of Australia]. ABRS/CSIRO Publishing ISBN 0-643-06721-3 *Smith, J. M. B. ed 1982. ''A history of Australasian vegetation''. McGraw Hill ISBN 0-07-072953-0 *Orchard, A. E. ed. 1999. ''Flora of Australia - Volume 1'', 2nd edition. ABRS/CSIRO ISBN 0-643-05965-2 </div> ==External links== *[http://www.deh.gov.au/erin/nvis/index.html National Vegetation Information System] *[http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/abrs/online-resources/flora/main/index.html Flora of Australia Online] **[http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/abrs/online-resources/flora/49/index.html Flora of Australia Online - Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands] **[http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/abrs/online-resources/flora/50/index.html Flora of Australia Online - Oceanic Islands excluding Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands] *[http://www.chah.gov.au/avh/index.html Australia's Virtual Herbarium] *[http://www.anbg.gov.au/win/ What's its name? A database for the Australian Plant Name Index] *[http://plantnet.rbgsyd.gov.au/PlantNet/fwalgae/index.htm Census of Freshwater Algae in Australia] *[http://dseweb.murdoch.edu.au/wise/ Australian Marine Algal Name Index] *[http://www.anbg.gov.au/fungi/index.html Australian National Botanic Gardens Fungi Web Site] *[http://www.museum.vic.gov.au/prehistoric/time/plant.html Prehistoric Life - Plant Fossils of Australia] Museum Victoria *[http://asgap.org.au/ ASGAP - Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants] <!--categories--> [[Category:Flora of Australia| Flora of Australia]] <!--interwiki--> {{Link FA|de}} {{Oceania topic|Flora of}} [[de:Flora und Vegetation Australiens]] [[es:Flora australiana]] [[fr:Flore de l'Australie]] [[la:Flora Australiana]] [[lt:Australijos augmenija]] [[pl:Flora Australii]]