The ecology, biology and conservation of threatened Phebalium species in South Australia

Abstract

Five species of Phebalium occurring in South Australia (P. brachyphyllum, P. equestre, P. hillebrandii, P. glandulosum subsp. glandulosum and P. lowanense) have various categories of threat ranging from Endangered to Rare. Three are endemic to South Australia, and all have rather limited, and in some cases declining areas of occupancy. This study was undertaken to develop an understanding of the biology and ecology of these Phebaliums in relation to their conservation. Current population details, habitat requirements and threats were documented. Field sites were established for collection of demographic and phenological information on each species. Reproductive biology, seed dispersal mechanisms, and recruitment were studied, and ecological factors that affect sensitive life history stages (eg, weeds, grazing, fire, disturbance) were examined. Techniques for propagation of each species of Phebalium were developed using seed, cuttings and/or micropropagation. Two species (P. equestre and P. glandulosum) were successfully translocated into conservation reserves to increase their areas of occupancy. Management recommendations were made for each species to aid development of recovery guidelines.