The ecology, phytosociology and stand structure of an ancient endemic plant Lomatia tasmanica (Proteaceae) approaching extinction

Abstract

Lomatia tasmanica W.M.Curtis is a nationally endangered shrub of the family Proteaceae. It is entirely restricted to one population extending over 1.2 km in south-western Tasmania. The species occupies a variety of riparian vegetation types ranging from sclerophyll scrub to implicate rainforest. The population is dominated by ramets originating after fire in 1934, although the species regenerates in a continuous manner by root suckering. The ramets or stems may reach ages > 300 years. The entire population may be composed of one genet and fruit production has never been observed. The extreme rarity of the species, its inability to reproduce sexually and its lack of genetic diversity suggest that L. tasmanica is heading inevitably towards extinction. One population appears to have disappeared since 1934. Threats such as too frequent firing and the root-rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi increase the likelihood of extinction of L. tasmanica in the short term to a very high level.