Threatened ecological communities (TECs) within the Brigalow Belt South (BBS) and Nandewar (NAN) bioregions of northwest NSW are under intense environmental pressures. Around 60% of the woody native vegetation cover in these bioregions has been cleared, and less than 10% of the area is protected in conservation areas. Many of the TECs in these bioregions occur in fragmented, isolated patches that are susceptible to environmental stresses.
Three TECs in particular – Brigalow, Semi-evergreen Vine Thicket and Ooline (Cadellia pentastylis) community – are prime examples of plant communities that are subject to these critical conditions. Research on the seed biology of plants within these TECs is urgently needed to ensure community persistence.
This project focuses on understanding how flowering, seed production and seed germination respond to climate, with a goal to share seed conservation knowledge with local land managers and community groups.
The work of this project will inform future restoration and management to enable successful propagation and growth of these species and other on-ground conservation outcomes.
The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country where this work occurs and their custodianship and connection with land, sea and sky. These field work sites are on Gamilaraay land, while lab work is undertaken on Dharawal land. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, to the Elders past, present, and emerging.