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Scientist joins recovery plantings of rare tree
A University of the Sunshine Coast academic has provided the scientific expertise for a collaborative project that is protecting a rare and endangered species of macadamia tree in Central Queensland.
Over the past two years, Senior Lecturer in Vegetation and Plant Ecology Dr Alison Shapcott and USC students have conducted habitat modelling and established genetic profiles for the only recorded population of Macadamia jansenii trees, located in Bulburin National Park.
The project has been coordinated by the Macadamia Conservation Trust in conjunction with the traditional owners of the land where the species is naturally found, the Department of Environment and Resource Management, the Australian Macadamia Society and USC.
But Dr Shapcott has not confined her efforts to the laboratory, having recently rolled up her sleeves to join in the first recovery plantings of trees to create new populations that represent the genetic diversity of the wild population.
The new populations were propagated on the Sunshine Coast from cuttings taken from the single stand of trees in 2009.
“These populations have been planted strategically within the general region of the wild population to best enhance its survival,” Dr Shapcott said.
“The locations of new population sites have been guided by habitat modelling undertaken for the species, and the whole project has been developed using sound scientific principles.
“A further population will be established at the Tondoon Botanic Gardens in Gladstone to ensure the genetic diversity of the species is protected and to prevent the need for further collections of this species from the wild.”
Dr Shapcott said the new populations would be planted out over several years, following the first major planting last month.
The Macadamia jansenii trees are the most northern of the four macadamia species in Queensland and northern New South Wales.
The nut is not edible, but the species has qualities that make it attractive for growers to interbreed with other macadamia species.
— Terry Walsh