A classification and census of regenerative strategies in the eucalypts (Angophora, Corymbia and Eucalyptus—Myrtaceae), with special reference to the obligate seeders

Abstract

A survey of regenerative strategies in the eucalypts, including lignotuber development, was undertaken by extensive field observations, seedling trials and trials of cultivated individuals over a 12-year period. Four broad regenerative strategies were identified, viz. obligate seeders, lignotuber sprouters, stem sprouters and combination sprouters. These four regenerative strategies are based on the ability to develop a lignotuber and the regeneration strategy after whole-crown destruction. These regenerative strategies do not wholly correspond to the tree, mallee, mallet, marlock and shrub habit categories commonly applied to eucalypts. The obligate seeders include many more terminal taxa than have been previously documented as mallet taxa, with 78 western obligate seeders (the ‘true’ mallets) and nine eastern obligate seeders listed herein. Obligate seeders do not possess a lignotuber and are killed by crown-destructive events, and as such are relatively short-lived in most natural environments. A further 16 taxa are also known to be non-lignotuberous, but these are capable of producing epicormic regrowth from the trunk following crown destruction and are defined as stem sprouters. The remaining two regenerative strategies include taxa that are both lignotuberous and able to regenerate vegetatively following disturbance events. The persistent and conjecturous mallet–marlock–moort distinction is rejected, this study showing it to be dependent on stand density. Data presented indicate no significant difference in germination time or maturation time between western obligate-seeder taxa and closely related sprouter taxa. The conservation status of obligate-seeder taxa is discussed. Nomenclatural issues regarding the taxonomic distinction between obligate-seeder and resprouter sister taxa are discussed. A census of regenerative strategies for all recognised eucalypt taxa is included as an accessory publication on the web.