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Probable long distance dispersal of Leptinella plumosa Hook.f. to Heard Island: habitat, status and discussion of its arrival

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Abstract

During the 2003–2004 austral summer the number of vascular plant species recorded from Heard Island rose from 11 to 12 with the discovery of one small plant of Leptinella plumosa Hook.f. (Asteraceae), an indigenous subantarctic species. It is described and its habitat, likely status and possible means of arrival on the island are discussed. We conclude that the species probably arrived by natural means with a seabird as its most likely dispersal vector. The life history and biology of L. plumosa indicates its likely persistence on Heard Island.

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Acknowledgements

This research was made possible through AAS programs 1181 and 1015 and fieldwork was facilitated by AAP/ANARE expeditions. We thank Alex Buchanan, Rod Seppelt, Ewan McIvor, Dana Bergstrom and Justine Shaw for stimulating discussion and/or reviewing the manuscript, the Australian Antarctic Data Centre for Fig. 1, and C. Oberprieler and I. Breitwieser for providing molecular advice regarding the status of Leptinella and Cotula. Comments received by three anonymous referees improved the manuscript.

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  1. P. A. M. Turner

    Present address: Forestry Tasmania, 79 Melville Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environment and Heritage, Australian Antarctic Division, Australian Government, 203 Channel Highway, Kingston, Tasmania, 7050, Australia

    P. A. M. Turner

  2. School of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 78, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia

    J. J. Scott

  3. Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, GPO Box 1164, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia

    A. C. Rozefelds

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Correspondence to P. A. M. Turner.

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Turner, P.A.M., Scott, J.J. & Rozefelds, A.C. Probable long distance dispersal of Leptinella plumosa Hook.f. to Heard Island: habitat, status and discussion of its arrival. Polar Biol 29, 160–168 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-005-0035-z

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