The genus Banksia: can ecophysiological traits associated with nutrient acquisition explain species distribution and rarity?

我们的目标是调查Banksia属(Proteaceae)不同物种获取营养的特殊机制的一个重要方面是否解释了它们的分布和稀有性。这方面是他们的‘蛋白质’根产生的渗出物的模式。不同种类的Proteaceae产生不同的分泌物，预计模式的变化反映了它们在某些土壤类型上的生长能力。我们的研究将提供关于决定物种分布的过程的关键信息，以及为稀有和濒危物种制定更好的管理制度的结果。

We aim to investigate if an important aspect of a specialised mechanism of nutrient acquisition by different species of the genus Banksia (Proteaceae) accounts for their distribution and rarity. This aspect is the pattern of exudates that are produced by their 'proteoid' roots. Different species of the Proteaceae produce different exudates and it is envisaged that variation in pattern reflects their capacity to grow on certain soil types. Our studies will provide key information on processes that determine species distribution, with consequences for defining better management regimes for rare and endangered species.