Comparative ecophysiological analyses of melaleuca irbyana and melaleuca bracteata: A narrowly versus widely distributed congeneric species

This thesis developed for the first time an understanding of the traits, environmental conditions and lifecycle of the critically endangered tree species, Melaleuca irbyana R.T. Baker. M. irbyana's distribution is restricted to the south-west peri-urban fringe of South East Queensland. It forms dense monocultures naturally, providing unique and important habitat for wildlife, which is now a declared critically endangered ecosystem under Australia's EPBC Act 1999. Research findings are aimed at assisting management efforts to ensure the persistence of remaining populations of this species and guiding efforts for more effective revegetation projects