Conservation genetics of rare Graptophyllum species (Acanthaceae) from Queensland

There are four species of Graptophyllum in Queensland; G. spinigerum (widespread), G. excellsum (rare), G. ilicifolium (vulnerable) and G. reticulatum (endangered) covering a range of distributions from widespread to restricted and endangered. All of these species have been grown in cultivation, G. excellsum being one of the earliest native plants cultivated in Queensland being a shrub with spectacular scarlet flowers. All species grow in localised scattered populations but differing is geographic extent with G. reticulatum being known from only two locations only one within a National park , and G. ilicifolium only known from 3 locations in the Mackay region. They are all rainforest species but spanning an ecological gradient from G reticulatum and G ilicifolium occurring in CNVF to G. excellsum in vine thickets on limestone outcrops such as near Mt Etna. This project was focussed around understanding the populations genetics of the endangered species G. reticulatum found on the Sunshine Coast and comparing the levels of genetic diversity and inbreeding with its congeners which varied in abundance and distribution. Preliminary results indicate that there is some genetic differentiation among populations of each species and moderate genetic diversity within species the final results will be presented. The results may have implications for conservation management especially the population of G. reticulatum on several adjacent house blocks of private land on Buderim Mountain completely surrounded by urban development. The results will also have implications for the retail nursery industry and local species recovery programs