Australian alpine seed ecology: Plant conservation and adaptation to climate change

The Australian alpine is critically vulnerable to climate change. Many alpine plant species are under threat of extinction. We will investigate how climate change will affect the reproductive ecology and demography of Australian alpine flora. Our novel approach will place particular emphasis on maternal or cross-generational effects on viability offspring success. We will also develop state-of-the-art seed banking methods, based on germination, dormancy and longevity studies, for conservation of alpine seeds in seed banks and botanic gardens. Outcomes will lead to effective monitoring, management and conservation of Australia s alpine flora, and educate a wide audience about conservation of our national alpine biodiversity.