Threatened plant translocation case study : Persoonia hirsuta (Hairy Persoonia), Proteaceae

Historic surveys and herbarium records of 'Persoonia hirsuta' noted over 600 individuals to occur throughout its known distribution. Due to recent urbanisation and increased development pressures throughout Sydney, this species is experiencing significant decline. Efforts to conserve 'P. hirsuta' in the landscape have been hampered by observed dieback from an unknown cause. Additionally, efforts to conserve the species ex situ have been negatively affected by issues associated with microbial contamination, resulting in low recruitment success (Emery and Offord, 2019). 'P. hirsuta' is listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act and NSW BC Act. This species is found in dry sclerophyll open forests and heathlands of sandstone origin, often in areas of mild disturbance with an open canopy. While the Sydney Sandstone ecosystem in which 'P. hirsuta' is found is relatively common, there are several ecological factors related to this species' biology that contribute to its rarity in the landscape (outlined in 'Threatening Processes' above). In addition, the genus lacks a cluster root system, common to most other species in the Proteaceae, and it is hypothesised that a missing fungal or microbial biological link may have been overlooked. Cluster roots help Proteaceous plants uptake phosphorous from the soil through fine hairs that increase the surface area to aid in water absorption. Furthermore, 'P. hirsuta' might be susceptible to soil pathogens, which could also explain the observed dieback in the landscape. Further exploration of the presence and functional importance of soil organisms in association with 'P. hirsuta' will greatly improve our understanding of the below‑ground ecology of this genus.