RST Apology to Tasmanian Aboriginal people 2021.
The extent of hybridisation and gene flow between the three Monocalyptus species, Eucalyptus pulchella, E
coccifera (series Piperitae) and E delegatensis (series Oh/iquae) at Snug Plains (600 m) in southeastern Tasmania was examined. The flowering time of E pulchella was two months later than usual for this normally low-altitude species. It consequently overlapped the flowering period of both sub-alpine species E. coccifera and E delegatensis and had its peak flowering period intermediate between the two. The movements of pollinators across the species boundaries indicated the potential for hybridisation between E pulchella and the other two species. Adult morphology suggested that the Snug Plains E. pulchella tended towards E. coccifera compared to typical, low-altitude E. pulchella and progeny tests reinforced this view. In addition, two out of twelve E pulchella adults sampled appeared intermediate between this species and E coccifera and produced progeny overlapping those from E coccifera. These results suggest that introgression of E. coccifera genes may be occurring into E. pulchella at Snug Plains although adaptive convergence cannot be excluded. Quite a different picture is seen for the results of hybridisation between E pulchella and E. delegatensis. Six putative Fl hybrids between E. pulchella and E. delegatensis occurred in progeny from two E. pulchella mothers. However, this appears to have had little genetic impact on the species, since no evidence of introgression or convergence was apparent in adult populations of these species.
Royal Society of Tasmania, RST, Van Diemens Land, natural history, science, ecology, taxonomy, botany, zoology, geology, geography, papers & proceedings, Australia, UTAS Library
Published Papers
The Royal Society of Tasmania acknowledges, with deep respect, the traditional owners of this land, and the ongoing custodianship of the Aboriginal people of Tasmania. The Society pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that Tasmanian Aboriginal Peoples have survived severe and unjust impacts resulting from invasion and dispossession of their Country. As an institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, the Royal Society of Tasmania recognises Aboriginal cultural knowledge and practices and seeks to respect and honour these traditions and the deep understanding they represent.
On 15 February 2021, the Royal Society of Tasmania offered a formal Apology to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people.