Seeds of Tetratheca gunnii

Description:

Tetratheca gunnii (Shy Pinkbells) seeds with a white elaisome attached, harvested at the RTBG Nursery. Tetratheca seeds are dispersed by ants through a process termed myrmecochory. Ants collect the seeds and carry them to their nests, consume the elaisome (which is typically composed of protein or fat) and then dispose of the seed, thus moving the seed and potentially protecting the seed from predation.Tetratheca gunnii, is an endangered, endemic species to Tasmania with an extremely restricted distribution, growing solely on serpentine soils in the Dazzler Ranges near Beaconsfield. With the wild population estimated at less than 200 individuals, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens staff have been working with the Threatened Species Section of the Tasmanian Government to establish a conservation collection at the Gardens. So far production from our nursery has replanted 100 of these plants back into the wild. Propagation work continues and the potted nursery collection will also be used to secure seed for long-term storage in the Tasmanian Seed Conservation Centre.