LATIFAH, D., CONGDON, R. A. & HOLTUM, J. A. 2016. Regeneration strategies of palms (Arecaceae) in response to cyclonic disturbances. Reinwardtia 15 (1): 43 ? 59. — Tropical cyclones may act as important ecological drivers in northern Australia including north Queensland, as several cyclones impact this region each year between November and May. Extensive research has been conducted to investigate how regeneration of rainforest plant communities respond to frequent cyclonic disturbances. However, there have been few such studies on palms although they are important components of many rainforests. This research aimed to investigate the effects of canopy gaps following cyclonic disturbance (case study: Cyclone Larry) on  regeneration of Arenga australasica (H. Wendl. & Drude) S. T. Blake ex H. E. Moore, Calamus australis Mart., C. moti F. M. Bailey, Hydriastele wendlandiana (F. Muell.) H. Wendl. & Drude and Licuala ramsayi var. ramsayi (F. Muell.) H. Wendl. & Drude. The field research was carried out at five sites in three areas located in northern Queensland: Tam O’Shanter/Djiru National Park, Clump Mountain National Park and Kurrimine Beach Conservation Park. Observations were made of recruitment, growth rate, leaf turnover and life history. We found that responses of palm regeneration following cyclonic disturbance varied among study sites; however, the recruitment of several species was favoured in gaps created by cyclones. The results also provide information on the various stages in the life cycle of the study palms.

Palms (Arecaceae) are an important component of many tropical rainforests. Many have also been cultivated widely for agricultural commodities with high economic value. They are also important components in rehabilitation of disturbed or marginal lands. Knowledge and application of germination strategies are essential in the cultivation of palms. Many species have seeds that do not germinate readily, even when light conditions are favourable. This research determined the effects of seed coats, light and temperature on germination of Arenga australasica (H. Wendl. & Drude) S. T. Blake ex H. E. Moore, Calamus australis Mart., Hydriastele wendlandiana (F. Muell.) H. Wendl. & Drude and Licuala ramsayi var. tuckeri Barford & Dowe. We examined physical treatments to promote germination or break dormancy, as well as different light and temperature conditions. The results showed that the hard seed coats of the four species slowed imbibition. Scarified seeds germinated best for A. australasica, C. australis and L. ramsayi. The germination of all seeds was inhibited by far red light. The red light requirement suggests that these species prefer to colonise open areas. This implies that dispersal agents, canopy gaps and forest margins may play important roles in promoting regeneration as well as conservation of these palm species.

Nepenthes is one of the popular genus of pitcher plants. Research on the biodiversity and growth beharviour of Nepenthes spp. in Tanjung Puting National Park was carried out. There were four species studied, namely: N. ampullaria, N. mirabilis N. rafflesiana, and N. x. hookeriana,. There were about 2096 individuals recorded in this study consisting of 1322 N. ampullaria, 1332 N. mirabilis, 141 N. rafflesiana, and 111 N. x. hookeriana. Variation of tendril positions occurred in 1 rosette plant and 3 climbing stems (mature plants) of N. ampullaria, 2 rosettes and 9 mature N. mirabilis, 1 rosette and 4 mature N. rafflesiana, 2 rosettes and 2 mature N. x. hookeriana. Their habitats were also very specific. It was noted that 6 species of other plants were grown and associated with the Nepenthes spp.