Ironplant (Astrotricha hamptonii, Araliaceae): an enigmatic species with a rich history in bioprospecting

Abstract

Astrotricha hamptonii F.Muell. (Araliaceae) is essentially restricted to the Hamersley Range in the Pilbara region of Western Australia where it grows on cliffs in rock fissures, and on scree slopes. This distinctive plant almost always grows in association with iron ore deposits on banded ironstone formations. Recognisable from the air, this species was used by prospector and pastralist, Lang Hancock's prospecting partner, Ken McCamey, to accurately map the distribution of many of the richest iron ore deposits in the Hamersley Range. This paper provides the first detailed taxonomic description of this species to be published in English. A summary of its use for bioprospecting is provided.