Seed desiccation tolerance of threatened Australian species Myrsine richmondensis

The seed storage behaviour of many Australian rainforest species is poorly understood, although recovery plans often include a requirement for ex-situ storage. Myrsine richmondensis Jackes (Ripple-leaf Muttonwood, syn. Rapanea sp. A Richmond River or Rapanea sp. Richmond River, Myrsinaceae) is one such threatened species, with a recovery plan that includes establishment of an ex-situ seedbank as an insurance strategy against catastrophic events. However, since the first stage in the ex-situ storage of seeds is drying, it is important to determine whether seeds of M. richmondensis tolerate drying. Consequently here we document the response of M. richmondensis seeds to desiccation, with the aim of establishing an ex-situ collection. The storage behaviour of this species was investigated by comparing the germination of fresh, dried and moist-stored seed. This species was found to tolerate drying to an eRH of 23%, with an average germination of 76% after 32 days for dried seeds.