Geobotanical and biogeochemical investigations in the sclerophyllous woodland and shrub associations of the Eastern Goldfields area of Western Australia, with particular reference to the role of Hybanthus floribundus (Lindl.) F. Muell. as a nickel indicator and accumulator plant.
Abstract
Gives the results of a survey of woodlands characterized mainly by Eucalyptus spp., including data on: the contents of Ni, Co, Cu, Zn and S in different plant species relative to soil pH and to the total concentrations of these elements in the -80 mesh fraction of the soil at a sampling depth of 4-6 inches; and the distribution of the different plant species relative to the concentrations of Ni, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the same soil fraction at the same depth. The shrub H. floribundus is shown to be a Ni accumulator, and its presence together with Trymalium myrtillus and Dodonaea microzyga may indicate a Ni-bearing site. The scope and limitations of geobotanical and biogeochemical investigations in Ni exploration in the winter-rainfall area of Western Australia is discussed.