Home / Environment / Australia's 'Zombie Tree' Faces Extinction
Australia's 'Zombie Tree' Faces Extinction
31 Mar
Summary
- A newly discovered tree species, Rhodamnia zombi, is functionally extinct.
- A fungal disease, myrtle rust, prevents reproduction in living trees.
- Scientists are cloning trees and researching treatments to save the species.
In Australia's rainforests, a newly identified tree species, Rhodamnia zombi, is facing extinction. Discovered in Queensland in 2020, these trees are alive but unable to reproduce due to the pervasive impact of myrtle rust. This fungal disease has rendered them incapable of producing essential reproductive elements like flowers and seeds, leading to them being described as 'the living dead.'
The primary threat is the fungus Austropuccinia psidii, commonly known as myrtle rust. It aggressively attacks the myrtle family, including many native Australian plants. Indigenous species, like the zombie tree, have proven to be 'naive hosts,' lacking natural resistance to this rapidly spreading disease.
Efforts to combat the extinction crisis are underway. Scientists are cloning remaining trees by planting cuttings in controlled environments. Research is also focused on developing treatments such as fungicides and RNA-based therapies to bolster the trees' defenses against the infection.
Furthermore, the cultivation of disease-free seedlings in protected areas aims to reintroduce immune trees into their natural habitat. This initiative is crucial for the species' long-term survival and highlights a broader concern for biodiversity in Australian rainforests.
The zombie tree's plight underscores the significant ecological challenges posed by invasive species and diseases, exacerbated by globalization and climate change. Saving Rhodamnia zombi represents a critical test of scientific innovation and our commitment to preserving natural ecosystems.
