“What drives variation in the composition and structure of Australia's subtropical rainforests?"

Australia's subtropical rainforests come instrikingly different forms and species mixtures, from the towering, vine-draped forests of Lamington National Park to the squat, drought adapted "bottle tree scrubs" of the inland Burnett.

Rainfall and temperature have long been invoked to explain these contrasts, but the reasons why particular species occur where they do, and why forest structure changes so dramatically across the region, has not been clearly established.

Drawing on his group's recent surveys of rainforests spanning Byron Bay to Gladstone, and detailed measurements of leaves and wood on some 300 tree species, John will describe just what drives this incredible variation.

Refreshments at 6:30 pm, presentation at 7:00 pm., followed by Q&A.

Free for members, non-members are very welcome - any small donation appreciated.