The battle to save a species from becoming a 'zombie' is a race against time! Scientists are fighting to prevent the Rhodamnia zombi rainforest tree from fading into oblivion, a fate it was named after. But can they succeed? And what does this mean for our understanding of evolution?
This unique tree, discovered in 2020, has been ravaged by a fungal disease called myrtle rust, which has left it unable to grow or reproduce naturally. The disease targets new growth, stunting the tree's development and leaving it in a state of perpetual decay. Field surveys reveal a grim picture: some trees have already perished, and the remaining wild population is barren, devoid of flowers or fruit.
The threat emerged in Australia in 2010, spreading like wildfire through native forests. University of Queensland botanist, Professor Rod Fensham, emphasizes the urgency, stating that without the ability to grow or reproduce, the species is on the brink of extinction.
But here's where it gets controversial: Rhodamnia zombi is not alone in its struggle. It is one of 17 species facing extinction due to myrtle rust. Yet, some of its close relatives exhibit natural tolerance to the disease, hinting at a potential genetic solution. This has sparked a daring plan: scientists are cultivating clean cuttings in protected environments, aiming to nurture disease-free plants until they flower and set seed. The goal? To identify and cultivate resistant individuals, ensuring the species' survival.
In Queensland's Sunshine Coast, dedicated conservationists like Alexandra Hayes-Hatten and Milo Wakeman-Bateman are at the forefront of this effort. They collect cuttings from the wild and nurture them in controlled conditions, a delicate process requiring expertise and patience. The challenge is to strike a balance between preserving the species and allowing it to evolve naturally.
The ultimate goal is to reintroduce resistant trees to their native forests, giving them the time and space to thrive without the constant threat of myrtle rust. But is this a realistic ambition? Can we truly save a species from the brink of extinction, or are we merely delaying the inevitable? The fate of Rhodamnia zombi hangs in the balance, and with it, our understanding of the delicate dance between conservation and evolution.
