Nickel hyperaccumulation in Antidesma montis‐silam: from herbarium discovery to collection in the native habitat

• DOI: 10.1007/s11284-017-1542-4
• Publication Date: 2017-12-08T10:29:29Z
• Authors: Philip Nti Nkrumah; Guillaume Echevarria; Peter Damian Erskine; Antony van der Ent
• Keywords: Herbarium

Abstract The majority of nickel hyperaccumulator plant species have been discovered by screening using a field spot test based on dimethylglyoxime. Recently, the use portable X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy instruments has enabled non‐destructive analyses existing herbarium collections. Given that family Phyllanthaceae globally greatest numbers hyperaccumulators, all available specimens from this family, including speciose genus Antidesma , at Forest Research Centre Herbarium in Sabah, Malaysia, were analysed. results reveal 9 new manganese hyperaccumulators puncticulatum with concentrations reaching up to 46,400 µg g −1 . Prior study, only one had recorded Sabah. present study is first discover (four species) montis ‐ silam 32,700 Further collection and material native habitat confirmed high foliar concentrations. hyperaccumulating characteristic ostensibly fast growth rate infer potential for agromining technology. Some exhibit co‐accumulation nickel. This case‐study shows how XRF can lead discovery taxa unique properties.