ABSTRACT
Australia is recognized as one of the most biologically diverse countries, with over 25,000 species of flowering plants. Australia, however, also holds the record for plant extinctions, with 7 percent of plant species considered to be at risk from human activities (Dixon, 2003). Extinction and loss of diversity are not problems limited only to Australia. Worldwide concern is now focused on the fate of natural resources and the potential for loss of biodiversity (Orr, 2003). Humans can control the fate of our genetic resources and the activities that threaten their sustainability. Activities and factors that pose threats include competition by introduced species, disease, pollution, agriculture, disturbance, and building and development (Guarino et al., 1995; Orr, 2003).
