Benson, L.A.S.Johnson: taxonomist, ecologist, conservationist ... 
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comments in papers and journals devoted primarily to systematic botany they have 
been overlooked by many ecologists [much to the exasperation of LASJ]. In studies on 
Proteaceae Johnson discusses the importance of soil fertility in the evolution of the 
flora and argues that the characteristics of the scleromorphs are associated with survival 
in nutrient-deficient situations and only to a lesser degree with climatic stress. Johnson 
& Briggs (1981) take up the liistory of the scleromorphic floras in terms of world 
distribution, ecogeography and the development of sclerophyll communities based on 
their studies on the Myrtaceae, Proteaceae and Restionaceae ('three old southern 
families'). They argue that the low-nutrient (and chiefly scleromorphic) floras and the 
various floras on moderate- or high-nutrient substrates remained highly distinct since 
their differentiation, perhaps as early as the Palaeogene. There was further modification 
by additional speciation under the mediterranean climate in south-western Australia, 
and in eastern Australia under less regular periods of drought. Some low-nutrient 
scleromorphs penetrated the edaphically poorer parts of the newly-expanded arid 
regions. A salient point that Johnson & Briggs make is that 'with very few exceptions, 
they [the low-nutrient scleromorphs] did not spread into the adjacent moderate- or 
high-nutrient areas' [their emphasis). 
His passionate interest in low-nutrient scleromorphic vegetation led Johnson to 
recognise the importance of eutrophication as a major factor in weed invasion along 
creeks in Sydney sandstone areas in 1970s, at the same time as others (Don Adamson 
of Macquarie University, Eileen and Joan Bradley, initiators of bush regeneration 
strategies) were calling for action. 
'On the local front, resist by all legal means the unnecessary fouling of gullies by 
residential or other development at their heads, leading to mineral enrichment and 
choking by weeds.' he wrote in the Preface to Flowers mui plants ofNeiu South Wales and 
Southern Queensland (Rotherham et al. 1975). 'Resist "reclaiming" (a profoundly dishonest 
word) of swamps. Prevent building on headlands and unnecessary artificial revegetation 
of sand-dunes. Oppose clearing, mowing, planting of roadsides; let the native vegetation 
or even harmless "weeds" grow — they will support a rich life of invertebrate animals 
and some birds and other vertebrates (though certain noxious weeds cannot be tolerated 
and harbour for rabbits must sometimes be destroyed). Keep even the smallest patches 
of native or semi-native vegetation — the large reserves alone are not enough.' 
The uniqueness and importance of the Australian landscape 
His ecological interests are probably expressed most strongly in his commitment to 
conservation. He stressed the importance of retaining roadside remnants in the 1960s, 
raising concerns that would become mainstream in the 1990s in the work of 
organisations such as Greening Australia and Landcare*. 'Large areas of the Australian 
landscape derive much of their character from trees that are survivors from forests or 
woodlands previously existing in areas now mainly cleared. Many of these trees are 
already old, and grazing and cultivation are preventing natural establishment of their 
progeny' wrote Johnson & Briggs in 1971 in an article on Unplanted trees: the value of 
natural regrowth. They argued that natural regeneration not only provided windbreaks 
and shelter but maintains the distinctive Australian character of the landscape and 
* Many botanists have been concerned at the destruction of vegetation and loss of species. For 
example W. Woolls wrote in the late 1880s of the loss of local biodiversity, while J.H. Maiden 
wrote much on the unnecessary destruction of forests and the degradation of rural land in the 
early 1900s. While the work of botanists may not have been directly influential in changing 
community attitudes, the results of their ongoing research do provide a solid basis for necessary 
action once the need for change is finally recognised. 
