Evolutionary Biogeography of the Australian Flora in the Cenozoic Era

The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia have been shaped by a complex interplay of contraction and diversification over the last 65 million years. A once-widespread mesic flora, comprising both rainforest and sclerophyll elements, has given way to an expansion and diversification of dry-adapted, fire-tolerant species, particularly sclerophyllous groups. While many species trace their lineage back to Australia's isolation following Gondwana's breakup, the continent's flora also reflects significant migration patterns, including trans-oceanic dispersal among southern hemisphere landmasses and exchanges with Asia. Despite clear historical biogeographic patterns—such as the separation of mesic zones in southwestern and southeastern Australia—many processes remain poorly understood.

Weston, P. H., & Jordan, G. J. (2017). Evolutionary Biogeography of the Australian Flora in the Cenozoic Era. Australian Vegetation, 40–62. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781316339701.004