Crimson berry (Leptecophylla oxycedrus) is an Australian Heath (Ericaceae) with a densely branched shrub. The Crimson Berry is an extremely rare plant on Phillip Island (Millowl) and is one of five key threatened flora species on the island. The Penguin Foundation is providing funding to the Recovery Action Plan for the species and we are pleased to provide an update of progress.

The study results surprisingly revealed that the Millowl populations form a distinct clade (group), suggesting they likely branched off from the Tasmanian stronghold a long time ago. They are also most closely related to several populations from north-western Tasmania and potentially King Island, rather than their closest geographical neighbours from Wilsons Promontory and Corner Inlet. These in turn are aligned with populations from the Furneax Group and eastern Tasmania. This suggests two staggered routes of colonisation from Tasmania to Victoria – one north-east and one north-west. Seed dispersal was most likely facilitated by birds.

Molly also discovered that, despite being small, the Millowl populations exhibit high genetic diversity. This suggests they were once part of much larger populations prior to land clearance for agriculture, and it also rules out inbreeding as a limiting factor. This is valuable information for managing the populations. To date, we have not been successful in propagating crimson berry plants from seed. However, knowing they are not infertile due to inbreeding allows us to continue seed germination trials, with the goal of eventually introducing more genetically diverse plants into the colonies. Additionally, we now understand that if we wish to introduce plants from other locations, we should source them from the north-western Tasmania or King Island populations.

Population Threats - Lack of recruitment
The lack of recruitment is the greatest threat to the Crimson berry on Phillip Island. All the plants observed at both Cape Woolamai and The Gap - YCW are very old and most likely remnant from pre-European settlement. There are several possibilities requiring further investigation as to why there is no recruitment:
 The Phillip Island populations are small and have been isolated for a long time to the extent
of becoming inbred and infertile.
 There are no seed dispersal agents such as fruit eating birds to process the seed and aid
germination. Pollination of the flowers is occurring and developing fruit however the berries
are remaining on the plants for a long time.
 There is an insufficient area of suitable habitat to support the populations.
 The climate has become unsuitable for seed germination. The Phillip Island populations are
at the extreme of the species distribution where the climate is warmer than all other
populations.