Plants that accumulate metals (Part VI): Further studies of an Australian nickel accumulating plant

Analyses for nickel, copper, cobalt and zinc of some leaf, stem and root samples ofHybanthus floribundus from the Eastern Goldfields area of Western Australia is reported. All four metals appear to behave differently. Nickel is taken into the roots, but accumulates in the tops. Copper is largely excluded, but is evenly distributed at low levels. Cobalt is taken up to a greater extent than copper and is evenly distributed. Zinc is accumulated in the roots and is largely excluded from the tops. Plant-soil metal concentrations are discussed. Extraction studies show that nickel in the leaves, and to a lesser extent in woody parts, is associated with pectic carbohydrates. Accumulation and selectivity of uptake are discussed.