Hyperaccumulators are unusual, yet interesting plants with the ability to accumulate metals in their tissues in amounts that are hundreds or thousands of times greater than those of most plants. It is not yet known precisely how many hyperaccumulator species exist, and particular information about those species are scattered in different types of sources. To simplify and improve how research can be conducted on these unique organisms, the Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation has produced an online, searchable Global Hyperaccumulator Database.
According to the recent publication in the New Phytologist journal, the database currently lists 721 hyperaccumulator species, based on their capacity to accumulate trace elements, including: nickel, copper, cobalt, manganese, zinc, selenium, thallium, cadmium, arsenic, and lead. The catalog spans species across 52 families and 130 genera—and these numbers are expected to change as more discoveries are made.
The ability of hyperaccumulators to take up large amounts of metallic elements provide fundamental interest and even practical importance. Their ecology is actively studied for insight on anti-herbivore defences, natural chemical production, and biotic interactions. Applied biotechnological interests include bioharvesting for metals (phytomining), contaminant removal (phytoremediation), and biofortification of essential elements.
There is some urgency to actively engage in hyperaccumulator research. "By virtue of their existence on metalliferous soils, hyperaccumulator plants are actively threatened by mining, and timely identification is necessary to take advantage of their unique properties," said senior author Dr. Antony van der Ent, of The University of Queensland, in Australia.
Image: The home page of the global hyperaccumulator database highlights iconic hyperaccumulator plant species and scientific pioneers in the field.