This new finding in Australia shows Eucalyptus trees ​having higher than normal concentrations of gold in their leaves and twigs, giving researchers a desire to duplicate it in greenhouses.

Abstract:
Eucalyptus trees may translocate Au from mineral deposits and support the use of vegetation (biogeochemical) sampling in mineral exploration, particularly where thick sediments dominate. However, biogeochemistry has not been routinely adopted partly because biotic mechanisms of Au migration are poorly understood. For example, although Au has been previously measured in plant samples, there has been doubt as to whether it was truly absorbed rather than merely adsorbed on the plant surface as aeolian contamination. Here we show the first evidence of particulate Au within natural specimens of living biological tissue (not from laboratory experimentation). This observation conclusively demonstrates active biogeochemical adsorption of Au and provides insight into its behavior in natural samples. The confirmation of biogeochemical adsorption of Au, and of a link with abiotic processes, promotes confidence in an emerging technique that may lead to future exploration success and maintain continuity of supply.

For full open access publication:
Natural Gold Particles in Eucalyptus Leaves and Their Relevance to Exploration For Buried Gold Deposits
Authors: Melvyn Lintern, Ravi Anand, Chris Ryan & David Paterson

Resources:
Sustaining Our Oak-Hickory Forests – Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment, The Education Store
“The Nature of Oaks” Webinar With Author Doug Tallamy, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
Indiana Forestry and Wildlife: The Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment, The Education Store
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube playlist
Woodland Management Moment , Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist
Indiana Woodland Steward, promoting wise use of Indiana’s forest resources

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Nature Communications is an open access journal that publishes high-quality research from all areas of the natural sciences. Papers published by the journal represent important advances of significance to specialists within each field.