Cultivating diversity: is the functional diversity of nursery stocks sufficient for the establishment of functionally diverse restored woodlands?

Abstract Introduction Ecological restoration projects often rely on nurseries (NU) to provide plants to restore ecological communities. However, the range of species available in NU may not represent the range of ecological function found in species in reference (natural) communities. Objectives We tested for differences in species and functional representation between national parks (NP; reference communities) and NU used to supply plants for restoration projects. Methods We conducted vegetation surveys in 14 NP sites in the Sydney basin. Each community surveyed represented Sydney Dry Sclerophyll Woodland. Further, we surveyed the species found in 10 plant NU that provide stock for restoration projects in nearby woodlands of the same ecosystem. Functional traits (e.g. seed mass and plant height) for each species were obtained from established functional trait databases. Results We found that NU had fewer species than those from reference communities. NU had a higher representation of trees, species with a longer juvenile period, and a lower representation of herbs and subshrubs. Post‐fire response traits were different, with an under‐representation of resprouting species. Biotically and mixed biotically–abiotically dispersed species, and species with dry fruit, leaf specializations, and capacity for vegetative reproduction were under‐represented. Conclusion While NU remain a valuable resource for restoration projects, the range of functional traits found in NU could limit restoration success.