What’s happening in the First Creek Wetland’s ‘settlement’ pond in Adelaide Botanic Garden?
An alga has been growing there that hasn’t been recorded in Adelaide for many years.
It is not toxic like blue-green algae, and it has got scientists at the State Herbarium excited. They’ve been taking samples to assist botanic gardens staff to manage the natural First Creek Wetland system.
It is a sign of a healthy ecosystem and shows just how diverse the biology of this area is.
Algae is a natural recycler. It soaks up excess nutrients washed in from surrounding streets and supports a living aquatic ecosystem: it produces oxygen and feeds insects which in turn feed the resident banjo frogs, ducks, grebes and many other creatures that call the wetlands home.
Under the microscope, the green alga, Mougeotia, looks like grassy filaments.
Mixed in with the alga are pine pollen grains, which are reminiscent of Mickey Mouse caps.
18 July 2023
Have you ever driven past the beautiful heritage-listed Goodman Building when passing the Garden on Hackney Road? Did you know this building was formerly the base for the Municipal Tramways Trust but now serves as the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium administration building.
07 June 2023
World Ocean Day is an annual celebration held on 8 June which unites and rallies the world to protect and restore our blue planet. In our latest blog, State Herbarium's Jem Barratt takes a deep dive into how its scientific work focusing on seagrasses and seaweed helps with the restoration and preservation of our ocean ecosystems.
