Rare plant species to be re-introduced around Adelaide

Seven rare native plants will be re-introduced to metropolitan Adelaide in a new project rolling out this month to improve urban biodiversity.

Green Adelaide, Trees For Life and the SA Seed Conservation Centre are partnering to deliver a unique greening project, which will re-establish 7 rare plant species at more than 20 sites in 8 of Adelaide's metropolitan council areas.

Green Adelaide ecologist Jason van Weenen said that the rare plants, including the tall daisy and arching flax lily, need help to improve their chances of survival locally.

"We are working closely with Trees For Life to propagate rare and locally extinct plants, and this new project will see these unique plants re-introduced to metropolitan Adelaide's environment," Mr van Weenan said.

"The 7 species have largely disappeared from around metropolitan Adelaide since European settlement due to land management changes, disturbance and weeds.

"Through this new project, we will learn more about the conditions and management needed to keep these species persisting in the landscape."

Trees For Life has provided the people power for this project, as Bush For Life Manager Amelia Hurren explains.

"Our volunteers are traditionally involved with the care of bushland areas across the sites identified for this project," said Amelia.

"It is thanks to their efforts in removing weeds over years of care for the land that these locations are viable for the re-introduction of these rare species.

"We've worked with the SA Seed Conservation Centre at the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium on the species selection for these sites, with the Seed Conservation Centre also sourcing the limited seed and preparing it for the best chance of germination.

"Their advice around propagation and planting design will help our volunteers on planting days across June and July," said Amelia.

SA Seed Conservation Centre botanist, Dan Duval, said that this was an important step in helping to boost biodiversity of metropolitan Adelaide.

"The plants we've selected were once wide-spread across the Adelaide region. Bringing them back and helping these plant populations to thrive will have the knock on benefit of supporting native wildlife too, helping our ecosystems to be richer and more resilient," said Dan.

BACKGROUND

Project partners:

Green Adelaide

Green Adelaide is a statutory board established in July 2020 by the Government of South Australia, with a vision to create a cooler, greener, wilder and climate-resilient Adelaide that celebrates our unique natural environment.

Trees For Life

Since 1981, Trees For Life people have worked hard to safeguard our biodiversity. To achieve this Trees for Life deliver projects that revegetate and protect bushland, farm land and biodiversity within urban landscapes. With local knowledge, Trees For Life raise awareness about native plants and animals. And with experience, they empower people to take action and connect with their landscape.

Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium

The SA Seed Conservation Centre – which is part of the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium - was established in 2002 to help protect the state’s threatened plant species from extinction and to support the recovery of plant species and habitats around South Australia.

Councils involved:

City of Adelaide, City of Burnside, City of Port Adelaide Enfield, City of Mitcham, City of Onkaparinga, City of Playford and City of Tea Tree Gully.

Plant species identified: