Oct 23, 2025 | News
The ‘Preventing the Extinction of Victoria’s Threatened Flora Program’ is leading conservation efforts for the endangered Kneed Swainson-pea, Swainsona reticulata. The Kneed Swainson-pea is listed as Endangered in Victoria under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, due to habitat destruction leaving relatively few, disjunct populations.
RBGV scientists Dr Noushka Reiter, Dr Gareth Holmes, Alex McLachlan, and horticulturist Holden Sayers have been working together to propagate the Kneed Swainson-pea. They have successfully identified the native Rhizobia which they have been using to symbiotically propagate the species on mass (pictured here). The rhizobia fix atmospheric nitrogen and convert this to a form that the plant can use. The association of our native peas with Rhizobia has allowed them to grow throughout much of Australia in our nutrient poor soils. Our long-term aim is to re-establish populations.
The ‘Preventing the extinction of Victoria’s threatened flora’ project is led by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in partnership with La Trobe University, Australian Network for Plant Conservation, DEECA, Parks Victoria, Trust for Nature, Wimmera Catchment Management Authority, Nillumbik Shire, ENVITE, Bairnsdale & District Field Naturalists Club, Friends of the Grampians Gariwerd, WAMA Botanic Gardens, Halls Gap Botanic Gardens, and the Australasian Native Orchid Society Victorian Branch.
Photo credit: Noushka Reiter
Oct 10, 2025 | News
Last month the ANPC and the Invasive Species Council filed a joint submission in response to the Biosecurity Import Requirements Draft Report issued with Biosecurity Advice 2025-P03, which recommends the allowing of importation of fresh guava fruit (Psidium guajava) from Taiwan. The Draft Report excludes Myrtle Rust (Austropuccinia psidii) from risk assessment on the grounds that it is not present in Taiwan.
We argue that this finding was not well justified – a concern validated by the confirmed occurrence of Myrtle Rust in Taiwan, reported after the Draft Report’s publication. Although DAFF now proposes to
conduct a risk assessment of Myrtle Rust, in the submission we provide a critique of the original decision to exclude Myrtle Rust from assessment, as well as recommendations for revision and to seek advice from experts in the National Myrtle Rust Working Group prior to publishing.
To read the full submission, click here.
Aug 1, 2025 | News
Partner gardens collaborating to safeguard vulnerable species
Over the past several years, the distribution of various lineages of Native Guava (Rhodomyrtus psidioides) and Scrub Turpentine (Rhodamnia rubescens) to partner gardens has played a vital role in the conservation of species impacted by Myrtle Rust. Between 2021 and 2024, dedicated teams at Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden – Mt Tomah, The Australian Botanic Garden – Mt Annan, Australian National Botanic Gardens – Canberra, Booderee Botanic Garden and Dandenong Botanic Garden have nurtured and closely monitored these meta-collections.
The good news is, despite facing a range of challenges—including outbreaks of Myrtle Rust, animal browsing and damaging storms—all distributed plants remain alive! This resilience is a testament to the commitment and care provided by staff across all participating gardens. ☀️ Special thanks to all involved.
Supports put in place to protect trees from wild weather
Fencing to protect the trees from browsing
With plans underway to distribute additional lineages from central collections in New South Wales and Queensland, we have been actively reviewing original processes and collecting lessons learned from each garden’s experience. Our approach aims to continually improve outcomes for these at-risk species.
Two weeks ago at Mount Tomah, Ian Allan shared valuable insights on site selection and plant management. He observed that plants positioned with better access to sunlight have shown notably stronger growth. Looking ahead, Ian highlighted the potential for experimenting with hedge-format plantings—an approach that could offer more efficient use of space and improved management options.
If your garden or arboretum is interested in hosting safe custody collections for species affected by Myrtle Rust, please reach out to Pip Walsh at myrtlerust@anpc.asn.au to learn more.
Feature image: Ian Allan with one of the larger Native Guava trees at Mt Tomah.
Jul 17, 2025 | News
The ANPC is excited to announce that we have been selected as one of 2025’s Bank Australia community customer grant recipients, to support our QTPN Flora Discovery Project. These grants aim to grow the impact of Bank Australia customers who are making a difference in areas such as nature and biodiversity, climate action, affordable and accessible housing and First Nations Recognition and Respect.
Five Flora Survey Training Workshops will be held during 2025/26 to train community-based volunteer groups and citizen scientists in regional areas of Queensland to undertake targeted native flora surveys and fill key gaps in our knowledge of our threatened plants. The workshops will build their capacity to conduct strategic and highly valuable surveys of rare flora, and assist in the long term planning, implementation and monitoring of recovery actions for these species.
Read more about the workshops and the Bank Australia grant here: https://www.anpc.asn.au/qtpn-flora-discovery/
A big thank you to Bank Australia for supporting this project!
Feature image: Attendees at a Currumbin Flora Survey Training Workshop with the QTPN. Credit: Paul Donatiu
May 30, 2025 | Events Category, News
APCC15 has been announced – Mark those calendars and follow us for updates!
We’re excited to announce that our 15th Australasian Plant Conservation Conference (APCC15) will be held in Port Douglas, Queensland during the week of 24-28 August next year! In the spectacular Wet Tropics, we will be within touching distance of the stunning world heritage listed Daintree Rainforest and in a town with abundant accommodation and dining options. Keep an ear out and follow us on Facebook or bookmark our conference webpage for conference updates as they come.
