Thursday, July 23, 2026

Plants

Revegetation

Revegetation and soil microorganisms

By Patrick Regnault

When we think about revegetation it is common to think solely about the plantings. We need to take into account the bigger picture which includes the soil and its microbial composition.

Revegetation is usually interpreted as the process of reintroducing suitable plants in an area where the previous ecosystem has been too damaged to naturally regenerate.… Continue reading

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Plant PalettePlants

What makes a geranium?

By Clive Larkman

There are multiple genera of plants that have real naming issues that confuse the general public and irritate those working in industry or academia. A big one is the misnomers with Geranium and Pelargonium. Both of these are legitimate Latin genus names and both are used as common names.Continue reading

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Botanic Gardens

Desert Pea – an arid land beauty

By Matt Coulter

As the state’s floral emblem, Swainsona formosa,the Sturt’s Desert Pea is an important species for the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium of South Australia to showcase in our collections. 

Swainsona formosa, the Sturt’s Desert Pea, was one of the first plants of Australia to be collected by European explorers.… Continue reading

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Plant PalettePlants

Red Papaya: The Little-known Super Food

By Dr Josekutty

Red papaya is a delicious fruit, rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, with low calories and low-medium glycaemic index, making it an excellent Super Food.

Papaya (Carica papaya) is a little-known Super Food. Australian Papaya: 2020 Nutrition Review has detailed the great nutritional potential of papaya.… Continue reading

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Botanic Gardens

Friends of the Gardens – the lifeblood of Rockhampton Botanic Garden

By Stuart Elder

In my first days as Curator at Rockhampton Botanic Garden last September, I was struck with a very welcoming and familiar sight dressed in bright pink shirts, the Friends of the Botanic Gardens!

Having worked for many years in various roles for The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, I was very familiar with the various programs that were run under the Foundation and Friends Inc.… Continue reading

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Plant PalettePlants

Introducing Distylium – The best plant you’ve NEVER heard of … until now!

Fleming’s Nurseries, Australia’s leading grower of ornamental, fruit and native Australian trees and plants is delighted to introduce ‘Distylium,’ an exciting new all-rounder shrub to the Australian market. 

To quote legendary plantsman and breeder Dr Michael Dirr, “These are the best plants that you have never heard of.”… Continue reading

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