We are seeking volunteers to help train an AI system that searches the Australian Plants Journal for useful plant traits, contributing valuable data to the national AusTraits database. This project offers a hands-on opportunity to support native plant research and conservation by reviewing AI findings and improving its accuracy.

Dr Gilad Bino has been working on platypuses for 10 years, starting from a position of large knowledge gaps and a lot of mystery surrounding these unique animals.

In addition to plant books and reference keys, there are many on-line & technology options that can
used to help to identify native bushland plans.

Having only attended parts of ANPSA conferences in the past, I decided that this year I would go for the full immersive experience. Part of the attraction was that it was being held in my hometown of Melbourne, and one of the post-conference tours was to The Grampians—an area I had visited several times before.

A few months ago, I visited the back of our bush block to check on a stand of Woody Pears growing in a sheltered position between sandstone boulders and a cliff above the creek. Approaching the trees, I noticed fruit along with new flower buds.

The tour commenced with viewing the lovely Banksia integrifolia x marginata (possibly), collected in Tasmania that she named ‘Honey Brush’. It is a compact small tree at about 4 metres that is dominating that section of the garden, overgrowing a Melaleuca decussata that housed a Blackbird’s perfectly constructed nest, and overhangs a Correa baeuerlenii (Chef’s Cap Correa) which was straining to find the sun.

Discover the art of Australian native bonsai with highlights from the 40th Annual Bonsai Show at Ray Nesci’s Nursery. From striking Banksias to vibrant Bottlebrushes, this unique showcase celebrates the beauty and adaptability of native plants in miniature form, inspiring plant enthusiasts to explore bonsai with a local twist.

Indigenous Australians have used, and still use, fire for various purposes, practices often called “cultural burning.” These practices have had ecological consequences over the long term. Fire affects the structure of ecosystems in various ways. It can have beneficial effects, such as maintaining the biodiversity of grasslands, for example.

The term “Urban Forest” refers to all the trees and woody shrubs growing in a defined urban area whether on public or private land. The Urban Forest helps create a healthy, liveable community.

Acacias are very representative of Australia. With about 1,000 species, the shrubs and trees are found across Australia in a range of ecosystems including rainforest. This article is a summary of Rhonda’s talk at the APS NSW quarterly gathering on 14 September 2024 hosted by Harbour Georges River Group.

Boronias have the reputation for being difficult to maintain in the garden. In this article, Jeff explains how he successfully grew a Boronias Showoff in his backyard after years of careful preparation!

A bushland or habitat garden mimics nature. Such gardens are designed to create as much habitat as possible for local wildlife.

Congratulations to Jeff Howes from the North Shore Australian Plants Society group who was awarded Life Membership at APS NSW AGM 2024. APS North Shore are delighted to have Jeff as a continuing member of our group and we very much value his contribution.