As published in CALGAROO, Newsletter of the Parramatta and Hills District Group, 2025 February edition. Members’ Meeting – Saturday 23 November 2024
It was great to see so many members and visitors from other APS groups (Central Coast and Harbour Georges River) at the meeting on Saturday afternoon.
Our special guest presenter was one of our members, James Indsto, who spoke about his role as a Forensic Botanist and how this specialty is used as one of several inputs to provide evidence to police and the coroner in prosecutions and findings.
His work in plant virology research and cancer genetics led him to apply for a position as a Forensic Botanist with the NSW Police Service in 2007. As there was no specific job description for the new role, they asked him to set it up, including the development of guidelines and standards. As part of this work, James also established a forensic laboratory where specimens could be analysed.
In 2012, he joined the Forensic and Analytical Science Service at Lidcombe, which provided him with the opportunity to diversify into drug botany, in particular Cannabis casework. Simultaneously, he developed the necessary photographic skills to help with his diagnostic work.
James pointed out that forensic botany encompasses many areas such as soil sampling and analysis, and palynology, which involves the study of pollen and spores that can be used as botanical trace evidence. Fragments of leaves and wood can also help determine links between people, places, and objects. The use of microscopy techniques in soil and leaf analysis, along with detailed photographic examinations, supports and demonstrates crucial findings.
One case shared was the murder in 1961 of 8-year-old Graeme Thorne following a large sum of money won by his father in the Opera House Lottery. In those days, prize-winners’ names and addresses were published in the newspapers. About five weeks later, Graeme walked to an intersection near his home to wait for a lift from a family friend who used to take him to school. When she arrived, Graeme was nowhere to be found. She returned to his home, and the alarm was raised with police about his disappearance. His body was eventually found wrapped in a blanket at Seaforth. Forensic evidence included the presence of dog hair, plant material from two species of pine tree, and pink limestone mortar.
To help identify the tree species, Dr. Joyce Vickery, a grass specialist and botanist with the Royal Botanic Gardens at the time, was approached by police for assistance in analysing the plant material. Following widespread publicity, a postman came forward, advising that he knew of a house on his daily route with pink mortar and pine trees. With this information, police arrested a suspect who was later charged with Graeme’s kidnapping and death. The use of botanical evidence in the investigation was groundbreaking for its time and highly successful. Dr. Vickery was later awarded an MBE for her services in law enforcement.
When using microscopy, James explained the use of crossed polarised light techniques, which allow ‘birefringent’ substances to be detected—materials that may not be visible under normal conditions. This is achieved by using two polarised filters, one on the light source and one in the binocular viewing head. Birefringent substances appear coloured against a dark background. These scientific techniques are not only useful but can also produce visually striking images.
James also described how flexible nail varnish can be applied to a small fragment of a leaf. Once dried, the varnish film is gently peeled away, mounted onto a slide, and placed under the microscope. The cast of the leaf surface looks much like a piece of dead skin, yet under normal brightfield viewing, it reveals intricate surface anatomy. Features such as oil glands, stomata, and venation can be seen in astounding detail.
Another case, from around ten years ago, involved the importation of methamphetamine liquid disguised as Aloe Vera. The liquid, which was amber-coloured like Aloe Vera juice, contained cubes of Aloe Vera leaf that settled to the bottom of the bottles. These were filtered out, and the methamphetamine was crystallised from the collected liquid. This large commercial case involved the importation of 75 kg of methamphetamine, a serious crime. Police needed to confirm whether dried flakes of plant material matched the Aloe Vera cubes from the bottles, establishing a link to the clandestine laboratory operation. Under the microscope, torn traces of veins and xylem vessels revealed distinctive spirals that provided a strong correspondence between the evidence and reference material.
James’ extensive experience in microscopy and macrophotography led to his involvement in the Cannabis Imaging Project, which uses specialised macrophotography techniques to reveal the microscopic features of leaves. Macro photography generally captures images up to 1:1 magnification, where the image size matches the object’s actual size. Higher magnifications beyond 1:1 are known as ‘photomacro’ imaging and produce resolutions even greater than a standard stereomicroscope. James uses a Canon 600D DSLR camera with wireless flash and various lens combinations up to 12.4X magnification, capturing a field of view just 1.8 mm across. This technique provides remarkable clarity of leaf structures, including different types of hairs and glands, aiding drug botanists in distinguishing Cannabis from similar-looking plants.
James also noted that DNA-based techniques are increasingly being used to identify botanical trace evidence at crime scenes. Leaf detritus on shoes, car boots, and footwells may seem insignificant but can be analysed using simple methods like nail varnish peels.
The 2018 murder of Brazilian national Cecilia Haddad was another case where botanical evidence played a crucial role. James described how plant material helped link the victim’s vehicle to the crime scene. She-oak leaves found in the footwell of a car suggested it had been parked beneath a rare street-planted she-oak tree. Since these trees are uncommon as street plantings, the presence of their leaves on the road and inside the vehicle strongly supported the vehicle’s connection to the crime scene.
James’ presentation was thoroughly enjoyed by all and generated many questions from the audience.
Following his talk, Phil Baird, who owns a property near Karuah—where some members visited last year—spoke about Grevillea guthrieana, an endangered species found in small pockets along the Northern Tablelands and the Mid-North Coast, including near his property. The Grevillea is named after Christine Guthrie, the Secretary, Treasurer, and Editor of the Australian Native Plants Society’s Grevillea Study Group. Phil generously grew several plants from seed for attendees to take home, encouraging them to nurture and grow them successfully in the years ahead.
Our Secretary, Jennifer Farrer, reminded members that the January meeting will be an informal gathering, with an opportunity for attendees to share plant stories from their gardens, walks, or holidays.
Linda Pine and Lynn Jones, who enjoy cooking with indigenous edible plants, introduced their latest free publication, Using Native Edibles in Cooking. Linda brought copies for members, and in the future, these booklets will be available at the Community Environment Centre at the end of Currie Avenue, Annangrove. Linda will also bring more copies to future meetings. One standout recipe is the Lemon Myrtle and Bush Lime Cheesecake, which looks particularly delicious.
After the raffle, members enjoyed afternoon tea together, catching up and purchasing native plants from the great selection grown by our Propagation Group.