Researchers at The University of Queensland believe Western Queensland wildflowers could boost the growth of Outback tourism and water-wise urban gardens.
Dr Margaret Johnston and Dr Dion Harrison from the Centre for Native Floriculture (CNF) at the UQ Gatton Campus collected seeds of floricultural species from more than 50 sites during a recent Western Queensland field trip.
“Some of the species have huge potential for development as potted colour species and will encourage botanical tourism in Western Queensland, including the Western Hardwoods region,” Dr Johnston said.
“The species also have promise as water-efficient garden plants and cut flowers, and our further research will examine this potential.”
Dr Johnston and Dr Harrison joined Jenny Milson (an expert on Rangeland species in Western Queensland) and David Loch from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries on the trip to Longreach, Winton, Boulia, Mt Isa, Bedourie, Birdsville and Windorah.
They carefully examined plants growing in the wild and collected those with strong genetic traits for their breeding programs.
“There is amazing genetic diversity and a surprising abundance of colourful plants in Western Queensland,” Dr Johnston said.
“Some of them rival the better-known species of Western Australia.
“One of our centre’s aims is to minimise the impact of wildflower and foliage harvesting from Queensland’s native forests, so that future generations can enjoy their beauty.
“In line with this aim, our next steps will include scientifically evaluating the newly-collected species and conducting trials in the Centre’s tissue culture lab and greenhouses.
“Our work at the centre includes improving cultivars as well as growing and handling technologies, and developing better ways to market native floriculture,” Dr Johnston said.
The CNF was established at UQ Gatton in 2003, in line with Premier Peter Beattie’s Smart State initiative. Financial support for the CNF is provided from the Department of State Development, Trade and Innovation and The University of Queensland.
The CNF has also attracted funds from industry and from the United States.
The centre’s general brief is to maximise the economic potential of Queensland floristic resources. Centre researchers and collaborators are passionate about protecting and showcasing Queensland native flora species. The centre employs academic, technical and administrative staff and has a growing number of postgraduate research students.
Media inquiries: Susanne Schick - UQ Gatton Campus (07 5460 1229, 0409 265 587).
Further information/comment: Contact Dr Margaret Johnston (07 5460 1240 or m.johnston@uq.edu.au)
