Spotting species in all shapes and sizes

AN informative and updated brochure of local native plants has been produced by three environmental groups.

Friends of the Canadian Corridor, the Leigh Catchment Group, and the Field Naturalist’s Club of Ballarat have all input in the new Indigenous Plants of Southern Ballarat catalogue.

Joel Ellis said the pocket-sized guide is practical, well fact-checked, and full of colour photos, so people can identify or look out for specific species when they’re exploring the area’s “native vegetation communities.”

A member of FOCC and the Leigh Catchment Group, Mr Ellis is one of the project’s editors that he said showcases the “beauty and diversity of plant life.”

“Our team of five co-editors made up the selection panel for the flora species that would feature in the brochure, and the images that best represented each plant,” he said.

“It features 121 species: trees, shrubs, groundcovers and climbers, wildflowers, herbs and grasses, and fern, parasitic and carnivorous plants.

“This edition is, respectfully, a new and improved version of the 2010 edition. Improvements include 24 more featured species, updated common names and scientific names, and higher quality images.”

The booklet has information on plants ranging from the Yarra gum, to the iconic golden wattle and common heath, seasonal orchids, and “functionally diverse flora” like parasitic and carnivorous varieties.

Mr Ellis said the co-editors hope to inspire exploration, the participation in citizen science data collection, and landowners to plant natives in their own gardens to increase habitat and food for native wildlife.

“No matter your local patch, immersing yourself in the natural environment is very therapeutic with its many mental health benefits, and if we connect and relate to the ecological communities on a deeper level, we’re likely to be more inclined to living more sustainably,” he said.

Production has been a big team effort. He put together draft templates, and Colourfield Design’s Paul McKenna did the final designs.

Renowned plant author and illustrator Leon Costermans supplied tree illustrations, while 10 local photographers donated captures of featured species.

The publication was launched at Woowookarung Regional Park’s Dementia-Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail earlier this month.

This project was supported by a $1500 grant from Metro Trains, and printed with a $5000 boost from the Community Bank Buninyong.

Copies of Indigenous Plants of Southern Ballarat are free and accessible from a pouch at the Dementia Trail entrance by Katy Ryans Road.