Reviving Grampian’s Rare Flowers: Efforts to Protect Endangered Species After Devastating Fires

The Grampians globe-pea is a rare, wiry shrub found in western Victoria. Recently, wildfires swept through its habitat in the Grampians National Park, causing concern for its survival. This unique plant is known for its striking orange and yellow flowers and is critically endangered, only growing in limited areas across the park, which suffered extensive damage from fires over the last two months.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is leading a mission to locate surviving globe-peas and other plants affected by the fires. Chris Russell, the director of RBGV, emphasized the urgency of this mission. The focus is to gather seeds and create backup populations to prevent losing species forever due to climate change and other environmental pressures.

The Grampians, or Gariwerd as known by Indigenous people, is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It boasts unique geological features and a variety of habitats. Around one-third of Victoria’s flora can be found here, including 49 plant species that exist nowhere else in the world.

Once conditions allow, RBGV’s team will assess the damage and collect seeds and cuttings from threatened plants for preservation. This is vital since the park has experienced multiple fires over the years, burning a significant portion of its landscape. Such frequent fires can prevent plants from regrowing and setting seeds, putting many species at risk.

Dr. Ella Plumanns Pouton, who studies fire’s impact on biodiversity, explains that while some plants thrive in post-fire environments, others struggle. Many species in the Grampians have adapted to fire—some resprout from their trunks, while others need heat or smoke to germinate. However, too many fires in quick succession create a challenging situation for plant populations, known as a “Goldilocks” scenario, where conditions must be just right for survival.

New strategies are necessary to help plants cope with increasing fire intensity and overall environmental threats. Prof. Angela Moles from the University of New South Wales highlights that many plant species are vulnerable due to their limited range. Short intervals between fires may lead to extinction for some, even those that typically recover from burns.

In the aftermath of the recent fires, RBGV staff mobilized quickly to collect plant material, aiming to safeguard the genetic diversity of endangered species. Russell states that the team’s work is crucial, as they handle what he describes as “gold,” referring to the rare genetic material they seek to protect.

The Grampians globe-pea is one of several priority species for conservation, alongside other endangered plants like the Mt Cassell grevillea and Pomonal leek orchid. Despite the physically demanding nature of this work, the team is passionate about preserving these magnificent plants and preventing extinction. Their dedication exemplifies the urgent need to protect Australia’s unique flora amid rising environmental challenges.