Thanks to your generous support, FAME continues to fund vital conservation work for Australia's most vulnerable plant species. Here's a brief update on how the project team's recent efforts are making a difference.
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Spiny Daisy (Acanthocladium dockeri)
Despite drought challenges, the conservation team has achieved successful propagation through cuttings and seed germination. They've identified two protected translocation sites and planned targeted surveys for 2025 to locate potential undiscovered populations in the Riverland in South Australia.
Large Club Spider-orchid (Caladenia macroclavia)The project team now has numerous healthy plants thriving in the orchid grow room and has erected the first translocation exclosure at Wauraltee on the Yorke Peninsula. The team is investigating reports of a historical population further south, near Curramulka, with comprehensive surveys scheduled for September.
Image: Spiny Daisy seedlings in the nursery, displaying small yellow daisy-like flowers. Photo: Jerry Smith
Bayonet Spider Orchid (Caladenia gladiolata)
Following January's wildfire at Alligator Gorge in the southern Ikara-Flinders Ranges, researchers are using their five-year dataset to study fire impacts on this species. Meanwhile, 190 young plants are thriving in the nursery and a protected translocation site has been prepared at Wapma Thura Conservation Park.
Image: Bayonet Spider Orchid growing successfully an Agar media at the South Australian Seed Conservation Centre. Photo: Jerry Smith
Lowly Greenhood (Pterostylis despectans)
Field researchers have successfully hand-pollinated and collected seeds at Koolunga in the mid-north (50 plants) and discovered a previously unrecorded population in Wirrabara Forest. A translocation exclosure has been established to support future plantings.
Goldsack's Leek Orchid (Prasophyllum goldsackii)
The first comprehensive survey revealed scattered small populations across Yorke Peninsula. After identifying an effective fungal symbiont, the team has achieved a breakthrough in propagation with young plants now developing in the laboratory.
Image: Exclosure constructed in Wapma-Thura Conservation Park for future translocations of Caladenia gladiolata. Photo: Jerry Smith
Superb Groundsel (Senecio megaglossus)
Seeds from Black Rock in the mid-north and the Dutchman's Stern east of Quorn are being propagated, and the project team has identified two promising translocation sites. For 2025, they're exploring innovative survey methods, including drone technology.
Tall Yellow Top (Lordhowea pilosicrista)
This extremely rare fire-ephemeral species (not seen since 2010) presents the greatest challenge. The conservation team is experimenting with various germination techniques, and is planning in-ground trials at recently burned sites, along with targeted surveys at Billiat Conservation Park.
Despite challenging conditions, your support through FAME has enabled real progress in these crucial conservation efforts. The project teams priorities for the coming year include completing planned surveys, advancing propagation techniques, conducting trial translocations, and expanding protected areas for these endangered plants.
Image: Superb Groundsel seedlings in the nursery at the South Australian Seed Conservation Centre. Photo: Jerry Smith
Despite challenging conditions, your support through FAME has enabled real progress in these crucial conservation efforts. The project teams priorities for the coming year include completing planned surveys, advancing propagation techniques, conducting trial translocations, and expanding protected areas for these endangered plants.
Thank you for helping protect Australia's unique plant heritage for future generations.
More information on the project can be found on the project page
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