Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources

School Newsletter

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Published on Friday, 20 June 2014 05:59

Newsletter

 The SEEDS (stewardship of endangered endemic species) project in South Australian
schools is a national first in shinning a light on endangered plants. CBC is one of 15
schools developing a model for securing the future of the states endangered plants.
One in four SA plants is listed as endangered or threatened with extinction.
Students at CBC have a real chance to make a difference to the environment by
becoming custodians of Brachyscome diversifolia, which is a local endangered plant.
Through a partnership with the Adelaide Botanic Garden they have prepared seeds
for germination and will propagate, grow on, collect seeds and grow more to create
a living orchard of the species. The next step is to revegetate a local plantation and
promote the process throughout the community. Each year students will teach a new
group about the process and its importance with the school effectively becoming the
custodians of this plant.
Certainly there are lots of curriculum and education connections with this project.
Perhaps a more powerful outcome might be the students connection to the
environment. The news on the environment front for young people, is rarely positive.
Extinctions, climate change, pollution and predictions of more to come seem to be the
core themes. All too often this leaves young people with is a feeling of helplessness
and turning the tap off whilst brushing your teeth doesn't cut it as a solution any more.
SEEDS allows our students to make a difference, do something tangible to improve
their environment. By their own actions they are empowered to stop species extinction
and preserve biodiversity. It may be a small start but it might empower our children to
lead the way in shaping the environment of their future.
To find out more out the SEEDS and CBC's contribution to the project, visit the link
below:

http://tinyurl.com/mcozjb8


Mr Adonis Andonopoulos

Brachyscome diversifolia Tall Daisy ( Endangered in SA)

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Published on Tuesday, 06 May 2014 03:04

 

The Botanic Gardens of Adelaide  has a science project called the Seed Conservation Centre, Stewardship of Endangered, Endemic and Damien species.

The Plant Custodian Project aims are for the community and students become custodians  of the Brachyscome diversifolia ( Tall Daisy) Endangered in South Australia.

Christian Brothers College has been selected to  become custodians of the species helping to maintain a viable living source of the seed. To  grow  the plants, plant them in the school and collect the seed with a goal of next year’s class or group propagating them and repeating the process.

Tall Daisy

Plant description

This attractive perennial daisy grows to approximately 50 cm in height and produces large flowers with white ray florets during October and November. It has basal leaves which form a rosette and are distinctively lobed in shape. Flowers will be produced after 2 or more years growth.

 

Germination Notes

The seeds of this daisy have a weak physiological dormancy, they require no pre-treatment however and will germinate readily if sown in winter. Seedlings should emerge within 3-4 weeks after sowing.

 

1 seeds

 Propagation NotesPlants can be propagated from seed in seed raising trays containing potting mix. Sow the seeds to a depth of 2mm and press in firmly. This should be done in winter, water at regular intervals to keep soil moist. Seedlings which have a few leaves expanded can be gently teased out and potted on into tube stock pots, be careful to ensure that the roots remain intact. Irrigate at regular intervals until planting out.

Indicators of when to collect the seed.

Seeds will be ready to collect in late spring to early summer. Collect flower heads that are drying off and turning brown. Place seed heads into a paper bag and leave to dry for 1-2 weeks. Seeds should easily be dislodged by rubbing the dried flower heads.

 

Companion plants and pollinators

This daisy is most likely an important plant for native bees, moths, butterflies and other insects when it flowers in spring. The biology of this plant is not fully understood like many of our native pant species including the specific pollinators associated with it.

 

Micro-climate conditions

This daisy grows in grassy or heathy woodlands along watercourses and in rocky gullies on rich black soils. Plants grow both in dappled shade and sun.