Growing plants from seed sourced from a wide range of provenances is a key strategy in YAN’s Climate Ready Revegetation project. A common question we hear is: Will plants grown from seed collected far away actually thrive in our region?
To help answer this, we established an experimental trial in 2021 using three species— Eucalyptus melliodora (Yellow Box), Acacia deanei (Deane’s Wattle) and Dondonaea viscosa (Sticky Hop Bush). The trial compares the 3- to 5-year survival rates of plants grown from local versus non-local seed sources.
Hosted by volunteers on private land, the trial includes two large sites with over 500 plants each and six smaller sites with either 84 or 126 plants, totalling 1,710 plants planted in winter 2021. Every November/December, trial hosts monitor their plantings, recording whether each plant is alive, dead, or uncertain. So far, results continue to show comparable survival rates between local and non-local seed sources.
Last week, six trial hosts gathered to discuss the latest results and share their observations. It was exciting to see Acacia and Dodonaea flowering and setting seed at multiple sites. However, Sticky Hop Bush has struggled with the recent higher-than-average wet years, disappearing entirely from some locations. Kangaroos have also posed a major challenge, causing significant damage at several sites.
Despite the heat, we had the chance to walk through Geoff and Sheridan’s trial site, where some plants are now towering above us! Enthusiasm remains high, with trial hosts keen to continue monitoring their sites into the future.
If you would like to find out more about YAN’s Climate Ready Revegetation Project, check out our project page, or get in touch: [email protected]
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This project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust. Landcare Australia Michael King grants enable us to purchase seed from diverse provenances.
Written by Sonya Duus, Climate Ready Revegetation Project Officer
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