Scientific Programs

• Purpose
• Programs and Activities
• Seed Conservation Centre
• Conservation Biology Research
• Sustainable Landscapes Project

Purpose

A primary aim of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide is to advance knowledge of the plant world through botanical, horticultural and ex situ conservation programs. This is achieved through presentation of living plant collections and displays in the Botanic Gardens, covering a wide range of themes including plant geography, horticulture, landscapes, ecology, biodiversity, taxonomy and classification, biology, ethnobotany and economic botany.

Scientific Services provides technical and scientific support programs and activities across all operational areas of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide. In addition to providing specialised expertise in the areas of horticulture, botany (plant identification, taxonomy, nomenclature), micropropagation and germplasm research, staff have coordinating and facilitating roles relating to many garden activities.

Programs and Activities

Principal programs and activities are centred on the following:

Collections Documentation

Spanish Moss, Tillandsia usneoides

Collections Documentation provides a complete and accurate scientific record of the origin of all material in the collections and displays, propagation record and destinations within the collections. This is contained within:

• Living Collections and Displays (Plant Records)
• Museum of Economic Botany
• Botanical and Horticultural Photographic Collection
• Feral Plants Policy
• Tree Replacement Policy
• Access to Genetic Resources & Benefit Sharing

Living Collections and Displays Policy and Collections Development

• Living Collections Policy

  Sacred Lotus. Nelumbo nucifera

• Accessions Policy
• Acquisition of plant material.

Germplasm Research and Micropropagation

• SA threatened species
• Viability testing procedures
• Research to develop long term storage protocols

For more details see the Seed Conservation Centre page.

Conservation Biology Research

• Biology and ecology of threatened flora
• Towards population management & augmentation
• Long term project

For more details see the Conservation Biology Research page.

Sustainable Landscapes Project

The Whipstick Mallee in the Adelaide Botanic Garden is an example of a sustainable landscape

The Sustainable Landscapes Project is a collaborative partnership between Botanic Gardens of Adelaide (Department of Environment and Heritage), Innovations Economic Opportunities Group funded by the Mawson Lakes Economic Development Project, Land Management Corporation, Adelaide & Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board and SA Water Corporation.

The project aims to demonstrate and promote appropriate park and garden design, plant species selections and sustainable horticultural practices for South Australia's semi-arid and arid landscapes.

For full details, go to the Sustainable Landscapes page.

Poisonous/Harmful Plants Consultancy

The seeds and fruits of Ricinus communis are poisonous.

Scientific Services staff provide advice to hospitals, schools, child care centres etc. and the general public on issues relating to poisonous and harmful plants.

This includes assistance with accurate identification and possible effects of plant materials.

Principal consultancy is offered to Hospitals, medical practitioners and the Poisons Information Centre.

For further information phone: (61 8) 8222 9314 or email Trevor Christensen.

Adelaide Parklands Management Project

Work is being undertaken on the development of legislation to provide a new management framework for the Adelaide Park Lands. This work follows on from public consultation on options for the management of the Park Lands in 2003.

In addition, discussions are occuring with Adelaide City Council and State agencies on the potential for the transfer of State controlled land to the Council for conversion back to Park Land.

View an Adelaide Parklands map (260Kb PDF).

For further information phone (08) 8222 9347 or email Russell Starr.