From the prettiest wildflower to the tallest eucalypt, Mother Nature’s bounty in the Hunter includes almost 100 endemic plants, each playing a vital part in the unique biodiversity that defines our region.
Some of these plants are endangered, while others, although reasonably common within the Hunter, are not found anywhere else in Australia.
A new book project by the University of Newcastle will see the publication of a beautifully illustrated botanical record of these plants – an accurate reference tool to aid the survival of these plants.
Guided by botanist Stephen Bell, The Flora of the Hunter: Endemic Species will chronicle the Hunter’s 96 native plant species with illustrations by current and past students of the University’s Bachelor of Natural History Illustration, the only course of its kind in Australia.
Funds are being raised for the project by the University of Newcastle Foundation.
Foundation Executive Officer Dr Bernie Curran said the book would contribute to sustaining the Hunter’s precious local environment.
“We are incredibly lucky in the Hunter to have so many varieties of beautiful native flower species,” Bernie says.
“But sadly, many of our native flora species are under threat of dying out completely. This book will be a living museum, illustrated and described by talented, passionate people. In a very real sense, it will be about our future.
“It is my hope we can attract support from those members of our community who are committed to protecting the vulnerable plant species of our region. The last thing we want to see is that these plants disappear off the face of the earth.”
If you would like more information or would like to support the Flora of the Hunter Region project please contact the University of Newcastle Foundation on (02) 4921 7453 or email Bernie Curran at Bernard.Curran@newcastle.edu.au