Special interest study groups are set up through our national association, the Australian Native Plants Society (Australia) (ANPSA). Each group focuses on a particular aspect of native plants (usually a genus or a related group of genera) and their activities may include:
As groups have varying numbers of members Australia-wide, the frequency of in-person activities can be irregular. Some groups which are active in Queensland are included in our calendar and you may also see selected recent events reported in our News from around Queensland.
To learn more about a study group and their current activities:
Joining a study groupStudy Groups allow you to develop your interest in a specific group of plants to its fullest extent and to contribute in a practical way to the body of knowledge on Australian flora. These groups have been instrumental in discovering many new species and forms of Australian plants and their contributions have lead to the introduction of many of these new species and forms into horticulture. Most study groups have seed banks to which members have access. Some have display kits, herbariums, and/or living collections of plants. All study groups issue member newsletters, filled with useful and interesting information. No particular skills are required to join a study group, just a willingness to observe and to learn about our wonderful native plants.
Study groups which are active in Queensland include Australian Food Plants, Eremophilia, Fern, Garden Design, Grevillea, and Wallum and Coastal Heathland. We also have a Small Plants Discussion Group. To find out more or join, please contact the ANPSA Study Group Coordinator at studygroups@anpsa.org.au or our Native Plants Queensland Study Groups Liaison Officer at studygroups@npq.org.au. Forming a new study groupThere are still a number of genera of Australian plants not under study at the present time. If you are interested in forming a new study group, please contact the ANPSA Study Group Coordinator at studygroups@anpsa.org.au Books produced by study groupsFrom time to time, the study groups produce books or booklets which are offered for sale. The following are a few that are available. Wattles are GoldenThis is a 40-page booklet containing extracts from 100 Acacia Study Group Newsletters. It is generally available from the Acacia Study Group. Australian BrachyscomesA 270-page book covering 74 species of Brachyscome daisies. Includes colour photographs, line drawings, descriptions, cultivation, propagation and other information on the species. Contact the Australian Daisy Study Group for price. Everlasting Daisies of AustraliaA 196-page book that aims to encourage the appreciation and use of these everlasting daisies of Australia. Includes chapters on growing, propagation, reproduction and hybridization, floral arrangements and floriculture. There are detailed descriptions of species illustrated with beautiful colour photographs. Available from the Australian Daisy Study Group for $47.50 in Australia or $67.50 overseas. These prices include postage and packaging. Eremophilas – The Study Group Newsletter 1972 – 1985A 125-page booklet which is the edited collection of Eremophila Study Group Newsletters from the first one issued to No. 31 in April 1985. Please contact the Eremophila Study Group for price. Eremophilas for the GardenA 72-page book (A5 size) containing descriptions, cultivation notes and distribution of 67 Eremophila species considered suitable for cultivation. There is a colour photograph for each species. Eremophilas are exclusively Australian and come from the drier areas of our country. Please contact the Eremophila Study Group for details and price. The Australian Garden: Designing with Australian PlantsThis book is based on the work of the Garden Design Study Group over the last nine years. It covers the process of design, step by step, understanding the site and preparing a plan. Various unique Australian garden styles are described. There are excellent photographs to illustrate the subject and interpret the visual qualities of our Australian landscapes. Please contact the Garden Design Study Group for details and price. |