Australian Native Plant Societies Study Groups

Joining a study group

Study 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.

To join a study group you must be a member of an ANPSA affiliated regional society, which for Queensland is Native Plants Queensland. A number of study groups have no joining fee and newsletters are by email, while others do charge a membership fee to cover newsletter costs. Study Group fees are due at the end of June each year.

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 group

There 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 groups

From 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 Golden

This is a 40-page booklet containing extracts from 100 Acacia Study Group Newsletters. It is generally available from the Acacia Study Group.

Australian Brachyscomes

A 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 Australia

A 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 – 1985

A 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 Garden

A 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 Plants

This 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.