New Mountain Bells-Darwinia and allies

Our guest presenter at our next General Meeting is Greg Keighery, presenting an update on research that he has been working on – New Darwinias.

Darwinia like the related genus Verticordia, contains some of the most colourful and iconic species of the Kwongan heaths of Western Australia. It is often thought to be named after Charles Darwin but the name commemorates his grandfather. Probably the best known are the 8 species of Mountain Bells confined to the peaks of the Stirling Range. Darwinia currently contains over 70 species and named sub specific forms, largely found in South Western Australia, but with a group of 20 species in eastern Australia.

However, current phylogenetic studies show that most of the plants that are relatives of Darwinia, i.e. Verticordia are not “natural” genera and this includes Darwinia. So, several old generic names are being resurrected to cover this. The genus is currently under taxonomic study and includes over 20 undescribed species in Western Australia. This includes a new Mountain Bell discovered this year! As the revision progresses new species continue to be discovered.

Most species are bird pollinated which makes them also very attractive to our eyes, having large colourful heads of flowers but little scent. Many are killed by fire and occur in massed displays several years post fire. There is at least one extinct species, several very rare due to disease and land clearance. Members are widely cultivated, especially in eastern Australia.

Greg Keighery was a Senior Principal Research Scientist in the Science and Conservation Division of the Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, as a botanist in the biogeography program, largely responsible for regional scale surveys to establish conservation networks. Over the past 30 years he has undertaken biological surveys throughout most of Western Australia, including the Goldfields, Kimberley, Nullarbor, Carnarvon Basin, Swan Coastal Plain and most major parks and reserves. Greg has published extensively on the biology, phytogeography, ecology and taxonomy of native and weedy plants of Western Australia.

Our meeting is on Tuesday evening, 12 November, at The Palms Community Centre, (corner of Nicholson Road and Rokeby Road), Subiaco. Doors open at 7.45 pm for an 8 pm start, with a $3 donation giving you entry into the night’s door prize. All are welcome to attend.