William Henry Harvey and his Western Australian Seaweeds

Plant diversity exists on land and in our aquatic environments. Many of us will have dipped our toes in the sea on a sunny day, gone snorkeling, swimming or walked the shoreline after a storm and remember seeing plants or algae clinging to submerged rocks or washed up on the beach. The Western Australian coast supports more than 1000 different species of seaweed and they are found in all of the State’s marine habitats and in all of our marine parks.

Dr. John Huisman who is the Curator of the Western Australian Herbarium (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions), also undertakes taxonomic research into the Western Australian marine plants. Other than a two year sojourn to the Hawaiian Islands, he has pursued a goal of a State-wide Marine Flora since moving to Western Australia in 1985. John has written ten books and over 230 articles and chapters describing various seaweed related topics, including the recent pictorial guide, ‘Marine Plants of Australia (revised and updated)’ in 2023, which depicts over 640 species, mostly photographed in situ. John will bring some of these books, so please bring cash ($40) if you want to obtain one.

John’s presentation will give a general overview of the history and current state of seaweed diversity in the Perth region, but then concentrate on his efforts to clarify the identities of several species that were described by Irish botanist William Henry Harvey in 1855, but since that time have defied attempts to place them in appropriate genera.

This coming Tuesday evening, 13 August, at The Palms Community Centre, (corner of Nicholson Road and Rokeby Road), Subiaco, Dr. John Huisman is our guest presenter at the monthly general meeting of the Perth Branch of the Wildflower Society. 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.