Migratory History of the Proteaceae

An iconic part of the flora in southwest WA – and Australia – are banksias, grevilleas, hakeas and conebushes, with their showy flowers on display nearly year round. They all belong to a plant group known as the protea family (Proteaceae), which takes its name from the South African plant that also grows readily in many Perth gardens. With so much diversity within the protea family in Australia, it was long taken for granted that they must have originated here and then somehow spread to other parts of the world, such as Africa. But this school of thought has been challenged with compelling evidence, by researchers from Australia no less. Emeritus Professor Byron Lamont from Curtin University has led the charge and has helped demonstrate that this instantly recognisable plant group instead first evolved in northwest Africa. How they spread to other continents is testament to the great ancient supercontinent of Gondwana, in which Australia was once joined with several other continents, including Africa, South America and Antarctica. It was during that time, over 70 million years ago that ancestors of the protea family spread across Gondwana and into Australia. It’s a remarkable story of natural history which has raised the hackles of many Australian plant lovers. However, this Tuesday evening, 14 May, Byron will explain it all, in a talk that is sure to entertain and educate all those with a soft spot for our native flora.

This year our meetings will be held at The Palms Community Centre. 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.