Flora of granite outcrops in South West Australia: Endemism, Hybrids & Species richness in a global biodiversity hotspot

Granite outcrops are typically rich in species and also have strong cultural associations for Tradtional Owners.

In the Southwest of Australia, individual granite outcrops are often home to more than 200 different plant species. Species richness, high endemism, reduced extinction rates and unusual biological phenomena are common characteristics of these old, climatically-buffered infertile landscapes (OCBILs), along with accentuated vulnerability to weed invasion. This presentation includes reference to floristic surveys conducted near Balladonia, Great Western Woodlands, Mt Ney, Kardutjaanup (Peak Charles), Boyatup, Yorlinning (Mt Arid) and Cape Le Grand National Park.

Biography

Professor Stephen Hopper AC is a conservation biologist with training in evolution, ecology, taxonomy and anthropology. He has specialist expertise in eucalypts, the plant family Haemodoracee (containing kangaroo paws), orchids, plants of granite outcrops, rare plants and pollination by vertebrates. Hopper is currently based at the University of Western Australia's Albany Campus but has worked in the Western Australian Government and been Director of two world class botanic gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Kings Park and Botanic Garden). He has broad interests in biodiversity and in devising ways for people to live sustainably with biodiversity on old, climatically-buffered infertile landscapes (OCBILs). Notably in recent years he has worked collaboratively with Noongar Elders combining western science with Traditional Ecological Knowledge in caring for country.