One of the rarest, oldest gum trees in Australia discovered near Busselton

1/11/97

Scientists at Perth's Kings Park and Botanic Garden have discovered what is possibly one of the oldest, rarest and largest gum trees in Australia.

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said Kings Park scientists, using the latest DNA fingerprinting technology, have discovered a species of gum tree that is thought to have been in existence for 6,300 years, the end of the Ice Age.

"At this stage there is only one stand of the Meelup Mallee and that is at a secret location near Busselton, 200 kilometres south of Perth," Mrs Edwardes said.

"Scientists say the stand, which is derived from one seedling, is more than 30m in diameter."

Mrs Edwardes said attempts were now being made at the Kings Park Laboratory to clone the Meelup Mallee.

"It is hoped that these efforts will provide long-term protection for this unique plant," she said.

"The work of the Kings Park researchers and horticulturists is leading the world's botanic gardens in the conservation of endangered species.

"If the cloning program goes to schedule plants of the Meelup Mallee may be available as early as spring next year.

"In the meantime, the local shire and the Department of Conservation and Land Management are managing the site to ensure the continued survival of the Meelup Mallee."

The Meelup Mallee is one of the 292 plant species of plant in Western Australia which are rare and endangered.

"Kings Park has most of these species now growing - or in long-term storage as seed or tissue cultures - and a number of Landcare groups and CALM are working with Kings Park to help restore many of these species back to safe sites in the bush," Mrs Edwardes said.

The Meelup Mallee project is being sponsored by the Western Power Endangered Species Program.

Media contacts:

Minister Edwardes: Diana Russell Coote 9421 7777

Kings Park: Dr Kingsley Dixon, Director Plant Science 9480 3614