The beauty of the jacaranda trees blooming in Sydney’s streets has become a popular sight on Instagram, but environmentalists and botanists are using this trend to raise awareness about the threat to native Australian plants such as the waratah and the wattle. By sharing photos of these exotic blooms, as well as the cherry blossom in spring, and promoting music that references plants and animals, they hope to educate the public about biodiversity conservation and combat “plant blindness”, where people do not appreciate the importance of plants to ecosystems.
Recent additions to the national list of threatened species, such as the Gibraltar Range waratah, have highlighted the need for increased efforts to protect native flora in Australia. With more than 100 species of wattle listed as threatened and several waratah species at risk, conservationists are working to prevent further extinctions and preserve native plant populations. Since the arrival of Europeans in Australia, 35 plant species have become extinct and over 1400 are recognized as at risk of extinction.
Botanist Dr. Chantelle Doyle believes that popular music, particularly songs by artists like Taylor Swift that reference plants and nature, can help combat “plant blindness” among young people. By integrating mentions of plants in her music, Swift has been praised for “singing us back to nature” and encouraging listeners to appreciate the natural world. Doyle sees the influx of visitors to see mass displays of introduced species like jacarandas and cherry blossoms as a positive step, hoping that it will also inspire an appreciation for Australia’s native plants.
Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan is just one of the places where visitors can enjoy spectacular displays of native flora, such as paper daisies, which attract crowds seeking that special Instagram-worthy shot. Botanical gardens and conservation organizations are working to showcase the beauty and diversity of Australia’s native plants, encouraging the public to appreciate the unique species found in their own country. With over 24,000 native plant species in Australia, there is a wealth of botanical treasures waiting to be discovered by those willing to look beyond the well-known exotics.
Despite the popularity of exotic species like the jacaranda, some experts feel that there may be a cultural bias against native Australian flora. Australian Native Plants Society president John Aitken points out that many Australians seem more drawn to introduced plants, possibly due to a perception that foreign species are more desirable. However, the diversity and beauty of Australia’s native plants are just as impressive, with many unique species waiting to be appreciated. By encouraging people to explore and learn about native flora, organizations hope to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the natural heritage of Australia.
In conclusion, efforts to raise awareness about the importance of native Australian plants and combat threats to biodiversity are gaining momentum, thanks to initiatives like promoting plant-themed music and leveraging social media trends around flowering trees. By highlighting the beauty and diversity of Australia’s native flora, conservationists and botanists aim to inspire a deeper connection to the natural world and encourage the public to value and protect these precious plant species. By appreciating and celebrating both the exotic and the native, Australians can foster a sense of pride in their unique botanical heritage and work towards ensuring the continued survival of their distinctive plant life.
