Australia’s South West’s wildflowers are ecologically significant, with over 8000 species of wildflowers blooming in the region between August and November, 80 per cent of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Meanwhile, there are 300 species of delicate orchids that also grow in the South West, with many species endemic to the region.
Come and witness the explosion of colour set against the stunning natural scenery of the South West in Spring (August to November in the southern hemisphere), when the dazzling displays are at their best.
The South West Biodiversity Hotspot
Australia's South West makes up part of Australia's only biodiversity hotspot - and one of just 34 biodiversity hotspots around the world. Almost 80 percent of the plant species in the South West Australia bio diverse province are found nowhere else on earth. The diverse range of wildflowers, forests and native animals found in Australia's South West all contribute to the rare and unique nature of the region.
A biodiversity hotspot acknowledges some of the richest and most threatened reservoirs of plant and animal life on Earth. To qualify as a hotspot, a region must contain at least 1,500 species of endemic vascular plants, and it must have lost at least 70 percent of its original habitat. The South West of Australia meets these two criteria. Separated from the rest of the continent by desert, the plants and animals in the hotspot have evolved in isolation for millions of years.
Help protect our wildflower species for the future
Please do not pick the wildflowers. The potential impact of this can be quite devastating to populations of some species that require the setting of seed for regeneration. Please help conserve our unique and wonderful wildflowers for future generations.
2284 of the 5710 native plant species in the south-west are susceptible to a soil borne plant disease known colloquially as dieback. Visitors are can prevent the spread of dieback by following some simple precautions.
- Clean your shoes between sites
- Avoid exploring for wildflowers for up to two days after heavy rain
- Avoid wet soil and muddy areas by sticking to roads and tracks while on foot and in vehicles Observe signs, do not venture into closed tracks and generally promote good, hygienic practices to reduce the risk of spreading dieback
While dieback affects many wildflowers directly, it also impacts on vegetation that other native flowers and animals were reliant on, so it could devastate entire ecosystems into the future. Please help us prevent the spread of dieback.