Stand of Antarctic Beech – Nothofagus moorei
Wallum Banksia at Noosa Heads – Banksia aemula
Explore some of Australia’s most iconic plant families, whose species grow in fertile, biodiverse rainforest, the arid outback and along the dry, sandy seacoast. Discover modern day trees whose ancestors lived in the Dinosaur Age (Araucariaceae).
Discover why 80-85% of Australian plant species are endemic (grow naturally only in Australia). See beautiful flowers unlike anything you may have seen.
Learn how Australian plants have adapted to strong sunlight, fire, poor soils and dry conditions as the continent has dried out over time. Discover western and aboriginal uses of iconic plants and how Aussie culture embraces them. Attend in person on November 24, 2025, and see and feel leaves from “living fossils”. See, taste and smell products derived from some of Australia’s most iconic plant species.
Because it is a detailed and comprehensive presentation, Sheila has offered to do it in two parts. The first part will take place at the Museum of Natural History 1747 Summer St. starting at 7:30 Monday Nov. 24. It will also be available online via Zoom.
Part 1 will cover species in the Araucariaceae (Bunya Pine, Norfolk Pine, etc.), Nothofagaceae (Antarctic Beech) and Proteaceae (Banksia, Macadamia) families.
Part 2 will take place only on Zoom on Monday Dec 1 at 7:30. It will cover the Myrtaceae (Eucalypts), the Mimosaceae (Acacia/Wattles), Casuarinaceae (She-Oaks) families, and Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea genus).
Sheila has spent over a year in Eastern Australia (Qld and NSW) over 5 separate visits of 2-3 months each. She participated in Land Care and Habitat Restoration Projects with local conservation groups. As well, she participated in Botany field trips and talks with the Noosa Parks Association in Queensland. She has been able to do a fairly deep dive into the most iconic and unique floral families of Australia during her time in Australia.
Sheila is a native of Nova Scotia and has had a passion for botany all her life. This eventually led to a BSc. in Biology (Ecology). Locally, she was awarded a HRM Volunteer Award in 2025 for her work in conservation and habitat restoration in a local HRM park over the past 6 years.
Members will be emailed the Zoom links prior to the presentation.
Grass Trees – Xanthorrhoea johnsonii
