THE Granite Belt’s unique flora will be the focus of a series of wildflower walks being conducted over the next three months by the Stanthorpe Rare Wildflower Consortium, with the first being this Sunday 31 August, in the Amiens State Forest, just west of Stanthorpe.
Secretary of the consortium Liz Bourne said the walks aimed to show people some of the diversity of the flora of the Granite Belt as well as helping them to identify local species and learn more about their ecological requirements.
“We have been running these spring time walks for a number of years now and they have been very popular with visitors as well as the local community,” she said.
“A particular highlight of the first walk will be the endangered granite boronia, Boronia granitica, which is already in flower.
“This spectacular pink flowering shrub is only found on the Granite Belt and from a few isolated locations on the New England tableland.
“After the recent rain, there will also be a profusion of many other wildflowers on display so there will be plenty to see in the forest.”
As part of their activities to raise public awareness about local flora, the group had produced a colour booklet which depicts over 250 species people are most likely to come across. These will be available for sale at the walks.
Anyone with an interest in the Granite Belt’s wildflowers was invited to come along.
The group will meet outside the Amiens School at 1337 Amiens Road, 14 km west of Stanthorpe at 9.30am, and will then travel a short distance out to the forest.
Participants should bring a hat and water bottle and wear sturdy footwear. The walk is suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
For further information, phone 4683 6374 or visit www.granitenet.com.au/groups/environment/rare-wildflower-consortiumWalkers will get to see the endangered granite boronia, Boronia granitica.
