Gippsland › Latest news › Gippsland Water
Thriving endangered Wellington Mint-bush at Dutson Downs to be rejuvenated using ecological burning
Planned ecological burning on the Wellington Mint-bush aims to rejuvenate the aging parent population. Successfully relocated populations enhance species security during ongoing ecological efforts.
Gippsland Water's Wellington Mint-bush (Prostanthera galbraithiae) population is in full bloom at its Dutson Downs property. The endangered plant's colony of purple flowers are thriving, bursting out of their protective enclosures. Surveys are underway to gauge the exact number of healthy mint bushes, but results are expected to be positive.
At Dutson Downs, Gippsland Water's Wellington Mint-bush (Prostanthera galbraithiae) population is flourishing in full bloom
Conservation and restoration
In 2018 seeds from other populations on the property were propagated and planted as part of a state government-funded conservation project, bolstering the vulnerable species' presence in the area. The Victorian government's Biodiversity Response Planning program funded herbivore and predator control at the property.
The Wellington Mint-bush is only found in Gippsland. Fire is an essential part of the plant's life cycle, which typically begins to decline in vigour after about 10 years. Future ecological burning is planned to help the parent population regenerate as most of the plants are now aging and declining in number. These successfully re-located populations provide the species greater security while ecological burning and natural regeneration of the parent population is underway.
The Wellington Mint-bush is one of several threatened species under conservation at Gippsland Water sites, with the Pookila and Metallic Sun-orchid also protected at Dutson Downs. To learn more about the Wellington Mint-bush visit Gippsland Water - Wellington mint-bush page.
Pictures from Gippsland Water website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Discover Latrobe City with its new visitor guide inspiring locals and tourists to explore and experience more
East Gippsland Council seeks feedback on draft budget, council plan and key strategic documents from 7 to 21 May 2025
Irrigators wanted to help shape the future of sustainable irrigation across the Lake Wellington Catchment by 6 June 2025
South Gippsland childcare crisis deepens as families face long waits and limited access to places
Wellington Shire draft budget prioritises roads, services, cost pressures and financial sustainability amid levy hikes
Expressions open for Baw Baw minor capital work grants supporting community projects and inclusive infrastructure upgrades
South Gippsland Council is seeking community feedback on the draft Gippsland Dairy Industry Strategy until 21 May 2025
Community marks one year since Newhaven Jetty closure, renews call for government action and reopening plan
Darren Chester humbled by strong Gippsland support, vows to keep fighting for regional communities
