What are indigenous plants?
Indigenous plants are the original flora, or plants, that occur naturally in a given location. Because they have evolved to the conditions within the local environment, indigenous species are well adapted to the soils, topography and climate of the area.
What are the benefits of growing indigenous plants?
Growing indigenous plants are perfect for growing in your own garden because:
- they thrive without the need for artificial fertilisers or sprays
- they need minimal watering
- they attract and provide food and shelter for local native birds and insects, which helps preserve the local biodiversity of Bayside.
About Bayside's indigenous flora
Prior to European settlement, Bayside was considered to have comprised four main vegetation types: heathland, woodland, swamp and coastal vegetation. In 1911–12, Dr Sutton, a member of The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, compiled a thorough census of the Sandringham Flora naming 448 plant species.
Since 1911, well over 260 of these listed species have since disappeared from Bayside and many more are now considered rare or threatened. Large tracts of natural heathland, bushland and coastal vegetation have been progressively cleared.
Bayside's conservation reserves contain the last remaining pockets of the rare Sandringham Heath, which is critically important, not only as a home to native animals but in providing us with a snapshot of our disappearing natural heritage.
Here are some examples of remaining Ecological Vegetation Communities (EVC) along our coastline and in our 8 inland conservation reserves:
- EVC 2 Coast Banksia Woodland
- EVC 879 Coastal Dune Grassland
Get your indigenous plants from our Community Nursery.
