Conserving Mt Bold Threatened Plant Populations

Nature Activity

14 Oct

We’re excited to launch our new project: Conserving Mt Bold Threatened Plant Populations

Once thought to be regionally extinct, the Showy Violet (Viola betonicifolia ssp. betonicifolia) has been rediscovered within Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve — one of the region’s richest biodiversity hotspots. This special site supports more than 15 threatened, rare, and endangered flora species, including the Native Carraway (Oreomyrrhis eriopoda), Blunt Greenhood Orchid (Pterostylis curta), and Pale Everlasting (Coronidium gunnianum).

Thanks to Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu, SA Water’s Reservoir Volunteering Program, Second Nature Conservancy, and Native Orchid Society of South Australia (NOSSA), we’ve planted 750 Showy Violets across three sites to boost the wild population — and even established a new safeguard population just north of the reservoir.

The project also tackles invasive weeds through sensitive bushcare such as Montpellier Broom, Erica, and Blackberry, helping restore the herb-rich understory with neighbouring areas affected by the 2021 Cherry Gardens bushfire. While mapping of the site’s flora will provide important information to help guide future works and ensure the Showy Violet and the incredible diversity of the area can continue to thrive.

This project is supported by Landscape Hills and Fleurieu’s Grassroots Grants Program and is funded by the landscape levy.