Kingsley Dixon ‘A life in the service of plants’

Kingsley has spent a lifetime unlocking the mysteries of the Australian bush and now calls on us to help our plants, animals and landscapes to thrive and continue to define who we are as Australians.

Abstract 

Since I was a small child the Australian bush and its plants have been a boundless source of joy and inspiration. Whether walking alpine trails, the Daintree rainforest, Victoria grasslands or the Pilbara replete with landscapes of Sturt Peas, each time I look into our bushland plants there is yet another mystery or question. How do they survive, thrive and diversify into such myriads of forms and colours? This fascination with what makes the Australia bush tick has given me the greatest gift– a lifetime of fascinating science unlocking the mysteries and solving the ecological puzzle. I will share this journey from a kid in the bush of Perth to the story of smoke and germination to how now, my beloved bush is all but a fragment of the once grand landscapes I loved and admired. In this last journey for one of the most unique floras of Earth, I will call upon us all to pause, reflect and help our plants, animals and landscapes to thrive and continue to define who we are as Australians.

Biography

Kingsley Dixon AO is Professor of Conservation and Restoration Sciences at The University of Western Australia after having 32 years as the Foundation Director of Science at Kings Park and Botanic Gardens.

Working across a broad front of ecological and conservation issues, he continues to focus on unlocking the ecological mysteries of the Australian bush while using this to define and develop innovative approaches to conservation and restoration.

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One-hour talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations to support Gardens’ programs and development and thank all those who have donated.

Please note: unless otherwise indicated, talks are in the ANBG Theatrette.

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