Australian Plants Society Tasmania Inc.

The Australian Plants Society Tasmania Inc. (APST) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion, cultivation, and conservation of Australian native plants within Tasmania. It operates as a regional group under the broader Australian Native Plants Society Australia (ANPSA), which is a federation of state-based organizations focused on Australia's native flora.

History and Background

Originally known as the Society for Growing Australian Plants, APST is part of a tradition dating back to the establishment of the first societies in the late 1950s. These groups were initially formed to encourage the use of native plants for gardens, parks, and farms while fostering an understanding of Australia’s unique botanical heritage. Over time, the focus has expanded to include active conservation and advocacy efforts alongside horticultural interests.

Structure and Activities

APST comprises three geographically based groups: Northern, North West, and Hobart, which cover different regions across Tasmania including Devonport, Kingston, Launceston, and surrounding areas.

• Northern Group: This group organizes regular excursions to notable botanical sites, offering members opportunities for field study and nature appreciation. Meetings feature expert speakers and presentations such as ‘plant of the month,’ complemented by social gatherings. They participate in working bees at the Tasmanian Native Garden in Mowbray and hold plant propagation sessions that serve educational and community-building purposes.

• North West Group: Members engage in meetings and propagation sessions at the Arboretum in Devonport. The group frequently visits members’ native gardens and conducts bush walks to explore and photograph Tasmania’s diverse flora.

• Hobart Group: This group emphasizes hands-on experiences such as guided walks through Tasmania’s bushlands and garden visits. They run a nursery where members learn propagation techniques, with plants sold to the public at biannual sales. Monthly meetings include guest speakers addressing a variety of botanical and ecological topics.

Mission and Membership

The society welcomes both members and non-members who are interested in Australian native plants, aiming to promote the growth, protection, and understanding of Tasmania’s unique flora. It serves as a community hub for education about native plants and encourages propagation and conservation efforts.

Relationship with National Body

As part of the Australian Native Plants Society Australia, APST contributes to a national network of native plant enthusiasts. The national body holds biennial conferences and supports state societies in their conservation and horticultural endeavors. APST thus benefits from and contributes to the collective knowledge and advocacy efforts for native plant preservation in Australia.

This overview outlines the role of the Australian Plants Society Tasmania Inc. as a significant community organization involved in the appreciation, study, and conservation of native plants in Tasmania, reflecting both local engagement and national collaboration in the field of Australian native flora.[1][3][4][5]

[1] https://www.apstas.org.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/22b80327-38af-e811-a962-000d3ad24a0d [3] https://www.landcaretas.org.au/25168 [4] https://www.eoas.info/biogs/P005194b.htm [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Native_Plants_Society