NSW: "Extinct" plant found in Blue Mountains

AAP General News (Australia)
12-19-2001
NSW: "Extinct" plant found in Blue Mountains

A plant thought to have been extinct for 160 years has been discovered growing in the
New South Wales Blue Mountains.

Asterolasia buxifolia is so rare it doesn't have a common name.

It was originally collected by botanist ALLAN CUNNINGHAM in the 1830s but was then
lost completely, leading many to believe it was extinct.

The two-metre high shrub with golden star-like flowers hasn't even been recognised
by recent botanical books.

It was discovered by Sydney botanist BOB MAKINSON, who uncovered a cluster of about
50 growing in the Hartley area last year.

Mr MAKINSON's Melbourne colleague, BRYAN MOLE, was subsequently able to identify the
plant through DNA from a sample.

Lithgow City Council, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Royal Botanic
Gardens in Sydney are now working together to protect the species.





The Blue Mountains are also home to the only two known populations of the ancient Wollemi
Pine, discovered in 1994.

AAP RTV kp/nf/pc/rp

KEYWORD: BUXIFOLIA (SYDNEY)

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