Plant species

Welcome to the world of botany!

There are a little over 1,100 plants that are native to the ACT. Canberra Nature Map (CNM) also incorporates an additional several hundred more native plant species that occur in the alpine and subalpine areas of Kosciuszko National Park, the Monaro Plains, or on sandstone in the Bungonia area. Daisies, grasses and orchids are amongst the largest families found in the region. 

Well over 10,000 plants have been introduced into our region’s gardens and pastures from overseas and other parts of Australia. Garden plantings are not of interest to Canberra Nature Map, but where plants stray from garden or amenity plantings into our bush they are of interest. Over 600 exotic and non-local natives have established in our Region’s bush.

Canberra Nature Map is particularly trying to locate species rare in the region or new and emerging weeds before they become widespread. People may not be aware what a particular plant is, but they have been good at recognising that a plant is uncommon in an area. In just two years Canberra Nature Map has more than doubled the known location of ACT rare plant records collected over the previous 110 years and has provided the first known ACT record of over a dozen new weed species, which has enabled their eradication. The continued reporting of these sorts of records are particularly encouraged.

We are also seeking species not currently included on the species lists for a particular nature reserve or area of interest, these field guides are a valuable asset and have become increasingly comprehensive. You may also like to establish a record of all plants on your own rural property or favourite piece of bush.

Strictly speaking the term “Plant” may refer to any organism within kingdom Plantae. However, the plant category on Canberra Nature Map is concerned only with Vascular Plants (flowering plants, conifers, cycads & Ferns). Non-vascular plants (Mosses, Liverworts & Hornworts) are able to be reported on CNM and fall within the category of Mosses, Lichens, Liverworts, etc. 

The plant category as a whole is broken into 15 subcategories, these group sightings of similar organisms and allow specialist experts to cover particular groups of interest. Subcategories with specialist moderators include, Orchids, Ferns & Club Mosses and Other Freshwater Plants. When uploading sightings of plants we recommend selecting a subcategory as this makes it easier for moderators. 

Identifying plant species from photographs is often difficult, particularly as botanical precedent is to key collected specimens to achieve an Identification. To make it easier for moderators, ensure that photographs include as much information on a plant as possible. For this reason we recommend submitting multiple images with each sighting.

Below is a general guide for which features to photograph & include in sightings, these are ranked in order or importance.

1.  Inflorescence (flowers)

2.  Leaf upper surface, preferably showing shape & hairs (or lack thereof)

3.  The plant in its entirety (Form)

4.  The Calyx (back of the flower)

5.  Leaf lower surface

6.  Emerging inflorescence (Flower buds)

7.  The stem, preferably showing an attached leaf & hairiness

8.  Fruit or seed pods

Where possible it is good to include multiple characteristics in one photograph in order to maximise our ability to make an ID. Bear in mind that although those characteristics placed towards the top of the guide are typically more useful this is a very general way of approaching it & identifying certain groups may require a feature that is lower down on the list. Specific photography tips can be found under subcategory headings where applicable. ANBG has some more detailed advice on photography techniques.