Woods Well Spyridium conservation takes a major step forward

The conservation of the nationally endangered Woods Well Spyridium (Spyridium fontis-woodii) has reached an exciting new milestone, with Nature Glenelg Trust (NGT) recently engaged by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board to prepare a management plan for this remarkable species.

The Woods Well Spyridium occurs only in the Coorong district of South Australia’s Limestone Coast, making it one of the region’s most threatened plant species. The draft management plan brings together decades of knowledge and on-ground conservation efforts, recognising the contributions of schools, local landholders, the local Aboriginal community, and expert staff from the South Australian Seed Conservation Centre at the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium. The project has also been guided by Dr Robert Andrew, Acting Team Leader – Habitat Conservation with the Limestone Coast Landscape Board.

Importantly, much of the conservation work began well before the management plan was commissioned. In particular, the enthusiasm and long-term commitment of Wilderness School has been instrumental. The school now owns and manages the former Gemini Downs property, now known as Crawford, and has played a leading role in establishing new populations of this endangered species.

Seeds carefully collected in 2006 and 2013 by Botanic Gardens staff have been used to establish several translocated populations near the remaining wild population. This remnant population survives precariously along a narrow roadside reserve between Woods Well and Tintinara and has declined dramatically—from around 50 plants approximately 30 years ago to fewer than five plants in 2026.

Encouragingly, Wilderness School students and staff have planted hundreds of young Spyridium plants into carefully protected sites on several local properties. Through this work, they are not only helping to secure the species’ future but are also learning about its ecology and conservation. “Wilderness School is keen to be involved in burn trials, undertake their own germination trials, and learn how to propagate this endangered Spyridium from cuttings” – Sally Nobbs, Wilderness School.

As part of the project, NGT also met with representatives from two Aboriginal communities to share knowledge about the species, discuss its history and current status, and explore opportunities for its future management. More than 20 people attended the gathering, which concluded with a wonderful lunch at the Salt Creek Café.

The translocated populations are now thriving in their new locations, with all sites fenced to protect plants from grazing pressure.

During monitoring, an intriguing observation has emerged: plants appear to occur in two distinct forms, differing subtly in leaf shape and colour. This variation will be investigated further as researchers continue to improve their understanding of the species.

This management plan celebrates the dedication and achievements of everyone involved over many years, while providing a clear framework for future conservation actions. Continued monitoring, research and adaptive management will be critical to ensuring the long-term survival of the Woods Well Spyridium and the remaining wild population.

This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species Program and delivered by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board.