VIC:Endangered plants emerging from ashes

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2011
VIC:Endangered plants emerging from ashes

Endangered plant species are reaping benefits from one of Australia's worst ever natural
disasters.

While the Black Saturday fires killed 173 people and destroyed thousands of properties
and businesses, the flames have been a boost to the nationally endangered Eastern Spider
Orchid.

The plant is normally detected in low numbers at only a few sites around Victoria.

Scientist MIKE DUNCAN from the Arthur Rylah Institute has found the rare native has
responded to the 2009 fires by flowering 10 times its normal rate at Wilsons Promontory
National Park.

AAP RTV ees/gfr/wz

KEYWORD: ORCHID (MELBOURNE)

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