Native Flora

Native flora within the Geraldton Region

The greater Geraldton region is home to a wide variety of native plant species, found throughout our local bushland, reserves, and coastline. The south-west WA region is located in one of the global biodiversity hotspots. The Southwest Botanical Province is Australia’s only recognised international global biodiversity hotspot, which is defined as containing high levels of natural biodiversity, but under significant threat. 

The Northern Agricultural region also contains three of Australia’s 15 national biodiversity hotspots which includes the Geraldton to Shark Bay Sandplains. National biodiversity hotspots are natural ecosystems that are largely intact with a high diversity of native plant and animal communities.

Photos L-R: Bossiaea spinescens, Sowerbaea laxiflora, Jacksonia hakeoides (photos by: Chapman River Friends)

Vegetation types and species

Within the Geraldton region there are several different vegetation communities. These describe different groups of plant species linked by soil types, landform and habitats.   

The Flora and Vegetation Survey of the Geraldton Region recorded 376 plant species, 17 distinct plant communities, with 83% of the remaining vegetation being regionally significant.

Many of these plant communities are under increased threats from vegetation clearing for development. It is crucial to protect and conserve these remaining intact vegetation communities, through our natural reserves, and increase resilience of native vegetation in the face of threats such as climate change and invasive species.

Photos L-R:Thysanotus manglesianus, Verticordia chrysantha, Marianthus ringens  (photos by: Chapman River Friends)

Viewing wildflowers in the Geraldton Region

There are more than 12,000 species of endemic plants in Western Australia and 60% of Western Australian wildflowers are found nowhere else on Earth.

Geraldton is located at the heart of wildflower country, making it perfect location to explore the breathtaking fields of colour that occur each spring.

To find out more about the wildflowers of the region, and where you can view them, visit our Wildflower page here

Photos L-R: Brunonia australis, Native Foxglove, Grevillea sp, Geraldton Wax

Planting a Native Garden

By planting a native garden, you can save money on water and fertiliser, as well as provide a food source and habitat for local birds and insects. Locally endemic native plants (or plants that naturally occur in the Geraldton region) are ideally suited to local gardens, as they are specifically adapted to local soils, climate and rainfall conditions, and help to preserve the unique and beautiful diversity of native plants. Whatever your local conditions are, there will be a native plant to suit.

City of Greater Geraldton Soil Map

Top Ten Trees Guide

If you would like to learn more about local native plants and get your hands dirty, then join us at the Community Nursery