Episode: Seven
Date: 19 April 2008
Presenter: Neville Passmore
Story Title: Melbourne Botanical Gardens

Melbourne Botanical Gardens

Since 1995 the Royal Botanic Gardens has led the way in water conservation for large landscapes. It is recognised as one of the world’s finest botanic gardens. There are over 10,000 species and 50,000 individual plants in the 38 hectare gardens, including trees and plants of great cultural value. Many of these plants are irreplaceable, endangered or even extinct in the wild. It is important that the survival of these plants is guaranteed by an adequate supply of water. This inner city garden is a feast for wildlife such as birds, insects and reptiles and is also a place where you can appreciate the rugged and natural beauty of a true Australian landscape.

Opening Hours

Open every day of the year

7.30am to 8.30pm November to March
7.30am to 6.00pm April, September and October
7.30am to 5.30pm May to August
Please Note:
Tropical Display – Glasshouse is open daily: 10am - 4pm.

Featured Plant- ‘Slender Knot Weed’ (Persicaria decipiens)
 

• This genus is of 50 -80 species of mostly annuals and perennials, found in many habitats around the world, they are evergreen to semi-evergreen
• This particular species derives from many parts of Australian mainland and New Zealand including Tasmania, it is sparingly branched, slender stems that can grow to 60cm long, leaves are green, growing to 5-10 cm long and 1-3 cm wide
• Distinctive features include pale, green or pinkish sparsely hairs that grow at the base of the leaf, flowering is from December to April, these slender flowers are white to a deep pink and are between 2.5-3.5 cm long.