Bush Crew diaries March 2023
Published on 23 January 2023
Glycine latrobeana (clover glycine) is a small, native perennial herb with a delicate pea-like flower that grows in a number of different habitats across south-eastern Australia.
It can be hard to spot when growing with other vegetation, and it is only when it climbs up other species – often neighbouring grasses – and flowers that it becomes visible. It also a species that has been recognised as being in decline. It is currently listed as vulnerable at both a state and federal level (FFG Act 1998, EPBC Act 1999).
Although this species is found across south-eastern Australia, it is now restricted to a small number of isolated populations. It has suffered from the usual threats of habitat loss, and changes in the frequency of fire and weed invasion. It also attractive to livestock and native browsing fauna species, adding to the reduction in wild plant numbers.
Glycine latrobeana is mainly found in grasslands and open woodland with a grassy understorey. There is known populations in Eltham and Plenty Gorge Park, but there is no known remnant population in Banyule.
A few years ago, our team identified that we had several reserves that could support a population of Glycine latrobeana and it’s likely that these sites did support this species in the past. Given that there is also known, nearby populations, we felt confident of successfully re-establishing the plant locally.
We acquired some seedling glycine from one of our nursery providers. Knowing that it may be difficult to establish a wild population, we held back some of those plants in our nursery. This has given us the opportunity to create a buffer in case we had a less than ideal growing season. It also allowed us to collect seed from our nursery stock and grow a next generation of the plant.
Mid-last year, we finally planted Glycine latrobeana into 4 of our reserves that are suitable habitats. We targeted several vegetation communities with various sun exposure, soil types and, in 2 cases, we varied planting positions on the ground. This gives us an opportunity to refine what an ideal habitat the species requires to give it the best chance of establishing in the wild.
As with all the revegetation, the best test for success is whether plants can survive through their first summer. We water them throughout this time (following their planting) and leave the plants to survive on their own.
Things are looking good, but there is more summer to come.