The Botanical Society of Otago

Past Events

If you would like to see future events for the Botanical Society of Otago, see the diary.

Wednesday 9th May, 2012

Start time: 12:00 PM

Keeping it hot when it's cold outside: plant sex in the Arctic and Sub-Antarctic

A Botany Dept seminar by Lorna Little, PhD Candidate. Union St Lecture Theatre, Cnr Union St West & Great King St. Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Saturday 21st April, 2012

Start time: 9:00 AM

Field trip to Craigieburn Reserve, Ross Creek

A proposed joint trip with Forest and Bird. Details to be announced. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Wednesday 18th April, 2012

Start time: 5:20 PM

AGM and Photographic Competition

At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Wednesday 11th April, 2012

Start time:

Deadline for entries for the Photographic Competition

Entry forms are available from the Department of Botany Office, or can be downloaded from the BSO website. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Saturday 24th March, 2012

Start time: 8:30 AM

Field trip to Knight's Bush, Tuapeka

The Knights are stewards of some of the last remaining native vegetation on the banks of the Clutha River from the lakes to the sea. Their 228 ha block opposite Birch Island and the Blue Mountains encompasses a surprising variety of ecosystems. On the river flat and stream sides kahikatea, totara, matai & pokaka grow amongst gnarly old beech trees, with a broadleaf/divaricating shrub understory. In places the podocarps dominate, higher up there are almost pure stands of Nothofagus solandri and N. menziesii. Stands of huge old kanuka are evidence of early milling. On the sunniest northerly faces are remnants of original dry land shrub and kowhai community, including the uncommon Teucridium parvifolium. John, Allison and Ben worked hard last year to build a 2 km long fence to protect examples of these communities from browsing and foraging animals. They hope this new biodiversity reserve will encourage regeneration of the understory and allow vulnerable plants to re-establish. Come and help to create a base-line species list, clear around the fence-line or just look around. Wear strong footwear with good grip for the steep slopes. Bring pen, hand-lens, lunch etc. 113 km drive each way. Return late afternoon. Rain-date Sunday. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Wednesday 21st March, 2012

Start time: 5:20 PM

Hidden Wealth—the Biodiversity of the Denniston Plateau

A talk by Rod Morris. Rod will present a 50 min powerpoint on the plants and animals (many of them poorly known or scientifically undescribed) that are at risk from the 'Escarpment Mine' proposal put forward by Australian mining company Bathurst Resources.

Rod writes: "Until now my career has been in film-making and wildlife photography, and I have not felt the need to become an activist as well, however after visiting Stockton, NZ's largest open-caste coal mine near Denniston 18 months ago, I became increasingly troubled at what I see happening—ecological destruction proposed on a massive scale, and all in one of NZ's most important areas for biodiversity.

I wrote an article for the August 2010 issue of Forest and Bird magazine about my impressions of Stockton and I have been collaborating with F & B on publicising the hidden biodiversity of the Denniston, and the threat open caste mining poses since then. Your members will also have read an evocative piece more recently on the Denniston by Debs Martin in the latest (Feb 2012) issue of F&B."

Friday 2nd March, 2012

Start time: 12:00 PM

Free BSO BBQ!

BBQ to welcome new botany/ecology students and new BSO members. At the front lawn, Botany House Annex, Great King Street (across the road from the main Botany building). Sausage sandwiches and drinks provided free by the Botanical Society of Otago. All BSO members welcome! Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Wednesday 15th February, 2012

Start time: 5:20 PM

Structure of plant communities in edaphic and alpine deserts of the Japanese Archipelago

A talk by Zaal Kikvidze from The University of Tokyo co-authored with M. Suzuki,¹ Y. Shimono,² M. Sukeno³ and G. Kudo³ (¹The University of Tokyo; ²Kyoto University; ³Hokkaido University).

Abstract

Desert-like landscapes, created by recent volcanic activity (volcanic deserts) or directional, strong and frequent winds (often in alpine areas), are not uncommon for Japanese archipelago. In these severe environments we can see primary successions (such as colonisation of exposed, bare ground, facilitative effects among plants). Only a few tolerant species can colonise these harsh environments. Among them are plants that can function as foundation species, which actually initiate the process of primary succession and facilitate invasions of other, less tolerant species at later stages of succession. The signature of the presence of these foundation species can be seen in strongly non-random spatial distributions of other members of plant communities, some species strongly associated with the foundation species, but other neutral or even not occurring with the pioneer colonisers. We present two examples of such communities—(i) Polygonum cuspidatum moss and Cirsium purpuratum thistles as facilitators of successions in volcanic desert of Mt. Fuji, central Japan; (ii) Pinus pumilum pines and the low shrub Diapensia lapponica in alpine deserts of Hokkaido, northern Japan. We also show that facilitative effects includes transmissions of mycorrhizal fungal infections from one species to another.

Wednesday 7th December, 2011

Start time: 7:00 PM

End of year dinner at the Asian Restaurant

Always a fun and popular event! This year we return to the fabulous Asian Restaurant, 43 Moray Place, Dunedin. Make sure you let Bill Wilson know if you'd like to come. Contact Bill Wilson, phone: (03) 477 2282.

Saturday 3rd December, 2011

Start time: 7:00 AM

Weekend field trip to Omarama bog pine and wetland sites

We will base ourselves at Omarama and spend one day visiting the bog pine dominated rare ecosystem of Ben Dhu Scientific Reserve, followed by a day investigating the Tarnbrae wetlands or the Wairepo kettle hole wetlands. Visits to these post-glaciation derived ecosystems with their distinctive shrubland and turf vegetation are graded "easy". A range of accommodation options are available at the Omarama Holiday Park www.omaramatop10.co.nz. Participants are expected to arrange their preferred accommodation. Leaders are Geoff Rogers and John Barkla. Contact Geoff Rogers, phone: (03) 454 5732.

Saturday 19th November, 2011

Start time: 9:00 AM

Field trip to Akatore Creek

Akatore is a remnant of diverse coastal shrubland at the mouth of Akatore Creek, 45 minutes south of Dunedin. Some special features of this site include the diversity of shrub species and threatened species such as Coprosma obconica, Olearia fragrantissima, Melicytus flexuosus and Carex littorosa with the possibility of our discovering other threatened species. We may also visit the adjacent coast where the threatened cress Lepidium tenuicaule is present as well as Myosotis pygmaea. Depart from the Botany Department car park, corner of Great King Street and Union Street (West). Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Wednesday 16th November, 2011

Start time: 12:00 PM

Mountain earthquakes and their ecological effects: the case of the 20008 Sichuan earthquake

A talk by Prof. Qian Wang, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Union St Lecture Theatre, Cnr Union St West & Great King St. Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 9th November, 2011

Start time: 5:30 PM

Public Lecture: Beech forest dynamics in a changing climate

A talk by Dr John Ogden in celebration of International Year of Forests 2011. The likely behaviour of beech forests through glacial/interglacial cycles will be discussed and some of the current spatial and temporal patterns will be described in relationship to these past events (with George Perry as co-contributor). At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Wednesday 9th November, 2011

Start time: 12:00 PM

Ecosystems in waiting or a bright new future?

A talk by Dr John Ogden in celebration of International Year of Forests 2011. Mixed plant and animal communities are now widely established in New Zealand. Will the forests of yesteryear eventually re-establish, or should we welcome a new species mixture dictated by a new disturbance regime? Work on the dynamics of the scrub communities on Great Barrier Island will be discussed. A Department of Botany Lunchtime Seminar. Note special time and Venue: 12 noon – 12:50 pm, Student Learning Centre Room GW3, Information Services Building (ISB), cnr Cumberland and Albany St. Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Friday 4th November, 2011

Start time: 12:00 PM

Hort Talk: What’s Cookin'?—tips for cooking local produce

A talk by Steve Ellwood, at the Botanic Garden Centre. Contact Dunedin Botanic Garden, phone: (03) 477 4000.

Sunday 30th October, 2011

Start time: 9:00 AM

Field trip to Leith Saddle

Celebrating International Year of Forests. This trip is open to members of the public and will be led by various members of the Botanical Society. The trip will follow a well formed track from Leith Saddle up through mixed podocarp broadleaf forest that grades into Libocedrus forest that in turn gives way to mixed tussock/ shrubland. This is perhaps the best piece of representative forest close to Dunedin. Depart from the Botany Department car park, corner of Great King Street and Union Street (West). Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Saturday 29th October, 2011

Start time: 10:00 AM

Orokonui Ecosanctuary workshop on plant photography with digital SLR cameras

At Orokonui Ecosanctuary, led by BSO photographer David Lyttle. Cost: $29.90 (Donation). Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Wednesday 19th October, 2011

Start time: 12:00 PM

Genetic variation in Alfalfa mosaic virus

A talk by Aiko Lignon. MSc Proposal. School of Physical Education Seminar Room #213–4, University of Otago, 55 Union St, Dunedin Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 19th October, 2011

Start time: 12:00 PM

Can we use virus infection to manipulate secondary metabolites in economically important plants?

A talk by Max Corral. Botany MSc Proposal. School of Physical Education Seminar Room #213–4, University of Otago, 55 Union St, Dunedin Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 12th October, 2011

Start time: 7:30 PM

Orokonui Landmark Lecture. The meaning of eco: Science or brand?

A talk by Prof. Kath Dickinson, Dept of Botany, University of Otago. St David's Lecture Theatre, University of Otago. Contact Orokonui Ecosanctuary, phone: (03) 482 1755.

Wednesday 12th October, 2011

Start time: 5:30 PM

Three talks by the winners of the Botany Postgraduate Research Colloquium

Jaz Morris will discuss how greenhouse conditions affect the physiology of giant kelp? Diego Urrutia Guevara presents a talk about the response of alpine plant and soil composition to induced environmental conditions on the Old Man Range, New Zealand, and Tim Crawford explains profiling low-oxygen electron transport in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Abstracts relating to each talk can be found in the communications section of the newsletter. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Friday 7th October, 2011

Start time: 12:00 PM

Hort Talk: Green Ways to Eradicate Invasive Weeds

A talk by T. J. Irvin, at the Botanic Garden Centre. Contact Dunedin Botanic Garden, phone: (03) 477 4000.

Thursday 6th October, 2011

Start time: 5:00 PM

A plan for Lepidium conservation at Long Beach

There is a rare un-named native herb in the cabbage family that lives at the sea cave. The Department of Conservation wishes to do work to improve its numbers and future. You are invited to meet this Lepidium and discuss its future. Meet at the cave at the north-west end of Long Beach. Contact Graeme Loh, phone: (03) 474 6935.

Thursday 6th October, 2011

Start time: 2:00 PM

Orokonui Ecosanctuary. Garden design and plants to attract native birds.

A talk by Philip Dunn, Ribbonwood Nursery. At Orokonui Ecosanctuary. Cost: $5.00 (Donation). Contact Orokonui Ecosanctuary, phone: (03) 482 1755.

Wednesday 5th October, 2011

Start time: 12:00 PM

My place in the world: An update on the electron microscopy facilities at the University of Otago

A talk by Allan Mitchell, Technical Manager, Otago Centre for Microscopy. Union St Lecture Theatre, Cnr Union St West & Great King St. Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Tuesday 4th October, 2011

Start time: 4:00 PM

Differential susceptibility to ocean acidification

A talk by Associate Professor Catriona Hurd. Marine Science Seminar Room, Dept of Marine Science, University of Otago, 310 Castle St, Dunedin (corner Frederick and Castle Streets). Contact Dept Marine Science, phone: (03) 479 8306.

Wednesday 21st September, 2011

Start time: 12:00 PM

Friendly Forest Fungi: mycorrhizae of NZ native forest trees

A talk by Dr David Orlovich in celebration of International Year of Forests 2011. I will discuss the importance of fungus-root symbioses in NZ forests and describe recent research on native mycorrhizal fungi. A Department of Botany Lunchtime Seminar. Note: Special time and Venue: Union St Lecture Theatre, Cnr Union St (West) & Great King St. Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 14th September, 2011

Start time: 5:30 PM

10th Annual Geoff Baylis Lecture: Complex relationships with friends and foes: How native plants manage the risks

Speaker Dr Bill Lee Landcare Research, Dunedin; Joint Graduate School of Biodiversity and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland. Plants share a world with many other organisms that represent both potential enemies and possible allies. For their enemies plants are a food source, but plants have developed numerous defences, including co-opting other animals, to protect vital organs. This involves strategic alliances, armed neutrality and active warfare. Plants also develop interdependencies with other biota for obtaining resources, assisting reproduction and dispersal, and limiting herbivory. The talk will explore what we know about these interactions in New Zealand, and discuss some of the extraordinary relationships amongst and between fungi, arthropods, birds, and plants. Emphasis will be on the strategies and tactics involved from the perspective of the plants, and how much plants are prepared to repel enemies and gain friends in natural ecosystems. At Castle 1 Lecture theatre. Nibbles and drinks from 5:30 in the Castle concourse, talk starts at 6:00 pm. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Saturday 10th September, 2011

Start time: 9:00 AM

Field trip to Mihiwaka guided by Alf Webb

We will walk through some podocarp forest representative of the Dunedin area, then go on to regenerating shrub-land with a small sphagnum bog. We will see some of the eastern most Libocedrus bidwillii stands, and see wonderful views from the rock out-crops. Depart from the Botany Department car park, corner of Great King Street and Union Street (West). Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Wednesday 10th August, 2011

Start time: 5:30 PM

More than megaherbs: 200 years of vegetation change on subantarctic Campbell Island

A talk by Alex Fergus. The Campbell Island Bicentennial Expedition team stuck it out on our southernmost landmass for 10 weeks this past summer. As a member of the terrestrial ecology research group, my focus was the recovery of the plant and insect communities and the interaction between seabirds and plant diversity. The vegetation of Campbell Island has changed dramatically in the 200 years since European discovery. Burning, grazing, and the mediated effects of rats have altered species abundances and community structure. Permanent plots and photo points (dating from the 1870s) reveal vegetation damage before 1960 has given way to re-growth and range expansion. The progressive removal of European vertebrates has sparked a remarkable and rapid recovery of many of the iconic, and also the less well-known subantarctic plant species. How much of this recent change is simply recovery and how much is due to climate change is the next big question. Expect lots of pictures mixed in with a wee bit of science and even a few new discoveries for the island. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Saturday 6th August, 2011

Start time: 9:00 AM

Field trip to Akatore

Rain date 7th August (trip originally scheduled for the 16th April but cancelled due to rain). Akatore is a remnant of diverse coastal shrubland at the mouth of Akatore Creek 45 minutes south of Dunedin. Some special features of this site include the diversity of shrub species and threatened species such as Coprosma obconica, Olearia fragrantissima, Melicytus flexuosus and Carex littorosa with the possibility of our discovering other threatened species. We may also visit the adjacent coast where the threatened cress Lepidium tenuicaule is present as well as Myosotis pygmaea. Depart from the Dept of Botany Carpark, cnr Great King Street and Union Street (West). Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Thursday 21st July, 2011

Start time: 6:00 PM

John Smaillie Tennant Lecture: How many species will survive the 21st century?

Speaker President Emeritus Peter H Raven, Missouri Botanical Garden, USA. Scientists project that during the 21st century a major proportion of the world’s estimated 12 million species of plants, animals, and micro-organisms will become extinct.

What can we do to counteract or mitigate the effects of habitat destruction, global climate change, invasive species, and selective hunting and gathering?

attain a level human population
adopt reasonable levels of consumption everywhere
develop new, sustainable technologies

Direct actions to conserve species:

establishment and protection of nature reserves
bringing organisms into cultivation, captive colonies, culture collection, or seed banks

Our individual actions will determine the magnitude of the extinction episode that we have already begun—and its impact for thousands or millions of years to come. St. David Lecture Theatre, Corner of St David and Castle Sts, University of Otago.

Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Sunday 17th July, 2011

Start time: 10:00 AM

Ross Creek-Woodhaugh Garden Track Network

Come and beat the mid-winter blues with a half day trip in the heart of Dunedin. We will explore the network of tracks that begin at Woodhaugh Gardens and wind their way up the Water of Leith and into the Ross Creek Reservoir area. There's quite a range of natural vegetation passed on the walk including kahikatea-kowhai-ribbonwood-lacebark forest through to more recent kanuka dominated successional communities. Be prepared for a couple of hours walking on well maintained tracks. The trip will start and finish at Woodhaugh Gardens. Meet at 10 am at the George Street entrance to Woodhaugh Gardens. Back about midday. Contact John Barkla, phone: (03) 476 3686.

Wednesday 13th July, 2011

Start time: 5:30 PM

The 2011 New Zealand Fungal Foray

A talk by David Orlovich. The 25th New Zealand Fungal Foray visited the Taupo region, and it was one of the most productive collecting trips we’ve had for a long time. We didn’t let the wet weather inhibit our collecting too much, and were really impressed with the huge number of Cortinarius species we found. I will present a slide show of some of the best findings. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Wednesday 15th June, 2011

Start time: 5:30 PM

Botanical "Show and Tell" Evening

Members are invited to bring items of botanical interest to the monthly meeting and talk about them. Items may be short slides shows, books, photographs, plants or any plant related object that has a story attached. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Tuesday 7th June, 2011

Start time: 1:00 PM

Plant-environment interactions: plant strategies and applications

A talk by Dr Rainer Hoffman, Lincoln University, Christchurch. A Department of Botany Lunchtime Seminar. In their natural environment, plants are exposed to a wide spectrum of environmental variables, including peak levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in summer, limited availability of water and nutrients, and many other abiotic and biotic factors. While the effects of these variables can impose considerable stress on plants, frequently they can also contribute to cross-tolerance. In many of these cases, flavonoids have been implicated as biochemical mediators. Our findings highlight the importance of UV radiation-mediated flavonoid production for preconditioning plants to better cope with other environmental variables such as drought. Our results are in line with plant strategy theory, indicating that investment into biochemical protection can come at a cost for primary productivity. The findings provide new avenues for plant improvement and crop production via the selection of productive germplasm that contains key protective metabolites to balance trade-offs between plant productivity and stress resistance. Applications of this knowledge in viticulture and oenology are also discussed. Note: Special time, day and Venue: Benham Seminar Room, Zoology Department. Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Sunday 5th June, 2011

Start time: 9:00 AM

Field Trip to Shag Point

Rain date Monday 6th June (Queen's Birthday holiday). Meet at the Botany Department car park at 9.00 a.m. Contact Bill Wilson, phone: (03) 477 2282.

Wednesday 25th May, 2011

Start time: 12:00 PM

Antioxidative strategies of intertidal macroalgae to radiation stress

A talk by Dr Ralf Rautenberger, DGF Postdoctoral Fellow, Dept of Botany, University of Otago. A Department of Botany Lunchtime Seminar. Note: Special time and Venue: Union St Lecture Theatre, Cnr Union St West & Great King St Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 18th May, 2011

Start time: 5:20 PM

Botany of the North Hector Range

A talk by John Barkla. After the summer camp a joint Wellington and Otago Botanical Society group traversed the northern Hector Mountains from The Remarkables Skifield to Lake Hope. John will give an illustrated talk on that trip and the diverse botany of the Hector Mountains. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Wednesday 11th May, 2011

Start time: 12:30 PM

Title to be advised

An MSc proposal talk by Emma Wallace, Dept of Botany, University of Otago. A Department of Botany Lunchtime Seminar. Note: Special time and Venue: Union St Lecture Theatre, Cnr Union St West & Great King St Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 11th May, 2011

Start time: 12:00 PM

An investigation into the symbiosis of Pseudocyphellaria crocata

A final MSc talk by Jess Yardley, Dept of Botany, University of Otago. A Department of Botany Lunchtime Seminar. Note: Special time and Venue: Union St Lecture Theatre, Cnr Union St West & Great King St Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Sunday 8th May, 2011

Start time: 9:00 AM

Field trip to Waipori Gorge

Due to the heavy rain we had over the last few days, which is continuing, we have unfortunately canceled this trip. Fungal foray to Waipori Gorge. Waipori has proven to be a real treasure trove of interesting fungi, so we'll be finding out what's there on Sunday. Bring your lunch, drink, a camera, warm clothes, wet weather gear and suitable tramping shoes. Meet at the Botany Dept car park at 9:00 a.m., we'll aim to return by 4 p.m. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Wednesday 27th April, 2011

Start time: 5:20 PM

Annual General Meeting and Photographic Competition

Judging of the 5th BSO photographic competition and a brief AGM. Entries will be on display, photographic tips given and prizes presented. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Saturday 16th April, 2011

Start time: 9:00 AM

Field trip to Akatore

Akatore is a remnant of diverse coastal shrubland at the mouth of Akatore Creek 45 minutes south of Dunedin. Some special features of this site include the diversity of shrub species and threatened species such as Coprosma obconica, Olearia fragrantissima, Melicytus flexuosus and Carex littorosa with the possibility of our discovering other threatened species. We may also visit the adjacent coast where the threatened cress Lepidium tenuicaule is present as well as Myosotis pygmaea. Depart from the Dept of Botany Carpark, cnr Great King Street and Union Street (West). Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Wednesday 13th April, 2011

Start time: 12:30 PM

Plant strategies along small-scale snowmelt gradients in New Zealand

A final MSc talk by Annika Korsten, Dept of Botany, University of Otago. A Department of Botany Lunchtime Seminar. Note: Special time and Venue: Union St Lecture Theatre, Cnr Union St West & Great King St Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 13th April, 2011

Start time: 12:00 PM

Oxidative damage & antioxidant defences of Ulva pertusa & a mollusk following contamination

Full title: Oxidative damage and antioxidant defences of the macroalgae Ulva pertusa and an associated grazing mollusk in response to fluoranthene contamination. A final MSc talk by Nikita Engels, Dept of Botany, University of Otago. A Department of Botany Lunchtime Seminar. Note: Special time and Venue: Union St Lecture Theatre, Cnr Union St West & Great King St Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 30th March, 2011

Start time: 12:30 PM

What is the role of facilitation in structuring alpine communities?

A PhD proposal by Britt Cranston, Dept of Botany, University of Otago. A Department of Botany Lunchtime Seminar. Note: Special time and Venue: Union St Lecture Theatre, Cnr Union St West & Great King St Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 30th March, 2011

Start time: 12:00 PM

Toxins, climate change and marine invertebrates

A PhD proposal by Kathryn Lister, Dept of Botany, University of Otago. A Department of Botany Lunchtime Seminar. Note: Special time and Venue: Union St Lecture Theatre, Cnr Union St West & Great King St Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Saturday 19th March, 2011

Start time: 9:00 AM

Weekend field trip to Thisbe Stream, Catlins

We will stay at Thisbe Stream where there is a six bed hut and good sites for camping. We will see beech forest with Peraxilla mistletoe, and frost hollow vegetation with the shrubs Melicytus flexuosus and Coprosma elatirioides. If we are fortunate we may see mohua—not botanical but really cool little birds. Contact Leader Graeme Loh by Wednesday 16 March. Contact Graeme Loh, phone: (03) 474 6935.

Wednesday 16th March, 2011

Start time: 5:20 PM

Galapagos Islands

A talk by Graeme Loh on his recent visit to the Galapagos Islands. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Wednesday 16th March, 2011

Start time: 12:00 PM

Hybrid fitness and ecological speciation in flowering plants

A talk by Professor Diane Campbell, University of California, Irvine and the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, USA. A Department of Botany Lunchtime Seminar. Note: Special time and Venue: Union St Lecture Theatre, Cnr Union St West & Great King St Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Friday 4th March, 2011

Start time: 12:00 PM

Free BSO BBQ!

Thursday 3rd March, 2011

Start time: 5:30 PM

Mountain tops to ocean depths: my involvement with a range of ecological/environmental issues

A public lecture by Professor Sir Alan Mark. The Charles Fleming Lecturer for 2011 is Professor Sir Alan Mark FRSNZ from the Department of Botany, University of Otago, Dunedin. He writes: "I will describe a lifetime involvement with pure and applied ecological studies of the indigenous upland snow tussock grasslands. This has been aimed at understanding the grassland ecology, its sustainable management and ecosystem services, particularly the impacts of burning and grazing, and unpredictably high water yields. This research has been interspersed with indulgences in ecopolitics, ranging from the conservation of indigenous grassland and associated mountain lands, sustainable lake management (Lakes Manapouri, Monowai and Te Anau), conservation organizations, to national park ecological surveys and long-term monitoring. Several appointed roles and a position as Deputy Director of the Temperate Grasslands Conservation Initiative of the IUCN have allowed me to indulge quite widely." In Archway 4 lecture Theatre, access from Union Street East. All public welcome!. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Wednesday 23rd February, 2011

Start time: 5:30 PM

Slide show of the Otago and Wellington Botanical Societies' Summer Camp

A talk by David Lyttle. David will show slides taken during the Otago and Wellington Botanical Societies' Summer Camp earlier this year. A selection of photos of alpine plants taken on visits to the Eglington Valley, Gertrude Valley, Key Summit, Mt Burns, Boyd Creek, Takahe Valley and the St Bathans Range. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Saturday 22nd January, 2011

Start time: 9:00 AM

Field trip to McPhee's Rock, Rock and Pillar Range

A great chance to experience some wonderful alpine vegetation on the outskirts of Dunedin City. Meet at the Botany Department car park at 9 a.m. Contact Bill Wilson, phone: (03) 477 2282.

Wednesday 29th December, 2010

Start time:

Summer Camp at Boyd Creek, Southland

To be held in conjunction with Wellington Botanical Society from 29 December 2010 – 7 Januray 2011. We will be based at the Southland Boys High School hut at Boyd Creek in the Eglington Valley. Botanising possibilities include Lake Marian, Gertrude and Hollyford Valleys, Milford Sound, Key Summit, Eglinton Valley, Hutt Creek, Knobs Flat and Boyd Creek tops. Check the Wellington Bot Soc website for more details: www.wellingtonbotsoc.org.nz or contact Mick Parsons: email, phone (04) 972 1142. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Thursday 16th December, 2010

Start time: 6:30 PM

End of year dinner at the Asian Restaurant

Friday 10th December, 2010

Start time: 12:15 PM

Botanic Garden, Picnic Lunch with French Botanical Society

Another chance to meet the French Botanical Society. Bring a picnic lunch to the azalea garden, just through from the toilets in the upper Botanic Garden. Contact Mark Hanger, phone: 021 680 524.

Tuesday 7th December, 2010

Start time: 11:30 AM

Old Man Range with French Botanical Society

Members are invited to join the French Botanical Society on their trip up the Old Man Range, guided by Mark Hanger. They aim to be at bottom of the Symes Rd by 11:30 am and are coming from Lake Ohau that morning. David Lyttle will be taking a 4WD vehicle from Dunedin. If you'd like to car-pool contact him at: 454 5470 or djlyttle@ihug.co.nz Contact Mark Hanger, phone: 021 680 524.

Wednesday 17th November, 2010

Start time: 5:30 PM

Life in your backyard: bringing the social into the natural sciences

A talk by Prof. Katharine Dickinson, Department of Botany, University of Otago. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Sunday 14th November, 2010

Start time: 9:00 AM

Field trip to Mt Cargill

There is a swampy clearing in a pine plantation below and to the north of the summit of Mt Cargill. This area has not been investigated botanically and appears to contain a number of uncommon plants in the Dunedin area. Plants found there include Coprosma decurva, Aciphylla scott-thomsonii, Thelymitra cyanea and Forstera tenella. Meet at Botany Department car park at 9.00 a.m. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Wednesday 20th October, 2010

Start time: 5:30 PM

Winning Botany Colloquium talks

This evening of talks will be presented by the winners of the prizes at the Botany Postgraduate Research Colloquium. The student speakers will talk about their research, which will almost certainly be on a diverse and interesting range of topics. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Wednesday 6th October, 2010

Start time: 12:00 PM

Physiological responses of macroalgae under high PAR, UVR and elevated temperature

A talk by Dr Michael Roleda, Marsden Post Doctoral Fellow, Department of Botany, University of Otago. A Department of Botany Seminar. Note special time and venue: At the Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs, corner of Union and Great King Streets). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Saturday 25th September, 2010

Start time: 9:00 AM

Cancelled: Weekend field trip to Thisbe Stream, Catlins

Note: This trip has been cancelled due to inclement weather. Hopefully it will be able to run early in 2011. We will stay at Thisbe Stream where there is a six bed hut and good sites for camping. We will see beech forest with Peraxilla mistletoe, and frost hollow vegetation with the shrubs Melicytus flexuosus and Coprosma elatirioides. If we are fortunate we may see mohua; not botanical but really cool little birds. Contact Leader Graeme Loh by Wednesday 22 Sept. Contact Graeme Loh, phone: (03) 474 6935.

Wednesday 22nd September, 2010

Start time: 12:00 PM

Pathways of connectivity in marine landscapes

A talk by Assoc. Prof. Glenn Hyndes, Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, Edith Cowan University, Western Australia. A Department of Botany Seminar. Note special time and venue: At the Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs, corner of Union and Great King Streets). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 15th September, 2010

Start time: 6:00 PM

9th Annual Geoff Baylis Lecture. Plant taxonomy: how can we tell if we're wrong?

The 9th Annual Geoff Baylis Lecture will be presented by by Prof. Philip Garnock-Jones, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington. Plant taxonomy is practiced in many different ways by different taxonomists, but are there any unifying or general principles that can be applied? In this lecture, I'll look at the two main types of problems that taxonomists try to solve—the delimitation of species and the classification of those species into higher-ranked taxa—using examples from groups I'm familiar with. For example, in Veronica, we have new taxonomic revisions of all the New Zealand groups, but we still don't understand the relationships of many of the species, especially among the shrubby hebes. Forty years ago, we had an outline by Lucy Moore of how the different groupings might be related to each other, a new Flora treatment that included a long list of species of uncertain status (e.g., Hebe biggarii), a suspicion that hebes hybridise more than is quite decent, and an almost complete list of chromosome numbers that suggested new understandings at species and higher ranks. Field work throughout New Zealand, new data from chemistry and genetics, and the framing of questions as explicit hypotheses have helped a group of us answer some of the questions, but many puzzles remain to keep the next generation of taxonomists busy. Lecture at 6 pm in Burns 1, with nibbles and drinks from 5:15 pm in the concourse outside the Castle lecture theatres Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Wednesday 8th September, 2010

Start time: 12:00 PM

Botany 4th year research presentations

Presentations of students completing BTNY480/490 Research Projects in the Department of Botany.

12:00 noon. James Wang: Tree Species effects on canopy transpiration in two Catlins forests

12:20 pm. Vickey McGimpsey: Mauve the mysterious flower colour pigment in Euphrasia dyeri

12:40 pm. Suli Teasdale: Difference in Cortinarius communities for three forest types: Pinus radiata, Nothofagus spp., and Kunzea ericoides

1:00 pm. Ella Hayman: Does foliage of Thymus vulgaris (Labiatae) inhibit the germination of native shrum and grass species?

1:20 pm. Sharon McKenzie: Investigating the identity of Hypochoeris Mosaic Virus

Note special time and venue: At the Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs, corner of Union and Great King Streets). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 25th August, 2010

Start time: 12:00 PM

Energetic requirements for growth of the deep-water red seaweed Anotrichium crinitum

A talk by Dan Pritchard, Department of Botany, University of Otago. A Department of Botany Seminar. Note special time and venue: At the Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs, corner of Union and Great King Streets). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 11th August, 2010

Start time: 5:30 PM

Rare and Threatened Lichens

Illustrated talk by Allison Knight. Last year's lichen talk concentrated on the common and widespread lichens that Allison is illustrating in her introductory Field Guide. This year she will talk about some of the rare, threatened, uncommon and little known lichens that the Threatened Lichen Group are in the process of publishing. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Wednesday 11th August, 2010

Start time: 12:00 PM

Toxic cyanobacteria in New Zealand: from toxin regulation to national regulation

A talk by Dr Susie Wood, Cawthron Institute, Nelson. A Department of Botany Seminar. Note special time and venue At the Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs, corner of Union and Great King Streets). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Saturday 7th August, 2010

Start time: 9:00 AM

Lichen talk, workshop and Field trip

A combined BSO—Orokonui Ecosanctuary event. Allison Knight will share her enthusiasm for lichens and introduce some local species that will feature in her illustrated introductory field guide to lichens. Bring handlens, camera, lunch and suitable outdoor gear and any lichens you'd like to find out more about. The workshop is free to BSO members but bring $15 for entry into the Ecosanctuary and maybe a bit extra for hot food and drinks at the café there. Meet 9 am at the Botany Dept car park to car pool or 10 am at the Ecosanctuary information centre. Places limited. Bookings essential. To book phone Orokonui Ecosanctuary (03) 482 1755. BSO contact is Allison Knight, (03) 487 8265, alli_knight@hotmail.com Contact Orokonui Ecosanctury, phone: (03) 482 1755.

Wednesday 21st July, 2010

Start time: 5:30 PM

Botanical "Show and tell" evening

Members are invited to bring along botanical items (for example, photographs and slides, plants, books, seeds—anything botanical that you'd like to show others!) for a show and tell evening. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Sunday 11th July, 2010

Start time: 10:00 AM

Fabulous Ferns: Orokonui Ecosanctuary fundraiser

Cost $39. All proceeds to biodiversity protection in the Ecosanctuary. An illustrated talk and field excursion looking at fabulous ferns with John Steel from the University of Otago Botany Department. Contact Orokonui Ecosanctury, phone: (03) 482 1755.

Saturday 10th July, 2010

Start time: 10:00 AM

Saturday field trip to Watsons Beach

Watsons Beach in south Otago has some of the most extensive coastal turfs in Otago that include populations of the uncommon herbs Lepidium tenuicaule, Myosotis pygmaea and Ranunculus recens. There's also relict coastal shrubland, sedgeland and lichen encrusted rocks. We'll wander north towards Quoin Point so dress for exposed coastal conditions. Leave from the Botany Department carpark at 10 am. Contact John Barkla, phone: (03) 476 3686.

Wednesday 30th June, 2010

Start time: 5:30 PM

The Romance of Botany

A talk by Mike Thorsen. A misty-eyed voyage through some of the special places and plants on the island of the glowing skies. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Mike Thorsen, phone: (03) 453 6800.

Sunday 13th June, 2010

Start time: 10:00 AM

Magical Mosses and Liverworts: Orokonui Ecosanctuary fundraiser

Cost $39. All proceeds to biodiversity protection in the Ecosanctuary. An illustrated talk and field excursion looking at magical mosses and liverworts with Maia Mistral from the University of Otago Botany Department. Contact Orokonui Ecosanctury, phone: (03) 482 1755.

Saturday 12th June, 2010

Start time: 9:00 AM

Fungal foray and identification workshop, Orokonui Ecosanctury

Fungal Foray and Workshop, in conjunction with Orokonui EcoSanctuary.

Foray 9 am–1 pm (for BSO members only): Led by David Orlovich. Meet 9 am Botany Dept Car Park to car pool to Orokonui. Bring waxed paper, collecting bag, hand lens, camera, lunch and $15 for entry into the EcoSanctuary, and maybe a bit extra for hot food and drinks at the café there. Bring warm and waterproof clothing. Contact: David Orlovich 021 122 7230

Workshop 1–3 pm with David Orlovich, who teaches and researches mycology, plant diversity and evolution at the Botany Department. Free to BSO members, $20 to public. Limit 20 people. Bookings essential—phone (03) 482 1755 or email info@orokonui.org.nz Contact David Orlovich, phone: 021 122 7230.

Saturday 15th May, 2010

Start time: 9:00 AM

Field trip to Colinswood Bush, Macandrew Bay and the Pyramids

In the morning we will visit Colinswood Bush, a private covenant located in Macandrew Bay. This bush remnant was fenced to exclude stock 20 years ago. Considerable progress has been made in restoring the bush and enhancing it biological health since the inception of the project. We will continue on to the Pyramids where we will have lunch and look at the different plant communities that are found there. You will be able to practise the plant identification skills that you learnt at Wednesday's workshop. Meet at 9:30 am at the junction of Howard St and Barling St, Macandrew Bay. If coming from Dunedin, meet at 9:00 am at the Botany Dept car park. Bring your lunch.
Download a PDF of the information for this event. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Wednesday 12th May, 2010

Start time: 7:00 PM

Workshop on Biodiversity and Identification of Plants Native to the Otago Peninsula

At Macandrew Bay Hall. Note the change from our usual meeting time and venue. This is a joint meeting with The Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Group. The original native vegetation of the Otago Peninsula has mostly been cleared for pastoral farming. However scattered fragments of the original vegetation remain. The purpose of this workshop is to explore the biodiversity values associated these remnants and assist people to identify the native plants that are still found on the Peninsula.
Speakers

John Barkla, Department of Conservation "Plant Biodiversity on the Otago Peninsula."
Nigel McPherson, Colinswood Bush Committee "The Restoration of Colinswood Bush: A 20 Year Story."
Moira Parker, Otago Peninsula Biodiversity Group "Weed-busting."
Mike Thorsen, Department of Conservation "Practical Identification of Native Plants."

At the end of the formal talks a cup of tea will be served. Specimens of various plants will be laid out on tables around the hall for participants to examine. Questions on plant identification and discussion on the topics covered are welcome.

Download a PDF of the information for this event. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Saturday 24th April, 2010

Start time: 9:00 AM

Weekend Field Trip to Silverpeaks

This closest range to Dunedin has a variety of vegetation including beech forest, extensive regenerating shrublands and tussock grasslands/herbfields, and an interesting suite of forest, sub-alpine and alpine lichens. We'll start at Mountain Road and walk into the new Jubilee Hut for the night, probably returning the same way. Participants need to be able to carry a weekend pack over steep terrain for at least five hours each day. Please contact John Barkla ph. 476 3686 or Allison Knight ph. 487 8265. Contact John Barkla, phone: (03) 476 3686.

Wednesday 21st April, 2010

Start time: 5:20 PM

Annual General Meeting and Photographic Competition

Judging of the 4th BSO photographic competition and a brief AGM. Entries will be on display, photographic tips given and prizes presented. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Saturday 27th March, 2010

Start time: 8:50 AM

The Fernery

This is the home of Associate Professor Brian Cox and the house is one of the original properties in Pine Hill, over 100 years old. There are extensive ornamental and edible gardens, featuring all white Hydrangea that are sold to the cut flower market. In the beginning of last century it was a fern nursery, thus the name. There are extensive sections of regenerating native bush and several large rimu trees. Meet at the Botany Department car park at 8:50 a.m. Contact Abe Gray, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 17th March, 2010

Start time: 5:20 PM

The Orokonui Ecosanctuary

The well known Dunedin conservationist and author Neville Peat will update us on progress at the Orokonui Ecosanctuary and the future plans for it. With the completion and opening of the impressive new visitors centre and introduction of various species to the Ecosanctuary progress has been rapid. Neville is an excellent speaker so don’t miss this meeting. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Friday 5th March, 2010

Start time: 12:00 PM

Free BSO BBQ!

Wednesday 24th February, 2010

Start time: 5:20 PM

Incorporating the Burn and Bite of Vegetation Disturbances into Climate Change Science

A talk by Brent E. Ewers, Associate Professor, Department of Botany, University of Wyoming. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Bastow Wilson, phone: (03) 479 7572.

Sunday 14th February, 2010

Start time: 9:00 AM

Valentine's Day Field Trip to Heywood Point

Heywood Point Scenic Reserve is a rare example of podocarp/broadleaved forest with many special features including fragrant tree daisy (Olearia fragrantissima) and climbing daisy (Brachyglottis sciadophila). With luck, lunch will be in the sun admiring the interesting shrub and herb communities on the coastal cliffs and headland. We'll do a return trip from Aramoana so be prepared for a steep, though scenic climb, up through farmland until the reserve is reached. Meet at the Botany Department carpark at 9 a.m. Contact John Barkla, phone: (03) 476 3686.

Saturday 9th January, 2010

Start time:

Central Otago trip

The BSO has been invited by the Auckland Botanical Society to join them for their annual field trip based at Bannockburn from the 9th to the 15th of January. Excursions are planned to various site of botanical interest in Central Otago. It will be possible to participate for all or part of the time depending on sufficient accommodation being available. Anyone who is interested please contact David Lyttle Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Wednesday 9th December, 2009

Start time: 7:00 PM

End of year dinner

Our popular end-of-year dinner will be held at Golden Harvest Restaurant, 218 George Street, Dunedin at 7 pm. Please email David Orlovich by Wed 2 December if you would like to come. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Wednesday 18th November, 2009

Start time: 5:20 PM

Lichens Illustrated

A talk by Dr Allison Knight. Lichens grow all around us and play a significant role in the biodiversity and ecology of almost every terrestrial ecosystem. More than 1700 taxa of lichens and lichenicolous fungi are recorded in the magnificent 2007 New Zealand Lichen Flora. Yet most biodiversity recorders still walk right past them. This talk will illustrate the extraordinary diversity of the main morphological groups of lichens. These groups are crucial for understanding the initial keys in the Lichen Flora and form the basis for an illustrated Introductory Field Guide to Lichens. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Saturday 7th November, 2009

Start time: 9:00 AM

Trip to Swampy Summit

The field trip will be led by Dr David Lyttle and will leave from Botany carpark at 9 am. We will start walking from the at Pigeon Flat carpark at the top of the Motorway (where the board walk starts) at 9.30am. Backup date Sunday November 8th, 2009. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Saturday 17th October, 2009

Start time: 9:00 AM

Field trip to Blueskin Farm

Blueskin Farm is located on low hills to the west of Blueskin Bay, at 156 Manse Road. The farm supports patches of primary rimu-miro forest, secondary kanuka, a small but distinctive patch of heathland on Taratu Formation, and a LOT of gorse! Geological diversity is high, with volcanic, schist, conglomerate, and sedimentary substrates, and this has resulted in a relatively high diversity of native plants. Native birds are common and there are banded kokopu in the stream. We will be primarily looking at the native forest components, and with any luck the orchids will be out, if not flowering. About 120 indigenous plant species and 50 exotics have been recorded, and a list of these will be provided. Keen botanists are welcome to extend these lists, and we will hopefully make some forays into parts of the forest that have not yet been explored. Some parts of the forest are soft and slippery so wear appropriate footwear, and sensible, weather-proof clothing. If the weather is good we can boil the billy at lunchtime. Gorse makes excellent firewood! Your hosts will be Kelvin Lloyd and Beatrice Lee. Meet at the Botany Department carpark at 9 a.m., or at 156 Manse Road at 9:30 a.m. Contact Kelvin Lloyd, phone: (03) 473 9566.

Wednesday 14th October, 2009

Start time: 5:20 PM

Beech forest fungi

A talk by Dr David Orlovich, The University of Otago. A slide show and research talk highlighting the beautiful fungi that grow in Nothofagus forests in NZ. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Saturday 19th September, 2009

Start time: 9:00 AM

Spring Fungal and Lichen Foray

A two day trip to collect lichens and fungi in the Catlins, following on from our very successful Autumn trip. We'll do the Catlins River walk from the Tawanui Camp Ground end on Saturday and from the Chloris Stream end on Sunday. Leaders, David Orlovich and Allison Knight. Accommodation on Saturday night will be at Nugget Point Lighthouse Keepers house (numbers limited). Day trippers are welcome to join us on either day. To reserve accommodation or find out more contact David Orlovich by Wednesday 16 September. Leave from Botany carpark at 9.00 am Saturday. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Wednesday 16th September, 2009

Start time: 6:00 PM

8th Annual Geoff Baylis Lecture. Assoc. Prof. Daphne Lee

Daphne Lee will present a talk entitled: Palms, podocarps, orchids and proteaceans: the contribution of new fossil plants from Otago and Southland to our understanding of New Zealand's vegetation history. Lecture at 6 pm in Castle 1, with nibbles and drinks from 5:15 pm in the concourse outside the Castle lecture theatres. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Saturday 15th August, 2009

Start time: 9:00 AM

Mystery Fossil Hunt

A field trip led by Assoc. Prof. Daphne Lee. Leave from Botany carpark at 9 am. Backup date Saturday August 22nd, 2009. Contact Daphne Lee, phone: (03) 479 7525.

Wednesday 12th August, 2009

Start time: 5:20 PM

Botanical "Show and tell" evening

Members are invited to bring along botanical items (for example, photographs and slides, plants, books, seeds – anything botanical that you'd like to show others!) for a show and tell evening. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Wednesday 22nd July, 2009

Start time: 5:20 PM

Botany student colloquium winners

Three short talks by the winners of the 2009 Botany Postgraduate Student Colloquium. These students (names to be announced) were awarded prizes for the best talks, and will be presenting their research talks to the BSO this evening. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Saturday 11th July, 2009

Start time: 10:00 AM

Field trip to Dunedin Botanic Garden

The Dunedin Botanic Garden is an outstanding local botanical resource highly valued by Dunedinites. Botanical Services Officer and Society member Tom Myers will take us on a guided tour of the recently-created Solander Trail and the impressive Native Collection. If time permits we'll also have a look through some of the natural bush areas that are part of the Garden. SPECIAL NOTE: Meet in the carpark next to the Botanic Garden Centre, Botanic Garden, on Lovelock Avenue. Contact Tom Myers, phone: (03) 473 8176.

Saturday 20th June, 2009

Start time: 8:30 AM

Sullivan's Dam ferns field trip

A field trip to discover the ferns of Sullivan's Dam, led by John Steel. It will be to practice using John's "Key to the ferns of Dunedin". There are close to a hundred species of ferns in the greater Dunedin City area and John has produced this key over the last ten years using student feedback to iron out the more common problems found when trying to identify them. A great opportunity to master this fascinating component of the Dunedin environment. Leave from Botany carpark at 8.30 am. Contact John Steel, phone: (03) 479 4572.

Wednesday 10th June, 2009

Start time: 5:20 PM

Ecological excuses for a visit to China

A talk by Emeritus Prof. Alan Mark. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Wednesday 3rd June, 2009

Start time: 12:00 PM

The community structure of epiphytic lichen communities of mountain beech

A talk by Dr Hannah Buckley, Lincoln University. This is a Department of Botany Seminar. Note special venue: At the Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs, corner of Union St (West) and Great King Streets). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Saturday 23rd May, 2009

Start time: 8:30 AM

Fungal Foray to the Catlins

A two day trip to collect fungi in the Catlins. We'll explore the many patches of native bush in the Catlins area. Bring your camera along. Leader, David Orlovich. Accommodation on Saturday night will be at Nugget Point Lighthouse Keepers house (numbers limited). Day trippers are welcome to join us on either day. To reserve accommodation or find out more contact David Orlovich by Wednesday 20 May. Leave from Botany carpark at 8.30 am Saturday. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Wednesday 20th May, 2009

Start time: 5:20 PM

Positive interactions and interdependence in plant communities

A talk by Dr Ragan Callaway, The University of Montana. The individualistic view of plant communities has led to successful research on the importance of the abiotic environment and competition as factors structuring plant communities. Negative interactions such as predation, competition for resources, and allelopathy have been central to the study of ecology and evolution. However, it has become clear that organisms can greatly enhance the performance of their neighbors as well as modify the environment in ways that benefit other species. Positive interactions among plants, or facilitation, occur when the presence of one plant enhances the growth, survival, or reproduction of a neighbor. Until recently, examples of facilitation have been relatively rare; however, this rarity may have been an artifact of scientific disinterest rather than ecological frequency. But in the last 20 years, hundreds of peer-reviewed papers have been published on the positive effects of plants on each other. This research challenges a strict definition of the theory of individualistic plant communities, one of the most basic and widely accepted conceptual models in ecology, as a foundation for understanding how groups of plant species are organized. I will discuss this research and its theoretical implications. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Wednesday 20th May, 2009

Start time: 12:00 PM

Going with the flow: water motion and seaweed productivity

A talk by Assoc. Prof. Catriona Hurd, Dept of Botany, University of Otago. This is a Department of Botany Seminar. Note special venue: At the Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs, corner of Union St (West) and Great King Streets). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 13th May, 2009

Start time: 12:00 PM

Variation in the leaves and fibre of Cordyline spp. ti and toi

A talk by Rebecca Lodge, PhD candidate, Dept of Botany, University of Otago. This is a Department of Botany Seminar. Note special venue: At the Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs, corner of Union St (West) and Great King Streets). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 6th May, 2009

Start time: 12:00 PM

Novel biochemical weapons and exotic plant invasions

A talk by Dr Ray Callaway, Plant Ecology Lab, The University of Montana. This is a Department of Botany Seminar. Note special venue: At the Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs, corner of Union St (West) and Great King Streets). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Sunday 26th April, 2009

Start time: 9:00 AM

Field Trip to Lower Taieri Gorge

The lower Taieri Gorge between Henley and Taieri Mouth is representative of the original vegetation of the District and has an exceptional variety of plant communities in a small area. Highlights include large populations of the threatened scented tree daisy and fierce lancewood, along with several other threatened species, and one of the few sites in the District with regenerating kahikatea and matai. We'll shuttle vehicles to enable us to walk the well-formed track that sidles the gorge from Henley to the end near Taieri Mouth. Depart Botany carpark 9 am, returning mid afternoon. Contact John Barkla, phone: (03) 476 3686.

Wednesday 22nd April, 2009

Start time: 5:20 PM

An evening of Botanical Photography and AGM.

Following on from last year's successful formula we have again lured renowned photographers Rod Morris, Peter Johnson and Kelvin Lloyd back to judge our third BSO photographic competition following a brief AGM. Entries will be on display, photographic tips given and prizes presented. It's not too late to enter. Entries close 15 April, 5 p.m. See BSO website or notice board for entry forms. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Wednesday 1st April, 2009

Start time: 12:00 PM

Crunchy seaweeds: calcification in marine algae

A talk by Assoc. Prof. Abby Smith, Dept of Marine Science, University of Otago. This is a Department of Botany Seminar. Note special venue: At the Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs, corner of Union St (West) and Great King Streets). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 18th March, 2009

Start time: 12:00 PM

Major transitions in plant reproductive systems

A talk by Prof. Spencer Barrett, Dept of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Canada. This is a Department of Botany Seminar. Note special venue: At the Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs, corner of Union and Great King Streets). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Tuesday 17th March, 2009

Start time: 5:30 PM

A Darwinian perspective on floral diversity and function

A talk by Prof. Spencer Barrett, Dept of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Canada. This is a Department of Botany Open Lecture. Note special venue: Archway 1. Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Saturday 14th March, 2009

Start time: 9:00 AM

Field trip to Cape Saunders, Otago Peninsula

Cape Saunders, on the rugged ocean side of the Otago Peninsula, is home to many special plants, most notably the Cape Saunders rock daisy (Helichrysum selago var. tumidum). Other rarities among the silver tussock and rock pavements are Lepidium tenuicaule, Ranunculus recens and Myosotis pygmaea. There's an unusual Melicytus too - all with a backdrop of drammatic coastal scenery. Depart Botany carpark 9am, returning mid-afternoon. In case of rain trip will run on Sunday 15 March. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Monday 9th March, 2009

Start time: 1:00 PM

Novel ecosystems and alternative succession and restoration pathways

A talk by Prof Richard J Hobbs, Australian Professorial Fellow, School of Plant Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia. This is a Department of Botany Seminar. Note special venue: Union Street Lecture Theatre. Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Friday 6th March, 2009

Start time: 12:00 PM

Free BSO BBQ!

Saturday 13th December, 2008

Start time: 8:00 AM

Weekend Trip to the St Marys Range

The St Marys Range in North Otago is very interesting botanically. It is a region of transition between the greywacke mountains of Canterbury and the schist terrain that is more typical of Central Otago. Many northern alpines reach their southern limits here and there seems to be a considerable amount of local biodiversity within the region. We hope to see a variety of scree plants including Hebe epacridea, Leptinella atrata, Aciphylla dobsonii, Raoulia youngii, Stellaria roughii and the recently described Ranunculus acraeus. We will be accompanied by Hugh Wood of Oamaru who has been visiting the area for many years and is very familiar with the flora. We will leave Dunedin early on Saturday 13th, drive to Kurow and then proceed to the Awakino ski field where we will stay at the ski lodge huts. There is an option of traveling up earlier on Friday 12th and staying two nights. We will be able to botanize when we arrive, and again on Sunday 14th when we will return to Dunedin. The cost of accommodation for the night will be $20.00. Individuals are responsible for organizing their own food. To finalize numbers and assist with organizing transport please get in touch with David Lyttle phone (03) 454 5470 or by email. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Wednesday 19th November, 2008

Start time: 7:30 PM

End of year dinner

End of year dinner at Nanking Palace Chinese Restaurant (198 King Edward Street, South Dunedin) following David Lyttle's talk. All welcome! RSVP to David Orlovich (david.orlovich@otago.ac.nz) by 18 November 2008 Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Wednesday 19th November, 2008

Start time: 5:20 PM

Alpine Plants of the Southern Mountains: A Botanical Odyssey

A talk by David Lyttle. A photographic survey of the alpine plants found in the Otago/Southland region (or at least the places I have visited recently)! At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Sunday 9th November, 2008

Start time: 9:00 AM

Field trip to Ross Creek

Brian Heenan would like some help getting a baseline species list, and would like it even better if we would take up Brian Molloy's challenge, and adopt Ross Creek as our own 'Riccarton Bush' project. Depart Botany Carpark, at 9 am, or meet at the end of Cannington Road at 9:30 a.m. Leader Brian Heenan. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Wednesday 22nd October, 2008

Start time: 5:10 PM

Ecosystem diversity in Bolivia

An illustrated talk by Robin Mitchell. Robin worked in Bolivia with Conservation International and during this talk he will give a brief tour from forests at 5500 m above sea level to the continent's last unmodified tropical savannas. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Saturday 18th October, 2008

Start time: 8:30 AM

Fungal Foray to Knight's Bush, Tuapeka West

John and Alli Knight's forest on the banks of the Clutha River has a variety of fungal habitats, ranging from Pinus radiata at the top, Kunzea ericoides. Nothofagus menziesii and N. solandri on the slopes and mixed podocarp/broadleaf/Nothofagus on the river flat. While we've had autumn trips to Knight's Bush, we've never had a spring one. We hope to collect newly recorded species by collecting at this time of the year. There may be some cross-country walking and some of the forest tracks are steepish. Wear boots with good support and grip. Bring your camera along. Depart Botany Department car park at 8:30 am, return about 6:30 pm. If weather is unsuitable on Saturday a day trip on Sunday may be possible. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Wednesday 8th October, 2008

Start time: 12:00 PM

CANCELLED: Ethnobotanical study of cabbage tree (Cordyline australis)

This talk has been cancelled: A PhD proposal by Rebecca Lodge. Note Special venue: At the Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs, corner of Union and Great King Streets). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 1st October, 2008

Start time: 12:00 PM

Spatial relations in plant communities

A PhD proposal by Rachel Lawrence Lodge. Note Special venue: At the Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs, corner of Union and Great King Streets). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Sunday 28th September, 2008

Start time: 8:00 AM

Berwick bogs and bits of bush

All day field trip to Berwick bogs and bits of bush. John steel will lead a trip to a small stand of podocarps in a steep sided gully at Halfway Road Bush followed by a visit to Redpath Road Bog, a raised bog with associations of Sphagnum, Empodisma, Gleichenia, Halocarpus, Eleocharis etc. Depart Botany Carpark, at 8 am. Leader John Steel ph. 479 4572 (w) or 473 7211 (h). Contact John Steel, phone: (03) 479 4572.

Wednesday 24th September, 2008

Start time: 5:45 PM

7th Annual Geoff Baylis Lecture. Sex in the bush: what are our native woody plants up to?

A talk by Dr Brian Molloy, Research Associate, Landcare Research, Lincoln. For the past 35 years Dr Molloy has been associated with the restoration and management of Riccarton Bush in Christchurch City and has observed the reproductive behaviour and recruitment of native woody seed plants there. He argues there is strong presumptive evidence that many woody species in Riccarton Bush are facultative apomicts whose progeny now dominate the understorey and ground layer. These observations will be discussed with emphasis on species and disturbance events in Riccarton Bush and he will briefly review examples of these and other species elsewhere in the NZ Botanical Region. NOTE SPECIAL VENUE: Castle 1 Lecture Theatre, University of Otago. Nibbles and drinks will be available in the Castle Concourse from 5.10 pm. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Wednesday 24th September, 2008

Start time: 12:00 PM

Department of Botany 4th year students research seminars, session 2.

Two seminars by Department of Botany research students:

12:00 noon: The diet of feral pigs in the local Otago area by James Ung;

12:20 pm: Is frost tolerance restricting invaders? Invasive plants in the alpine region by Lorna Little.

Note Special venue At the Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs, corner of Union and Great King Streets). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 17th September, 2008

Start time: 12:00 PM

Department of Botany 4th year students research seminars, session 1.

Three seminars by Department of Botany research students:

12:00 noon: A vegetation pattern of an Empodisma/Sphagnum bog in eastern Otago, New Zealand by Cailin Roe;

12:20 pm: Desiccation tolerance in mosses: A comparison of habitat distributions and their physiological responses by Sam Weatherall;

12:40 pm Killing gorse in three easy steps by Christina Lister.

Note Special venue At the Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs, corner of Union and Great King Streets). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Saturday 23rd August, 2008

Start time: 9:00 AM

Field trip to Bull Creek and Coastline

Southern rata dominated forest extends down lower Bull Creek to its small attractive estuary. We'll investigate the forest by way of a walking track that follows the creek up to a small waterfall before exploring the coastline strand and turf communities. Depart Botany car park at 9 am returning mid-afternoon. Contact John Barkla, phone: (03) 476 3686.

Thursday 21st August, 2008

Start time: 6:00 PM

Astrobiology

Prof John A Raven, University of Dundee, Scotland and John Smaillie Tennant Lecturer at University of Otago for 2008. Note special venue: Archway 4 Lecture Theatre, cnr Union Place East and Leith Walk, Otago University. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Wednesday 20th August, 2008

Start time: 5:20 PM

POSTPONED - Canadian Arctic

THIS TALK HAS BEEN POSTPONED. A NEW DATE WILL BE ADDED SHORTLY. A talk by Audrey Eagle. A surprising variety of plants are in flower in the areas surrounding Bathurst Inlet during the short Arctic Summer. Photographs of these together with some reference to geological features, animals and Inuit culture will be shown by Audrey Eagle. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Wednesday 20th August, 2008

Start time: 12:00 PM

Sequencing the seas.

Prof John A Raven, University of Dundee, Scotland and John Smaillie Tennant Lecturer at University of Otago for 2008. Note special venue: Union Street Lecture Theatre. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Saturday 2nd August, 2008

Start time: 10:00 AM

Field trip to flax collection, Dunedin Botanic Garden.

This trip has been rescheduled for this Saturday 2 August - meet 10am. Reasonable weather is required - if in doubt on the day contact Debra Carr 021 239 3045. Debra Carr from Clothing & Textile Science, University of Otago and Rua McCallum (Ngai Tahu) will introduce the Rene Weaving Collection and the 'Dunedin Cultivars' which have whitau (fibre) as good as the best in the Rene Collection. The Dunedin Cultivars were donated to the Garden in the early 1900s by Matthews, a Dunedin horticulturist. Debra & Rua will teach how to care for and clean harakeke according to traditional methods and demonstrate how whitau is extracted. Bring a sharp knife that has not been used for food, gardening gloves, boots, packed lunch and warm clothing. SPECIAL NOTE: Meet in the carpark next to the Polytechnic Centre, Botanic Garden, on Lovelock Avenue. If in doubt contact Debra Carr 021 239 3045. Contact Debra Carr, phone: 021 239 3045.

Friday 25th July, 2008

Start time: 1:00 PM

Cyanobacteria: how these resilient 'blue-green algae' adapt to diverse environments

Botany Department - Special Guest Lecture. A talk by Dr Tina Summerfield, Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago. Union Street Lecture Theatre. Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 23rd July, 2008

Start time: 12:00 PM

Potassium and stress plants

Botany Department - Special Guest Lecture. A talk by Dr Tracey Cuin, School of Agricultural Science, University of Tasmania. Union Street Lecture Theatre. Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Monday 21st July, 2008

Start time: 1:00 PM

Tales of transposition and transcription: The pathway to purple grapes

Botany Department - Special Guest Lecture. A talk by Dr Molly Cadle-Davidson, Grape Genetics Research Unit, USA Dept of Agriculture - Agriculture Research Service. Union Street Lecture Theatre. Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 16th July, 2008

Start time: 5:20 PM

Flora of the Forties and Fifties: Subantarctic Plants.

An illustrated talk by Lorna Little. Lorna voyaged with Heritage expeditions to the Subantarctic Islands in February this year, coming across many interesting plants, only some of which were recognisable. This talk portrays some of the fascinating flora that can be found in these, technically, South Pacific islands. It will begin, like her trip, with the plants on the furtherest island, Campbell Island. Auckland and Enderby Islands will follow, finishing up with a sampling of the the flora of the Snares Islands. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Sunday 22nd June, 2008

Start time: 9:00 AM

Field trip to Varleys Hill

The QEII covenant at Varleys Hill on the Otago Peninsula includes a small salt meadow, lowland broadleaf forest, large areas of kanuka, and a hill top shrubland. Since farm stock were excluded 15 years ago, the broadleaf understory has recovered rapidly and a variety of ferns are present under the kanuka canopy. Moira Parker will show us around the covenant and we may also visit a second nearby covenant. Contact Moira Parker, phone: (03) 478 0214.

Wednesday 11th June, 2008

Start time: 5:20 PM

The expanding range of Undaria in Southern New Zealand

A talk by Dr Lisa Russell. Very few studies have addressed how the invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida spreads beyond initial founding populations in harbours. Our surveys of the southern coastline of the South Island demonstrate that contrary to common belief, Undaria is capable of invading native kelp communities on wave exposed coastlines. Results from these surveys and potential impacts will be discussed. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Sunday 11th May, 2008

Start time: 8:30 AM

Field trip to Tavora Reserve, North Otago

Tavora is a coastal reserve near Palmerston managed by the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust. The Trust has done extensive riparian planting and has also transformed the previously marram covered dunes into a showcase of pingao with many associated threatened species including shore spurge, Cooks scurvy grass and sand tussock. The reserve also has natural populations of the uncommon Aciphylla subflabellata, Lepidium tenuicaule, and Tupeia antarctica mistletoe hemi-parasitic on ribbonwood trees. We’ll do an easy walking circuit of the reserve that takes in all the highlights. Contact John Barkla, phone: (03) 476 3686.

Wednesday 7th May, 2008

Start time: 5:20 PM

Botanical "Show and tell" evening

Saturday 19th April, 2008

Start time: 9:00 AM

Field trip to Kurinui, North Otago

Kurinui is a 750 ha privately-owned property between Hampden and Dunback. It includes a variety of habitats including forest, shrubland, scrub, and grassland, and several small streams and wetlands. The land is very dissected and is notable for the presence of large rock outcrops. All stock were removed from the property in 2003 to allow recovery and regeneration of native vegetation. Over time it is expected that most of the land will become covered in forest, as it would have been in pre-human times. We will spend the day exploring the property with the guidance of the owners, Scott and Dinah Dunavan. Contact Scott Dunavan, phone: 027 290 3643.

Wednesday 16th April, 2008

Start time: 5:20 PM

An evening of Botanical Photography and AGM.

Following on from last years successful formula we have again lured renowned photographers Rod Morris, Peter Johnson and Kelvin Lloyd back to judge our second BSO photographic competition following a brief AGM. Entries will be on display, photographic tips given and prizes presented. It's not too late to enter. Entries close 31 March, 5 p.m. See BSO website or notice board for entry forms. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Saturday 29th March, 2008

Start time: 8:30 AM

Field trip to Mt Watkin

Mt Watkin is well known for its volcanic summit and associated rock glaciers but it is less well appreciated that the recently created Mt Watkin Scenic Reserve contains some of the best stands of dry matai-totara/ribbonwood forest in coastal Otago. This BSO trip will concentrate on some of the forest areas, and will include a visit to a magnificent cliff overlooking the Waikouaiti River. Participants should be reasonably fit as a degree of walking will be required to visit the most interesting sites. Alternative date in case of rain, Sunday 30. Leader Kelvin Lloyd ph 473 9566 (h) or 477 2096 (w). Contact Kelvin Lloyd, phone: (03) 477 2076.

Wednesday 19th March, 2008

Start time: 5:20 PM

Chatham Island Places & Plants

A talk by Dr Peter Johnson. Peter has been on the Chatham Islands Conservation Board since 1999. He's made numerous trips to the island group, each time seeking out a new corner to explore. Wetlands are a particular focus and Peter is busy preparing a handbook on those. He's also led two botanical tours there with strong support from Botsoc members. This talk may be the inspiration for your own visit! At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Friday 29th February, 2008

Start time: 12:00 PM

Free BSO BBQ!

BBQ to welcome new botany/ecology students and new BSO members. At the front lawn, Botany House Annex, Great King Street (across the road from the main Botany building). Sausage sandwiches and drinks provided free by the Botanical Society of Otago. All current and prospective BSO members welcome! Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Thursday 21st February, 2008

Start time: 5:10 PM

Cliff ecology

A talk by Prof. Ulf Molau. Prof. Molau is an Otago University William Evans Fellow from the Department of Environmental Science, Goteborg University, Sweden. Cliffs are perhaps best regarded as an azonal biome of its own, and the ecosystems depend much more on bedrock chemistry, weathering, and solar radiation than on air temperature. Cliff species tend to have wide distribution areas, but are notoriously rare and occur as permanently fragmented populations. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Monday 3rd December, 2007

Start time: 5:20 PM

The Peatland /Ice Age hypothesis, and a possible glacial pulse initiation trigger

NOTE special day. A talk by Professor Lars Franzén, Earth Sciences Centre, Göteborg University, Sweden. In early December, Prof Franzén, will be visiting southern NZ to sample peat bogs. He is an ecologist/geologist, and one of the two leading scientists advocating the idea that entrapment of carbon dioxide into peat in bogs is the main cause of ice ages. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. An end-of-year BSO dinner will follow this talk, at a restaurant to be decided. If you would like to go to dinner, email Robyn Bridges by 30 November 2007. Contact Bastow Wilson, phone: (03) 479 7572.

Saturday 17th November, 2007

Start time: 8:30 AM

Trip to Pulpit Rock and the Painted Forest

A botanical day tramp for the medium to fit; a 6-7 hour return trip. Following a ridge track to the site of the old Green Hut and then upwards to Pulpit Rock where we will descend to the Painted Forest. A 75 ha pure stand of silver beech reaching an altitude of 700 m, west of the tallest peak. It is thought beech cover was widespread in the Silver Peaks which has been reduced by early fires. The origins of the name of this stunningly beautiful primeval patch of beech is a mystery. This is exposed country where conditions can change quickly, so bring appropriate clothing, footwear and food. Meet 8.30am Botany Department carpark. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Wednesday 14th November, 2007

Start time: 5:20 PM

A Very Merry Mere

A talk by the 2007 Allan Mere recipient Dr Peter Johnson. A celebration of the award will follow the talk. The Allan Mere was gifted by Dr Lucy Moore in 1982 to commemorate the botanist Dr HH Allan, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth. The mere is made from pounamu. As the 2007 recipient of the Allan Mere award, and as a resident of Te Wai pounamu, I shall use this as a theme, linked with a 'mere' of my own creation, to describe some of the merry places and marvellous plants of my botanical wandering and wondering. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Dinner will follow this talk, at a restaurant to be decided. If you would like to go to dinner, email Robyn Bridges by 12 November 2007. Contact Kevin Gould, phone: (03) 479 9061.

Wednesday 10th October, 2007

Start time: 5:45 PM

Who gives a tussock? Geoff Baylis and the Hellaby Trust!

Professor Alan Mark will present the 6th Annual Geoff Baylis Lecture with a talk entitled "Who gives a tussock? Geoff Baylis and the Hellaby Trust!". Geoff Baylis was a Board member since the inception of the Hellaby Trust in 1959 and was Chairman for many years. Professor Mark has also been involved in many different ways since the Trust's inception. The Trust has supported approximately 360 projects over the years. NOTE SPECIAL VENUE: Archway 2 Lecture Theatre. Light refreshments will be served for BSO members in the University Staff Club from 5:15 p.m. Dinner will follow at 7:30 p.m. at Etrusco Pizzeria & Spaghetteria (The Savoy Building, 8A Moray Place, Dunedin), for a banquet-style meal for $25/person (or $30/person with dessert). If you would like to go to dinner, email Robyn Bridges as soon as possible and at the latest by 4 p.m., Tuesday 9 October 2007. Contact Kevin Gould, phone: (03) 479 9061.

Saturday 6th October, 2007

Start time: 8:30 AM

Field trip to Swampy Spur

Prof. Bastow Wilson will lead a trip to Swampy Spur. We'll start at Leith Saddle, walk up through bush to timberline and through subalpine scrub/grassland to the Swampy Spur raised/valley bog (see New Zealand Journal of Ecology 25, 39-52 [PDF]) and some fabulous lichens! Wear warm, windproof clothes and waterproof footwear. Trip leaves 8:30 am from Botany Carpark, returning mid afternoon. Rain date 13 October 2007. Contact Bastow Wilson, phone: (03) 479 7572.

Wednesday 3rd October, 2007

Start time: 12:00 PM

The effects of marram grass invasion and eradications

Ten years of the dune restoration program, Doughboy Bay, Stewart Island. A Department of Botany lunchtime talk by Dr Mike Hilton, Geography Department, University of Otago. Note venue: Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs), Cnr Great King Street and Union Street (West). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 26th September, 2007

Start time: 5:20 PM

The private life of NZ alpine plants

A talk by Mascha Bischoff. Mascha is a PhD student working on pollination of alpine plants. She splits time between New Zealand and Germany, and we're guaranteed of a beautifully presented exposé of alpine flora. More details to come about this talk, so keep an eye on this page. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Kevin Gould, phone: (03) 479 9061.

Saturday 15th September, 2007

Start time: 9:00 AM

Weekend field trip to the Catlins

This trip will explore several coastal botanical locations over two days. Saturday will be spent around Papatowai with opportunities for a walk through the Tahakopa dune forest with its mixed podocarp and beech swamp forest, wet shrubland and pingao areas, or a shorter walk to the Picnic Point coastal cliffs. This will be followed by a look at Cannibal Bay and the rare dune slack vegetation near False Islet. Sunday will be based around Nugget Point/Roaring Bay with its huge botanical and wildlife diversity. Accommodation on Saturday night will be at Nugget Point Lighthouse Keepers house (numbers limited). Day trippers are welcome to join us on either day. To reserve accommodation or find out more contact John Barkla ph. 476 3686 (evenings) by Wednesday 12 September. Leave from Botany carpark at 9.00 am Saturday. Contact John Barkla, phone: (03) 476 3686.

Thursday 13th September, 2007

Start time: 5:30 PM

Antarctic glaciers and Climate change: Will global warming make Dunedin colder?

PUBLIC LECTURE - all welcome. A talk by Associate Professor Sean Fitzsimons (Department of Geography, University of Otago). Note special venue: Archway 3 Lecture Theatre. Contact Rose Harrison, phone: (03) 479 8458.

Thursday 30th August, 2007

Start time: 9:30 AM

Symposium: "Nature named & ordered"

Hutton Theatre, Otago Museum, discussing the life and works of Linnaeus and Solander, the Linnaean system of classification, and the influence of new technologies on the classification, origins and distribution of New Zealand's biodiversity. The Symposium concludes with the Cockayne Lecture 2007 by Dr Bill Lee, Landcare Research "Birds in Paradise: the role of birds in shaping New Zealand's terrestrial biodiversity". Classification of the world's biodiversity is indebted to the Swedish naturalist and physician Carl Linnaeus. He was the 'father' of our system of naming plants and animals. One of his students, Daniel Solander (1733-1782), was a naturalist, along with Joseph Banks, on the famous Endeavour voyage to the Pacific and New Zealand under the command of Captain Cook in 1769. See the Royal Society for more information about this and other related events. Download the flier and registration form. Contact Carolyn Burns, phone: (03) 479 7971.

Wednesday 22nd August, 2007

Start time: 5:20 PM

Debating New Zealand's Grasslands' Revolution

A talk by Tom Brooking, Department of History, University of Otago. More details to follow about this talk. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Kevin Gould, phone: (03) 479 9061.

Wednesday 15th August, 2007

Start time: 12:00 PM

Unexpected effects of an invasive species and its biological controls in Montana, USA

A Department of Botany lunchtime talk by Leigh Greenwood, Candidate, Masters of Science in Wildlife, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA. Note venue: Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs), Cnr Great King Street and Union Street (West). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 8th August, 2007

Start time: 12:00 PM

The funneling of New Zealand grass seed choices 1850s-1930s

A Department of Botany lunchtime talk by Professor Tom Brooking, History Department, University of Otago and Professor Peter Holland, Geography Department, University of Otago. Note venue: Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs), Cnr Great King Street and Union Street (West). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Tuesday 7th August, 2007

Start time: 7:30 PM

Tim Flannery - Patricia Coleman Lecture

Tim Flannery, the 2007 Australian of the Year, is giving a public lecture (Patricia Coleman Lecture) on Tuesday 7 August 7.30 pm St David St lecture theatre, University of Otago. For the location of this, please see G4.11 on this map. Tickets are available at the venue on the night from 6.30 pm (these are on a first-come-first-served basis). Please note, seats cannot be reserved. However, there are an extra 400 seats from video linked theatres now available, so there's a greater chance of ticket availability. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Saturday 4th August, 2007

Start time: 8:30 AM

Field trip to Sandymount

Sandymount is quite a botanically diverse and unusual site. Plants of interest include Olearia fragrantissima, Carmichaelia virgata, Helichrysum intermedium, Corybas orchids, Myosotis pygmaea var. pygmaea and Melicytus alpinus. Wear sturdy walking boots, be prepared for all weather, and bring lunch/snacks. Leave Botany Dept car park 8.30 am or meet at the trip leader at the Sandymount car park at 9:00 am. Leader David Lyttle. Contact David Lyttle, phone: (03) 454 5470.

Saturday 21st July, 2007

Start time: 1:10 PM

Trip to Colinswood Bush

A field trip to Colinswood Bush. Near Macandrew Bay, a small native bush remnant at an important stage of restoration. Many weeds still exist, but the larger exotic trees (sycamore and hawthorn) have finally been removed and the existing and planted indigenous species are beginning to dominate and form a protective canopy. Help with updating the native plant list and with removing some of the weeds will be much appreciated. In July the kowhai will be in full flower with plenty of tuis to entertain you. Our pride and joy is a large matai estimated to be 450 years old which this season has produced its first recorded pollinated seed and small crop of seedlings. The mystery is there is no resident male. Any theories? Leader Nigel McPherson. Meet at the Botany Dept Car Park at 1.10 pm, or 1.30 pm at Howard St. (first street off Portobello Rd. after Glenfalloch), in front of the farm gate between numbers 22 and 24. There is parking on the grass. If on the day there is any doubt about weather conditions please telephone Nigel, 476 1109. Rain date Sun 22, 1.10 pm etc as above. Contact Nigel McPherson, phone: (03) 476 1109.

Wednesday 18th July, 2007

Start time: 5:20 PM

Out of the Ashes

A talk by Robert Scott, Grounds Officer, University of Otago. Out of the Ashes covers the rediscovery of a Lachenalia species in the Cape Province of South Africa some 35 years after its original discovery as a new species quite by chance by a kiwi horticulturalist during a working holiday in the Republic. The vastness and the brilliance of the South African flora, as well as some other historic discoveries, will be included in the talk. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Kevin Gould, phone: (03) 479 9061.

Wednesday 11th July, 2007

Start time: 6:00 PM

Ghosts of Gondwana. Do they really exist?

The John Smaillie Tennant Lecture 2007. A talk by Professor George Gibbs, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University Wellington, New Zealand. The ghosts in question are the native plants and animals that are assumed to have been inherited from the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana at the time when New Zealand became an independent entity Under this scenario, their descendants still form part of the modern flora and fauna of New Zealand. Perhaps this simplistic 'Moa's Ark' view of New Zealand fails to take sufficient account of the result of trans-oceanic dispersal, which we know brings lots of organisms to our shores and presumably always has. This talk will discuss the current status of views on the origins of our life forms and show just how difficult it can be to 'prove' that any particular organism can claim to be a Gondwanan ghost. Note different venue. At the Archway 4 Lecture Theatre (access from Union Street East). All staff, students and interested members of the general public are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served in the Otago University Staff Club, 80 Union Place West from 5:30 p.m. Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 20th June, 2007

Start time: 5:20 PM

Protection of native biodiversity and botanical values on privately owned land in Otago

A talk by Aalbert Rebergen, Biodiversity Officer with the Otago Regional Council. The voluntary protection of native biodiversity in general and botanical values in particular, on farms and other privately owned land in Otago. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open Contact Kevin Gould, phone: (03) 479 9061.

Sunday 17th June, 2007

Start time: 9:00 AM

Trip to Chrystalls Beach near Milton

The sand dune system at Chrystalls Beach is made up of front dune, dune hollow and rear dune areas. Most of the dune hollow is occupied by grassland communities except for an area of distinctive cushionfield, comprising mostly native species. Many of the plants are seldom found along the coast and some are considered nationally threatened. We will explore this rare community and assist in its maintenance by pulling out invasive lupin seedlings. Leaves 9 AM from Botany Carpark, returning mid-afternoon. Bring lunch and clothing suitable for an exposed coastal situation Contact John Barkla, phone: (03) 476 3686.

Saturday 19th May, 2007

Start time: 8:30 AM

Fungal Foray to Knights Bush, Tuapeka West

John and Alli Knight's forest on the banks of the Clutha River has a variety of fungal habitats, ranging from Pinus radiata at the top, kanuka (Kunzea ericoides) and native beech (Nothofagus menziesii and N. solandri) on the slopes and mixed podocarp/broadleaf/Nothofagus on the river flat. There may be some cross-country walking and some of the forest tracks are steepish. Wear boots with good support and grip. Cameras are a good idea; fungi are very photogenic. Leader, David Orlovich, along with international mycologist and slime mold expert Prof. Steve Stephenson. Full day trip, (with opportunity to stay overnight in tent or smoky hut. Contact Allison Knight, 487 8265 for this). Leave Botany Dept car park 8.30 am, Return 6.30 pm (or after lunch the next day). If weather is unsuitable on Saturday a day trip on Sunday may be possible. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Wednesday 16th May, 2007

Start time: 5:20 PM

Botany and wildlife of Macauley Island, Southern Kermadecs.

Talk by John Barkla, DOC. John will tell us about his recent trip to the seldom visited Macauley Island, 1000 km north-east of the Northland coast. Just getting there was an adventure in itself! The island's vegetation has undergone a huge transformation since goats were removed in 1970. On this trip an operation to rid the island of rats was also carried out. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Kevin Gould, phone: (03) 479 9061.

Wednesday 18th April, 2007

Start time: 5:20 PM

An evening of Botanical Photography and AGM

Renowned photographers Rod Morris, Peter Johnson and Kelvin Lloyd will judge the inaugural BSO photographic competition following a brief AGM. Entries will be on display, photographic tips given and prizes presented. It's not too late to enter. Entries close 30 March. See BSO website or notice board for entry forms. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Kevin Gould, phone: (03) 479 9061.

Sunday 15th April, 2007

Start time: 8:30 AM

Field trip to the DOC reserve at Nenthorn/Macraes.

Nenthorn/Macraes (inland from Palmerston) is best known as a site for rare skink conservation but there is also great botanical diversity, including over 25 threatened plants. It's a landscape of rolling tussockland dotted with lichen encrusted schist rock outcrops, shallow ephemeral wetlands, and the odd deep gully with shrubby remnants. We'll seek out some of the less familiar species and should encounter coral broom, wetland herbs such as Gratiola nana and Tetrachondra hamiltonii, and the rare grass Simplicia laxa. Leave Botany carpark at 8.30 am Sunday and return around 6 pm. Bring lunch and be prepared for cool changeable weather conditions. The mileage for this trip is expected to be about 100 km. Students are encouraged to apply for the student subsidy for this trip (download form at the Botanical Society of Otago website.). Contact Mike Thorsen, phone: (03) 453 6800.

Wednesday 21st March, 2007

Start time: 1:00 PM

The invisible world of floral odours: How plants attract, manipulate and deceive flower visitors

Talk by Dr Andreas Jurgens, Marsden Postdoc, HortResearch and Landcare Research Lincoln, New Zealand. Botany Department Seminar. Many plant species need insects as pollen vectors and floral characters are interpreted as adaptations to the most effective pollinators. Floral odours are found in the vast majority of flowering plants and they play an important role in plant-pollinator interactions. From a plant's perspective volatiles are used to attract, manipulate and even deceit flower visitors for the purpose of pollination. I will illustrate the role of floral volatiles with examples from different plant families that are associated with specific pollinator groups such as the Annonaceae (beetles), Asclepiadaceae (flies), Caryophyllaceae (moths), Ranunculaceae (bees). Some tropical Annonaceae flowers look like fruits and have a fruity aroma to attract small beetles. Stapeliad flowers (Asclepidaceae) emit a noticeable strong and fetid scent resembling that of carrion, urine or dung to attract flies - sometimes without offering any food. In moth-pollinated Silene species (Caryophyllaceae) with pleasant, perfume like odours we find a fine tuned system in which the time of odour emission as well as spatial patterns of the volatiles from a single flower guides flower visitors to the nectar source. In the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) genera-specific pollen odour patterns may explain the association with pollen-specific bees. Union Street Lecture Theatre, (following the seminar by Dana Dudle at 12 noon). Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 21st March, 2007

Start time: 12:00 PM

Maintaining females in gynodioecious populations in Lobelia siphilitica

Genetic, ecological and morphological factors. A talk by Dr Dana Dudle, Biology, DePauw University, Indiana, USA. Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs) Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 14th March, 2007

Start time: 5:20 PM

Life on the rocks: Research and restoration in Limestone Glades and Abandoned quarries.

Talk by Dana Dudle, DePauw University. The 'limestone belt' in the southern part of Indiana is home to hundreds of abandoned quarries as well as rare ecosystems such as limestone glades. Using a quarry near DePauw's campus as a model I will explore opportunities for research and possible establishment of glade-like communities on abandoned quarries. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Kevin Gould, phone: (03) 479 9061.

Saturday 10th March, 2007

Start time: 8:30 AM

Maungatua Scenic Reserve

Mt Maungatua rises strikingly above the Taieri Plain. Once it was mostly covered in forest, but this was largely lost around 1300 - 1400 AD and has not re-established. In its place on the upper slopes are snow tussock grasslands in the west and mixed snow tussock-scrub in the east. A few stands of silver beech, Nothofagus menziesii, persist on the most sheltered sites of the western slopes, and it is in most gullies on the moister eastern slopes with mixed podocarps and beech in the larger gullies (Lee Ck and Mill Ck-Waipori Gorge) at either end of the range. On the summit plateau are subalpine scrub dominated by Dracophyllum longifolium, depressions with herb/moor communities, tarns and lichen-rich bogs and tors. Leader: Emeritus Prof. Alan Mark has established permanent plots to monitor change and will have handouts and plant lists available. Rain-date Sunday 11 March. 4WD helpful. Bring warm, windproof clothes. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Wednesday 7th March, 2007

Start time: 1:00 PM

Why study pollen?

A talk by Professor David Ferguson (William Evans Fellow), Director of Department of Paleontology, University of Vienna, Austria. Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs) Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 7th March, 2007

Start time: 12:00 PM

Coral reefs and their loss: Why it matters

A talk by Professor Mark Hixon (William Evans Fellow), Department of Zoology, Oregon State University, USA. Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs) Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Friday 2nd March, 2007

Start time: 12:00 PM

Free BSO BBQ

Wednesday 28th February, 2007

Start time: 12:00 PM

Dynamics and regulation of marine fish populations at multiple scales

A talk by Professor Mark Hixon (William Evans Fellow), Department of Zoology, Oregon State University, USA. Union Street Lecture Theatre (upstairs) Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Tuesday 27th February, 2007

Start time: 5:30 PM

Global warming and YOU: What every citizen should know

A talk by Professor Mark Hixon (William Evans Fellow), Department of Zoology, Oregon State University, USA. Archway 4 Public Lecture Theatre Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Tuesday 27th February, 2007

Start time: 1:00 PM

Plants and animals from a Miocene Maar lake in China

A talk by Professor David Ferguson (William Evans Fellow), Director of Department of Paleontology, University of Vienna, Austria. In the Geology Dept Common Room Contact Daphne Lee, phone: (03) 479 7525.

Wednesday 21st February, 2007

Start time: 5:20 PM

Radical environmental change on Whangapoua Estuary, Great Barrier Island in 3500 years

A talk by Dr Yanbin Deng, Otago Archeological Research Cluster, Dept of Anthropology, University of Otago. A vegetation history and environment change from pollen reconstructions will be presented. A linear sequence of vegetation communities beginning with mangroves and followed by estuarine marsh communities composed of Juncus kraussii, Leptocarpus similis, and Baumea juncea was recognised in almost all pollen diagrams. Further transitions, from Baumea to a terrestrial system of Leptospermum shrubland or Cordyline/Dacrycarpus swamp forest, followed two main pathways associated with autogenic accumulation of peat and terrigenous sediment input respectively. Natural and human disturbances drive sedimentation rates, and interact with autogenic factors, to dictate vegetation transitions in these later stages. The intensive impact (mainly burning) during Polynesian times had a much greater effect on estuary than the pre-Polynesian natural processes, greatly accelerating plant succession. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Kevin Gould, phone: (03) 479 9061.

Monday 11th December, 2006

Start time: 7:30 PM

End of year dinner

End of year dinner at the Asian Chinese Restaurant (43 Moray Place) following Adrienne's talk. RSVP to Robyn Bridges (robyn.bridges@otago.ac.nz) by 8 December Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Monday 11th December, 2006

Start time: 5:20 PM

Western Australia's ironstones - caught between a rock and a hard place!

A talk by Adrienne Markey, Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation. A presentation on the flora and conservation (or lack thereof) in banded ironstone formations, Western Australia. The landscape of much of the interior of Western Australia is characteristically subdued in topography, marked only by ranges of volcanic (mafic, ultramafic and felsics) and sedimentary rocks (banded ironstone formations and associated metasedimentary geologies). Whilst lacking the height and grandeur of the New Zealand Alps, these ranges are remarkable in that they interrupt the monotony of a vast, flat landscape and are composed of rocks formed well over two billion years ago. Some of these landforms have been a persistent topographic feature since the Cretaceous. Within these arid regions, they are a refuge for unique plants and floristic communities that thrive in microsites rich in trapped water and soils. Given the booming Asian economy and China's insatiable demand for mineral resources, these plants have found their existence perched on rocks of high quality iron ore to be extremely tenuous. This talk will outline current attempts to survey the vegetation of these ranges in the face of pressure from mining and grazing. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Dinner will follow at the Asian Chinese Restaurant, 43 Moray Place. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Wednesday 29th November, 2006

Start time: 5:20 PM

Botanising in N.E. Newfoundland

A talk and slide show by Howard Clase, a retired Chemistry Professor from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Howard writes: "Our local society The Wildflower Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, has a week long field trip to a different part of the Province each summer, and this year we were exploring the NE coastline and a couple of offshore Islands. There are from 12 - 25 people on these trips with various levels of expertise from professional botanists through reasonably experienced amateurs (like us) to pretty flower lovers - but we all get on well and have a good time, nearly always making some fairly significant new discoveries. Recently there's a grass & Carex expert who comes over from Scotland and we have also had people from the Nova Scotia Flora Society join us." At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Wednesday 15th November, 2006

Start time: 5:20 PM

New Zealand Biodiversity Recording Network

A talk by Dr Colin Meurk, Landcare Research. Colin will bring us up-to-date with this exciting new web-based system to record and process natural history observations (birds, plants, butterflies, mushrooms, reptiles, frogs and mammals). This is a way of providing secure storage for data outside of institutional plot-based databases which can then be used to create distribution maps, graphs and species lists. The system is adapted for New Zealand from the highly successful Swedish Artportalen (species gateway) system. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Mike Thorsen, phone: (03) 453 6800.

Saturday 11th November, 2006

Start time: 8:30 AM

Trip to Lammerlaw Range with Prof. Alan Mark

Black Rock Scientific Reserve
DCC water catchment area to look at the snow tussock burning study of Landcare/AgResearch/DoC/Forest Research plus the controversial 30 ha reservoir currently under construction for TrustPower's Deep Stream Hydroelectric Augmentation project
TrustPower's Mahinerangi Windfarm proposal
Deep Stream Scenic Reserve/Te Papanui Conservation Park

The recently published results of 30 years of monitoring at Black Rock (Mark & Dickinson New Zealand Journal of Botany 41: 655-668 - it has a species list) will be discussed in relation to the issue of the degree of sustainability of low-mid altitude snow tussock grasslands, as well as the water yield potential of alternative land uses on these uplands. The road also gives access to the edge of Te Papanui Conservation Park (in the Deep Stream gorge area, where we can see the intake for Dunedin's water supply) plus the area of the controversial TrustPower's 30 ha water reservoir (currently under construction) for its Deep Stream Hydroelectric project. There is also a good overview of their proposed Mahinerangi Windfarm envelope that's currently receiving publicity. Vehicles powerful enough for a steep gravel road will be helpful. Fallback date if weather bad: Sunday 13 November.

Contact Alan Mark, phone: (03) 479 7573.

Monday 30th October, 2006

Start time: 6:00 PM

Eagle's Complete Trees and Shrubs of New Zealand Book Launch

Eagle's Complete Trees and Shrubs of New Zealand will be launched by Professor Alan Mark in Dunedin to coincide with an exhibition of Audrey Eagle's artwork at the Otago Museum. Audrey warmly invites all BSO members to join her at the Otago Museum in celebrating the publication of her decades of dedicated botanical drawing. RSVP to Annette Heward, Otago Museum (annette.heward@otagomuseum.govt.nz), phone (03) 474 7479 ext 832, by Thursday 26 October 2006. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Saturday 14th October, 2006

Start time: 8:30 AM

Aramoana salt marshes

A half-day trip to visit the Aramoana salt marshes. This salt marsh is one of the best remaining examples in the Otago area and is a prime example of a habitat increasingly under pressure elsewhere from land development. We'll also check out the population of Cook's scurvy grass on the Aramoana Mole. Leaves 8:30 am from Botany Carpark, returning 12:30 pm. Contact Mike Thorsen, phone: (03) 453 6800.

Wednesday 11th October, 2006

Start time: 5:20 PM

Banks Peninsula�s Botany; the past, the present and the future

A talk by Hugh Wilson, 5th Geoff Baylis Lecturer. Banks Peninsula is a unique part of NZ. It has suffered massive changes to its flora and fauna because of two waves of human settlement, Polynesian and European. Hugh will look at Banks Peninsula in pre-human times, at what happened as humans impacted on it, what it is like now and what it might be like in 100 years time. Hugh is guardian of more than 1000 hectares, 1%, of Banks Peninsula. He manages Hinewai Reserve under a policy of minimum interference and is documenting the reappearance of native vegetation. NOTE SPECIAL VENUE, Castle 1 Lecture Theatre, Otago University. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Wednesday 27th September, 2006

Start time: 5:20 PM

Co-evolution on the Galapagos Islands

A talk by Drs Allison and John Knight. The Galapagos Islands rose steaming from the equatorial Pacific Ocean over the last 10 million years. Their sterile volcanic slopes were gradually populated by a limited range of plants and animals, mainly those that could cross the 1000 km gap from the nearest land. As Darwin found, the fascinating thing is that on each island a different combination of plants, pollinators, herbivores and frugivores has evolved together. Humans and grazing mammals arrived late on the scene; there are other parallels with New Zealand. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Saturday 16th September, 2006

Start time: 8:30 AM

Waipori River Valley

An exploratory visit to a patch of beech forest on the slopes of the Maungatua Range. Find out what plants and winter fungi inhabit this silver beech forest remnant. Trip leaves 8:30 am from Botany Carpark, returning c. 4:00 pm. Contact Mike Thorsen, phone: (03) 453 6800.

Thursday 14th September, 2006

Start time: 6:00 PM

Living in a high CO₂ world: Impacts of global climate change on aquatic ecosystems

The John Smaillie Tennant Lecture 2006. A talk by Professor John Beardall, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Australia. This is a public lecture presented by the Division of Sciences and the Department of Botany. Professor Beardall began as a microbiologist, completing his BSc from Queen Elizabeth College at the University of London in 1973. He moved across town to University College for his PhD, where he developed a lifelong interest in photosynthetic organisms, doing some pioneering work on the pathways of carbon assimilation and adaptation to low light by microalgae. He graduated in 1976 and held postdoctoral appointments in Wales and Scotland before moving to Australia in 1982. He has broad interests ranging from the molecular mechanisms of photosynthesis and membrane transport to the primary productivity of oceans, but his interests in carbon have led him inexorably towards trying to understand the consequences, for aquatic systems, of the current crisis of anthropogenically-induced climate change. Note special venue: At the Union Street Lecture Theatre (corner of Union and Great King Streets). All BSO members, staff, students, and interested members of the general public are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served in the Botany Department Staff Room at 5:30 p.m. Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 23rd August, 2006

Start time: 5:20 PM

Insights of South American flora and fauna.

A talk by Pascale Michel. This informal talk presents the ecological uniqueness of two main national parks in South America: Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó (Minas Gerais, Brazil) and Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi (San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina). Serra de Cipó NP was created in 1984 to preserve a rich endemic flora, specific to dry high-altitude plateaux, and in particular the canela-de-ema (Vellozia pirestana) and a rare orchid (Constantia cipoensis). Nahuel Huapi NP comprises a large diversity of habitats expanding from Andean mountain beech forests to Patagonian steppes, and is home to humming birds and chinchillas. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Saturday 5th August, 2006

Start time: 9:00 AM

Lichen trip to Sutton Salt Lake with David Galloway

Led by David Galloway, author of the Lichen Flora of New Zealand. Orange Caloplaca on the shores of this lake are remarkably similar to coastal Caloplaca, while the schist tors bear rich communities of large foliose and smaller crustose lichens. Definitely bring a hand lens, or contact Allison Knight, 487 8265, if you would like to buy one. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Wednesday 19th July, 2006

Start time: 5:20 PM

Desert island botany: plants, pests, and 750 000 seabirds.

An impromptu talk by Mike Thorsen on the flora of the equatorial Pacific Phoenix Islands and the impacts from pests (people, rats, and rabbits) and the phenomenal density of ground-nesting seabirds. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Mike Thorsen, phone: (03) 453 6800.

Sunday 16th July, 2006

Start time: 10:00 AM

Ross Creek-Woodhaugh Garden Track Network

This half day trip in the heart of Dunedin will explore the network of tracks that begin at Woodhaugh Gardens and wind their way up the Water of Leith and into the Ross Creek Reservoir area. There's quite a range of natural vegetation passed on the walk including kahikatea-kowhai-ribbonwood-lacebark forest through to more recent kanuka dominated successional communities. Be prepared for a couple of hours walking on well maintained tracks. The trip will start and finish at Woodhaugh Gardens. Meet at 10 am at the George Street entrance to Woodhaugh Gardens. Back about midday Contact John Barkla, phone: (03) 476 3686.

Wednesday 14th June, 2006

Start time: 5:20 PM

Fungi: New Zealand's hidden diversity

A talk by Dr David Orlovich. Fungi are nature's recyclers. They form the connections between between plants and soil, algae and rocks, toxic wastes and the atmosphere, even life and death! In New Zealand, fungi support the beech forests of Fiordland, the high country tussock grasslands and our agricultural pastures through symbiotic mycorrhizal associations. I will give an overview of research on fungi in New Zealand, illustrate the beauty of many species found in New Zealand, and emphasise the importance of societies like the BSO in furthering research on New Zealand fungi. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Saturday 27th May, 2006

Start time: 9:00 AM

Fungal Foray to Orokonui

A fungal foray led by David Orlovich to Orokonui Reserve. Note that collecting will be subject to DoC approval. Bring hand lens, a basket or bag for collecting fungi, greaseproof paper (for wrapping specimens in the field) and a camera if you have one.

Leave 9 AM from the Botany Dept carpark (corner of Great King Street and Union Street (West)) or 9:15 AM at the Orokonui carpark (the "Tallest Tree" carpark, off Orokonui Road, Waitati). We will aim to collect in the morning, and then return to the Department of Botany by 1 PM to record and dry our collections for the herbarium.

Some rain is forecast for Saturday, but we will still go if it is only light rain. You can check on the morning of the trip by calling David Orlovich on 021 122 7230 anytime after 8:00 AM. In case of really bad weather, we will postpone and go on Sunday 28th May instead.

Members who can't come in the morning are welcome to come to the Botany Dept (464 Great King Street) and see what we collected at 1:15 PM - be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Wednesday 24th May, 2006

Start time: 5:20 PM

A magnificent obsession: the botanical life and legacy of Tony Druce

A talk by Geoff Rogers. An account of the wit, wisdom, mentoring role, and scientific achievements of a great New Zealand botanist. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact John Barkla, phone: (03) 476 3686.

Saturday 29th April, 2006

Start time: 8:30 AM

Field trip to Nenthorn, inland from Palmerston, with John Barkla

The DOC reserve at Nenthorn/Macraes is best known as a site for rare skink conservation but there is also great botanical diversity, including over 25 threatened plants. It's a landscape of rolling tussockland dotted with lichen encrusted schist rock outcrops, shallow ephemeral wetlands, and the odd deep gully with shrubby remnants. We'll seek out some of the less familiar species and should encounter coral broom, wetland herbs such as Gratiola nana and Tetrachondra hamiltonii, and the rare grass Simplicia laxa. Leave Botany carpark at 8.30 am Saturday and return late afternoon. Bring lunch and be prepared for cool changeable weather conditions. This mileage for this trip is expected to be about 100 km. Students are encouraged to apply for the student subsidy for this trip. Contact John Barkla, phone: (03) 476 3686.

Wednesday 5th April, 2006

Start time: 5:20 PM

AGM and talk by Peter Bannister

A short AGM will be followed by an introductory talk by Emeritus Professor Peter Bannister on mistletoes. Then we'll see a special screening of a DVD entitled Exhuming Adams: a forensic investigation into the mysterious disappearance of a native mistletoe, by Brant Backlund and Thassilo Franke from last year's Natural History Film Making Course. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Saturday 18th March, 2006

Start time: 9:00 AM

Trip to Akatore

Trip led by Mike Thorsen, DoC. Times to be confirmed. Akatore is a remnant of diverse coastal shrubland at the mouth of Akatore Creek 45 minutes south of Dunedin. Some special features of this site include the diversity of shrub species and threatened species such as Coprosma obconica, Olearia fragrantissima, and Carex littorosa with the possibility of our discovering other threatened species. We'll also visit the adjacent coast where the threatened cress Lepidium tenuicaule is present as well as Myosotis pygmaea. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Wednesday 15th March, 2006

Start time: 5:20 PM

Fish, frustules, fungi, flowers and foliage

A talk by Jennifer Bannister. An investigation into the biota of an Early Miocene maar lake and its surrounding forest. About 20 million years ago a volcanic eruption near Middlemarch, formed a crater in the schist that filled with water. This type of lake is known as a maar. Sediment gradually built up on the lake floor, mainly the valves (frustules) of diatoms, where over time a finely varved diatomite formed. A forest grew up around the lake and leaves, flowers and fruits fell or were blown into the lake, sank on to the sediment and were preserved. We are trying to identify the leaves from their cuticles to build up a picture of the type of vegetation that grew there. We already have a pollen list although this is incomplete. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open, and seats fill fast. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Friday 10th March, 2006

Start time: 12:00 PM

Free BSO BBQ

Yes, there is such a thing as a free lunch! A BBQ to welcome new botany/ecology students and new BSO members. At the front lawn, Botany House Annex, Great King Street (across the road from the main Botany building). Sausage sandwiches and drinks provided free by the Botanical Society of Otago. All BSO members welcome! Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Friday 3rd March, 2006

Start time: 12:00 PM

BBQ Postponed till Friday 10 March

Due to bad weather, we've decided to postpone the BBQ till next week. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Sunday 26th February, 2006

Start time: 9:30 AM

Field trip to Guilds Hill near Seacliff, Warrington, with John Barkla

Seacliff Scenic Reserve comprises three discrete indigenous forest remnants near the Truby King Reserve. One of these, Guilds Hill, has a distinctive coastal forest element that includes the uncommon fragrant tree daisy, fierce lancewood and at least two species of mistletoe, one of which is hemi-parasitic on the other! The hill top provides a great view to the south and a lunch spot. Prior to its reservation the forest had a checkered history and suffered a partial forest collapse. A number of serious weedy lianes and shrubs have subsequently established and some grazing still occurs. Come along and give your views on management options. Leave Botany carpark at 9.30 am Sunday and return early to mid afternoon. Bring lunch and be prepared for untracked walking and muddy conditions. Contact John Barkla, phone: (03) 476 3686.

Wednesday 22nd February, 2006

Start time: 5:20 PM

Flora of Macraes and potential skink/plant interactions in a changing environment

A talk by Mike Thorsen, DoC. Flora surveys of the Macraes area has shown a surprising diversity of plant species and a high number of threatened plant species. This talk introduces some of the unusual species found at Macraes and discusses how the vegetation in this area has changed in the past, how it continues to change, and how this change could impact on the population of grand and Otago skink found there. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open, and seats fill fast. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Wednesday 7th December, 2005

Start time: 7:00 PM

BSO End of year Dinner

Everyone is welcome to celebrate another great botanical year at an end-of-year dinner at the Nanking Palace Restaurant, 198-204 King Edwad St, South Dunedin, Ph 455 4218. It will be a banquet-style dinner which will cost $21.50 per head (drinks extra). This restaurant is fully licenced and BYO wine. To RSVP, either contact Lyn Bentley (details below), send a note to the BSO, PO Box 6214 Dunedin North, or drop a note into the BSO pigeon hole in the Department of Botany. Please RSVP by Tuesday 29 November. Contact Lyn Bentley, phone: (03) 467 9616.

Wednesday 7th December, 2005

Start time: 5:20 PM

A journey southwards to the subantarctic islands

A talk by Adrienne Markey. The flora of the sub-antarctic islands, and its affinities to the flora of New Zealand has always held the interest of botanists, starting from Joseph Dalton Hooker on the Antarctic voyages of the H.M. Discovery Ships Erebus and Terror (1839 � 1843), to recent research using molecular markers to track the dispersal and evolution of plants in these regions. So, with great boldness and audacity, I found myself able to also make a direct comparison of these regions. Yes, the origins and evolution of the Sub-Antarctic plants fascinate me, and it offered a chance to collect both Coprosma perpusilla ssp. subantarctica and Nertera depressa from their southernmost distributions and to complement current studies that I and fellow researchers had in progress. This talk will cover a week-long trip with Heritage Expeditions that Alex Fergus and I took part in earlier this year, and will show some of the glamorous megaphyllous herbs as well as a token seabird or two. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Followed by BSO End of year Dinner, 7 pm - see more details. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Wednesday 16th November, 2005

Start time: 5:20 PM

An overview of the animal life of pre-human Central Otago, and how it interacted with the vegetation

A talk by Jamie Wood. Jamie will portray some initial results of his PhD research, looking at a reconstruction of the prehuman fauna and flora and their interactions, using vertebrate, plant (leaves, wood, seeds, pollen) and invertebrate (focusing on beetles) sub-fossils found in lowland areas of Central Otago. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Saturday 5th November, 2005

Start time: 8:30 AM

Weekend field trip to the Catlins

Building on last year's popular formula, this trip will explore several exciting botanical locations over two days. Saturday will be spent at Purakaunui Bay and its sandy beach flanked by enormous sandstone cliffs, followed by a look at the rare alluvial forest of Purakauiti Stream with its giant specimens of Pittosporum obcordatum, Melicytus flexuosus and Olearia lineata. Sunday will be based around Nugget Point with an opportunity to check out forest restoration and Olearia hectorii recovery at Otanomomo Scientific Reserve on the way home. Accommodation on Saturday night will be at Nugget Point Lighthouse Keepers house (numbers limited). Day trippers are welcome to join us on either day. To reserve accommodation or find out more contact John Barkla ph. 476 3686 (evenings) by Wednesday 2 November. Leave from Botany carpark at 8.30 am Saturday. Contact John Barkla, phone: (03) 476 3686.

Wednesday 26th October, 2005

Start time: 5:10 PM

Ghosts of Indian Princes - 4th Annual Geoff Baylis Lecture

Assoc. Prof. Kevin S. Gould will present the 4th Annual Geoff Baylis Lecture with a talk entitled Ghosts of Indian Princes - The Remarkable Properties of Red Pigmented Plants. The eastern states of North America play host each year to one of nature�s most spectacular phenomena. From Maine to North Carolina a rich mural of reds, carmines, crimsons, scarlets, and purples accompanies the leaves of deciduous trees as they embark on the processes leading to winter dormancy. New Zealand, too, has its share of vermillion spread across all orders of plants from the liverworts to the angiosperms. Such displays have long been considered an �extravagancy without a vital function�. In contrast, recent research suggests that the red pigments � anthocyanins � can in some instances be critical for plant survival. Anthocyanins seem to empower plants to tolerate a diverse assortment of environmental stressors, including exposures to strong light, ultraviolet radiation, drought, cold, fungal infections, and even protection from herbivores. The pigments are, moreover, potent scavengers of free radicals, the reactive atoms and molecules that have the potential to destroy DNA, membranes, and proteins. Red-pigmented plants also hold the potential for the advancement of human health; the consumption of anthocyanin-rich foods is associated with a lower risk of non-infectious diseases, including coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, ischemic stroke, Alzheimers, and certain cancers. These remarkably versatile pigments are evidently nature�s Swiss army knife.

Plus: Audrey Eagle Botanical Drawing Competition � Display and Prize Giving. NOTE SPECIAL VENUE: Castle 1 lecture theatre, Otago University. Keep this date free. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Saturday 15th October, 2005

Start time: 9:00 AM

Trees on campus

A guided walk by University of Otago Grounds Officer, Robert Scott, to see the University of Otago Commemorative and Memorial trees. In 1980 the University established a Register as a permanent record of commemorative and memorial features within the campus grounds. The Register was updated in 2001 with an improved page layout, better photographs and more flexibility in adding or altering existing pages. Currently 41 items are listed throughout the campus commemorating staff, students and benefactors of the University. Meet at the Botany Dept car park at 9:00 am. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Wednesday 21st September, 2005

Start time: 5:20 PM

Leaving the white line: A journey in conserving the rainforests of the Adelbert Mountains, PNG

Talk by Matt Scott. The Adelbert Range in northern Papua New Guinea, boasts a remarkable biodiversity, hosting up to 57 mammalian species and some 336 avian species. Many of these species, like the Fire-Manned Bower bird, are found nowhere else in the world. However, there has been significant pressure from the government to log these virtually pristine forests as part of a large forestry concession. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is using innovative solutions to help protect the landscape and biodiversity of this region. I will discuss the project, the people and my personal experience working in the Adelbert Range. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Saturday 10th September, 2005

Start time: 9:00 AM

Expedition to The Crater

Expedition to The Crater, a bold ring of basalt in a schist landscape on the side of the Taieri Ridge. It's a steepish walk up through pasture to this 20 million year old volcanic remnant, to look for botanical relics in the ephemerally wet basin and on the craggy rim. Bring hand lens, lunch, plenty of water and all-weather gear. (Rain date Saturday 24 Sept). Meet at the Botany Dept Car Park at 9.00 to car pool. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Wednesday 24th August, 2005

Start time: 5:20 PM

Weeds & I; a weed-led tour of SE Australia, NW Queensland, and Southern New Zealand

A pictorial tour from Ian Radford. During the course of his research career, Ian has studied several weeds in depth, including Hieracium spp., and collected many botanical slides from far-flung places. These include the N Coast of NSW, the Northern Tablelands, Hunter Valley NW Slopes, Kosciusko National Park, Victoria and Tasmanian Alps, Townsville region and far North Queensland, and the high country of Southern New Zealand. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Sunday 7th August, 2005

Start time: 9:15 AM

Trip to Okia Reserve

The Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust and Save The Otago Peninsula have invited BSO to join them on a Conservation Week walk. Okia Reserve has a particularly high level of endemism and botanist Peter Johnson will be there to point out some of the rare plants hiding in the dune hollows and in the crevices of the basalt rock pyramids. It's a flat 20 min walk out to the Pyramids and there's a well-marked track on out through the dunes to Victory Beach. Meet at the Botany Dept Car Park at 9.15 to car pool, or go straight to the car park at the end of Dick Rd by 10 am. Contact person Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust Office 479 0011; email yept@clear.net.nz or Lala Frazer 478 0339 evenings. Contact Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust, phone: (03) 479 0011.

Saturday 23rd July, 2005

Start time: 9:00 AM

Tunnel Beach

Half-day visit to the dramatic coastal sandstone cliffs, caves, tunnels and arches just south of Dunedin. It's a short 20 min walk down to the mouth of the tunnel, where a stunning natural arch is still covered in a close mat of coastal turf plants, despite continued grazing and trampling. Look out for; tiny selliera (Selliera radicans), sea primrose (Samolus repens) and tiny button daisy (Leptinella dioica) and their low-growing companions. A hand lens and kneeling pad would be handy. Dress for the weather and wear shoes or boots with a good grip - the drop-offs are sheer! Queries to Allison Knight, 487 8265. Meet at the Botany Car Park for car pooling, or at the Tunnel Beach carpark 20 min later. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Wednesday 20th July, 2005

Start time: 5:20 PM

Otago in the time of the moa

A talk by Geoff Rogers. A look at how we might paint a picture of Otago's prehistoric landscapes using all the investigative tools used by landscape ecologists and archaeologists. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Saturday 18th June, 2005

Start time: 10:00 AM

Trip to Sutton Salt Lake

Led by John Barkla. NZ�s only inland saline lake, with water half as salty as sea water. Salt-tolerant herbs line the margins of the lake, which occupies a shallow depression in the schist landscape near Middlemarch. Surrounding grasslands and shrublands have not been grazed since 1991 and contain uncommon plants such as the endemic speargrass, Aciphylla subflabellata, while the rock tors harbour an undescribed native forget-me-not. There will be a species list we hope to add to. It�s an easy walk, bring your lunch and be prepared for frost. Back mid - late afternoon. Contact John Barkla, 476 3686 (evenings). Contact John Barkla, phone: (03) 476 3686.

Wednesday 8th June, 2005

Start time: 5:20 PM

Eco-sourcing local plant material for use in restoration projects.

A talk by Philip Dunn, Ribbonwood Nursery, Dunedin. As well as selling native plants to the public, Philip is involved in a number of bush restoration projects. These projects are located both locally and across the Otago region. Phil will talk about his involvement in these projects. At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Wednesday 11th May, 2005

Start time: 5:20 PM

Mushrooms and other fungi of eastern North America

A talk by Dr Steve Stephenson, University of Arkansas. The forests of eastern North America support a large and diverse assemblage of macrofungi. What are some of the more colorful, unusual and interesting fungi to be found in these forests? What are their ecological roles? At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Saturday 7th May, 2005

Start time: 8:00 AM

Fungal Foray to Knight's Bush

Trip to Knight's Bush (Tuapeka West) to collect fungi with David Orlovich. The bush on the banks of the Clutha River contains beech, kanuka and mixed broadleaf/podocarp forest, so it should be a great locality for many exciting fungi. Bring hand lens, a basket or bag for collecting fungi, greaseproof paper (for wrapping specimens in the field) and a camera if you have one. Leave 8 AM from the Botany Dept carpark. More details will be posted closer to the date. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Thursday 21st April, 2005

Start time: 5:20 PM

AGM and The World's most beleaguered biome: Temperate grasslands and their conservation status.

A brief AGM will be followed by a talk by Emeritus Professor Alan Mark. Prof. Mark writes: "I will discuss/describe/show pictures of most of the World's temperate grasslands and discuss the conservation status of each, including New Zealand". At the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Saturday 9th April, 2005

Start time: 8:00 AM

Old Man Range Field trip with Prof. Alan Mark

The Botanical Society are invited to join an open field day that Prof. Mark has advertised in the ODT (see letters column 22 Feb.) in response to a runholder challenge for Prof. Mark to produce a photo of his exclosure there at 1220 m, confirming the tussocks within are healthier than those recently burnt (and grazed) in the surrounding area. The trip will provide an opportunity to have a closer look at some of the recent ecological work there and also to discuss tenure review in general. We will leave the Botany Dept at 8 AM Sat April 9, to arrive at the foot of the range about 10.30. We plan to leave about 3.00 PM and arrive back at the Department of Botany about 5.30-6.00 PM. 4WD vehicles recommended but cars should be OK. If you wish to attend this field trip, please contact Ian Radford in advance, so that numbers can be determined for transport etc. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Friday 4th March, 2005

Start time: 12:00 PM

Start of semester FREE BBQ

Wednesday 8th December, 2004

Start time: 5:20 PM

Developing an urban sanctuary - the Karori Experience

A talk by Diane Campbell-Hunt, author of Developing a Sanctuary - the Karori Experience (2002), available from the Karori Wildlife Sanctury bookshop. The talk will cover:

the history of the Karori Sanctuary project
the challenges they faced in getting the project underway and how they dealt with those challenges
and their long-term restoration goals, including progress to date.

At the NEW Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Saturday 4th December, 2004

Start time: 9:00 AM

Trip to Piko Piko POSTPONED

THIS TRIP HAS BEEN POSTPOSED UNTIL EARLY IN 2005 DUE TO BAD WEATHER AND RIVER LEVELS. SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE. The plan is to leave the Botany car park at 9.00am Saturday 4th Dec. NB The fossil forest site is only accessible when the Waiau River is reasonably low, so we will send an e-mail message to confirm that the river level is OK by 12 noon on Friday 3rd. We'll have a one hour stop at a fossil site with silicified tree stumps near Mataura on the way. After that we will drive to Piko Piko itself for a 1pm lunch (about a 4 hour drive altogether). There is a short drive over private farmland and then a 15 min walk to the fossil forest from the cars. We can spend about 2 hours looking at the tree stumps, fallen logs, leaf fossils, and other interesting concretions, etc. After fossil viewing we have been asked to contribute to a species list for the beech forest with large number of divaricating shrubs on the adjacent river bank. So it will be a mix of ancient and modern floral activities. The plan is to be finished by about 5pm at the site. The trip officially ends here as Daphne is booked up for Sunday, but there are plenty of things to be seen in the local area, such as Lake Hauroko, or the Giant Totaras, if people wanted to do stuff the next day. Bookings essential. Contact Ian Radford (w 479 9065 or h 472 7470) to book a place. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Saturday 13th November, 2004

Start time:

Weekend trip to Hinewai

Weekend trip to Hinewai on the gorgeous Banks Peninsula. Saturday 13th November to Sunday 14th November. Against the backdrop of this impressive landscape, come and see old growth and regenerating vegetation ranging from sub-alpine, through red beech forest, to coastal/maritime vegetation, and including a number of Banks Peninsula endemics. Hugh Wilson, custodian of Hinewai, and also writer of several excellent botanical field guides, will take us on a personalised tour of the reserve, which he has become identified with. Hugh will not only introduce us to his wonderful botanical companions at Hinewai, but also to his unique approach to bush regeneration. The distance to travel will necessitate that this trip is an overnight one, and there are 12 beds on site for those interested in staying. People are mostly leaving on Friday night (12th November), so if you are planning to go, you must contact Ian Radford (w 479 9065 or h 472 7470) for details. You can also contact Hugh himself (03 304 8501) to book a bed. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Wednesday 10th November, 2004

Start time: 5:20 PM

Plants with a Purpose

A talk by Beatrice Hale, author of The New Zealand Pleasure Garden (2004). The speaker writes: "I want to explore the myriad purposes of plants- their purposes and our purposes.

I want to take you on a personal journey beyond the plants in our gardens to discuss the excitement of their origins, their journeys to New Zealand, and their value to us. The New Zealand Pleasure Garden is about how we can use our plants beyond the usual picking, cooking and potpourri activities. It is about making a garden for all the senses, vision, taste, touch, hearing and fragrance; it is also about what lies beyond. What else can we do with our plants? Touch them and feel their differences. Travel mentally by reading, time travel by looking into histories of plants and explorers. Exploit the beauty and endless fascination of plants to create pictures, jewellery.....

I want to explore what plants do for us - the wonder of planting and growing for people with disabilities - for people who are older - for migrants who want reminders of home.....

I want to explore the endless possibilities of plants."

At the NEW Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Saturday 16th October, 2004

Start time: 8:30 AM

Weekend field trip to the Catlins with John Barkla

The Catlins offer a huge range of botanical delights including silver beech forest, alluvial valleys with rare shrub communities, peat bogs, coastal dunes, cliffs and estuaries. Saturday will be spent in the south Catlins exploring the fine coastal podocarp forests of Tahakopa Bay, coastal ecosytems and possibly peat bogs. Sunday will be based around the northern Catlins with visits to see the extraordinary wildlife and flora of Nugget Point and an Olearia hectorii restoration site in the Owaka Valley. Accommodation on Saturday night will be at the Nugget Point Lighthouse Keepers house (numbers limited). Day trippers are welcome to join us on either day. To reserve accommodation or find out more contact John Barkla ph. 476 3686 (evenings). Leave from the Botany car park at 8:30 AM. Contact John Barkla, phone: (03) 476 3686.

Wednesday 13th October, 2004

Start time: 5:20 PM

3rd Annual Geoff Baylis Lecture

A modern taxonomist in a postmodern era Servant or Master? A talk by Henry Connor, DSc, FRSNZ, co-author of Flora of New Zealand Volume V, Grasses. The pinnacle of botanical research is taxonomy; every subdiscipline is its contributor. Most users of the outcomes of taxonomic endeavour look for a binomial of convenience. Is this an appropriate outcome? Or are taxonomists just targets of attack over the lack of monophyleticism or the presence of paraphyleticism? A modern taxonomist will attempt some answers to modern problems, but will emphasise the amount of tedious work that lacks the modern appeal of DNA sequencing, cladograms and prominence in every botanical journal. In Castle 1 Lecture Theatre. For those that wish to join us, dinner will follow at Eureka Café and Bar, 116 Albany Street Dunedin. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Tuesday 5th October, 2004

Start time: 5:20 PM

The current state of bird-plant mutualisms in New Zealand

A talk by Dave Kelly, University of Canterbury. In an important paper, Clout & Hay (1989, New Zealand Journal of Ecology Supplement) argued that the bird-plant interaction most at risk in modern New Zealand was that of seed dispersal, especially for large-seeded trees dependent on the kereru. In this talk I review progress on this subject in the 15 years since their paper was published, and show that both pollination and dispersal are at some risk, but for different reasons. Despite extensive work on these topics, there are still some very important questions that we have only the beginnings of answers to. Some of these tentative answers are outlined, and predictions are made about the true state of mutualisms. I also review to what extent the birds depend on the plants, as well as the plants depending on the birds. At the NEW Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. The 2004 Leonard Cockayne Memorial Lecture lecture, that Dave will be giving the following day in Dunedin is entitled "Plant reproductive biology in New Zealand: masting, mutualisms and mistletoes". That talk will be on at 12 noon the 6th October, in the Hutton Theatre, Otago Museum, 419 Great King St, Dunedin Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Saturday 18th September, 2004

Start time: 9:30 AM

Expedition to the Sea shore

A trip lead by Dr. Lisa Russell, Teaching Fellow in Botany. The intertidal zone (region between high and low tides) is particularly stressful for for seaweed growth. Despite this however, there is a high diversity of species found within this zone on southern beaches around the Otago coast. Providing the weather is calm we will be heading to Shag Point to look at some diverse rocky platforms. Shag Point is a region of special conservation value not only in relation to marine species but also rare terrestrial species. It is also the site of one of New Zealand's few underwater coalmines. We will also look at the nearby reef at Moeraki where the intertidal seaweed community has been replaced by the invasive kelp Undaria and discuss some of the implications this species might have on our native species. If the weather is not so good we will head out closer to home to the rocky shore at Brighton, where there is a diverse seaweed community comprising of a number of species which are only found in South Australia and southern New Zealand. Including a large number of seaweeds that are made up of a single cell but display a wide range of morphological forms. You will be surprised what a single cell can do! People should bring gum boots if they want their feet to remain dry. Also lunch, hat, warm wind-proof and/or water-proof clothing. Basically we'll be doing a bit of wading bacause the tide is not a very low one. Meet at the Botany carpark at 9:30 AM. Contact Lisa Russell on 479 9061 (w) or Ian Radford as below. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Saturday 21st August, 2004

Start time: 8:00 AM

Trip to Southland Community Nursery

Trip to Southland Community Nursery, Otatara, Invercargill. Chris and Brian Rance have established what they have called a "Community Nursery". The aim of this nursery is to provide facilities and materials (potting mix, pots etc) to help people to grow local endemic plants and to restore vegetation of the local areas. Brian and Chris have lots of experience in growing native plants from seed and cuttings and are willing to share their knowledge. They are restoring native forest areas on their own property, have created a variety of shelterbelts using native plants and are creating a pond habitat. The have also established a threatened plants garden to provide sanctuary to over 70 New Zealand native under threat of extinction in the wild on their property. On the trip we will have a look at the nursery itself, the Threated plant garden and one or two of their restoration works. Chris or Brian will be there to give us a background about the nursery and the associated works. Leave Botany car park at 8 AM and return mid to late afternoon. Pack lunch, water and protection from the sun, wind, rain and cold. The possibility of extra side trips and an overnight option is still being investigated. For more information about the trip contact Ian Radford on 472 7470 (ah) or 479 9065 (w). Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Wednesday 18th August, 2004

Start time: 5:20 PM

Growing New Zealand Alpine Plants

A talk by David Lyttle. The New Zealand alpine flora contains a diverse assemblage of species many of which are desirable and challenging horticultural subjects. Unfortunately New Zealand alpines are often appreciated more overseas than in their own country. This talk will provide an introduction to the propagation of New Zealand alpine plants from seeds and cuttings and will discuss problems frequently encountered in their culture. At the NEW Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Sunday 25th July, 2004

Start time: 9:00 AM

Trip to Tavora Reserve (Bobby's Head), with Pat Mark

Trip to Tavora Reserve (Bobby's Head), with Pat Mark. Tavora Reserve is the site of a restoration project undertaken by the Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust, to return former grazing land, pine forest and patches of remnant vegetation back to native bush. This is both to provide nesting habitat for the Yellow Eyed Penguin, and to restore vegetation for its own sake. The Trust is keen that this is a working BSO field trip: they want us to test a trail guide that they have been developing for the Reserve, in addition to the normal compilation of species lists and any advice we can provide on restoration works. The Reserve provides a diverse array of botanical habitats, and can be divided into hillside, dune and wetland/riparian vegetation types. Of special interest are remnant Poa cita, Bulbinella augustifolia and a local speargrass Aciphylla glaucescens in the hillside zone; the cushion plant Scleranthus biflorus and sand convolvulus Calystegia soldanella associated with sand dunes; and stream edge plants including the salt tolerant Apium prostratum - native celery, Azolla filiculoides - red water fern, Cotula coronopifolia - bachelor's buttons, Leptinella dioica, Mimulus repens - saltmarsh musk, Shoenoplectus pungens - three square sedge, Sarcocornia quinqueflora - glasswort, Samolus repens - sea primrose, Selliera radicans and Puccinellia sp. - salt grass. The Trust has undertaken extensive plantings to try to reintroduce plants formally endemic to coastal hillsides, sand dunes and wetlands and welcomes feedback from the BSO on the restoration job they have done so far. Leave Botany car park at 9 AM Sunday and return mid to late afternoon. Pack lunch, water and protection from the sun, wind, rain and cold. Contact Pat Mark, phone: (03) 476 3229.

Wednesday 21st July, 2004

Start time: 5:20 PM

Pachymenia - a question of species

A talk by Lisa Russell. The taxonomy of the New Zealand members of red algal genus Pachymenia J.Agardh (Halymeniaceae, Rhodophyta) has been contentious. Three New Zealand endemic species of are currently recognized: one prostrate species P. crassa and two foliose species P. laciniata and P. lusoria. As part of my PhD I have explored relationships between these New Zealand species, in particular between the intertidal species P. lusoria and P. laciniata in order to develop a clearer understanding of species boundaries. A multidisciplinary approach was undertaken combining molecular systematics and cell wall chemistry with more traditional approaches based on gross morphological characters. I will discuss here the results of these three approaches, firstly in relation to the New Zealand species of Pachymenia and secondly in relation to the generic boundaries between Pachymenia and a sister genus Aeodes. At the NEW Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Wednesday 16th June, 2004

Start time: 5:20 PM

Oregon, Europe & Dunedin: Plants, Gardens & Seed

A talk by Tom Myers, Botanical Services Officer, Dunedin Botanic Garden. Tom recently spent a year in Newport, Oregon where he did some work both gardening and as a marine science contractor, also taking time to visit State Parks and local Botanic Gardens, attending the American Association of Botanic Garden and Arboreta (AABGA) combined mid-west and Pacific region conference. In August-September he travelled to Europe with his partner, visiting Botanic Gardens at the Universities of Coimbra and Porto in Portugal, Bonn in Germany and additionally visiting the island of Texel in the Netherlands. In January this year Tom returned to his job in Dunedin. At the NEW Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Saturday 12th June, 2004

Start time: 9:30 AM

Moores Bush and cryptogam ID workshop

Morning Field Trip to Moores Bush, followed by afternoon cryptogam identification workshop. Moores Bush, in the upper Leith Valley, is the site of an on-going Forest and Bird restoration project, returning what was once dairy pasture to native forest. Their main emphasis now is in creating a mammal-free 'mini-mainland island' to aid the regeneration of podocarps. Miro, matai, totara, kahikatea and mountain cedar are all present, with some magnificent specimens towering above the vigorously regenerating under-story. Our main aim will be to help update the lichen, bryophyte and fern lists. Cryptogam (non-flowering plants) specimens needing identification will be brought back to the laboratory for the afternoon workshop in the Botany Dept. Lichen leaders Allison Knight and Jennifer Bannister, mosses - Maia Mistral. Leave Botany car park at 9:30 AM. Bring hand lens and lunch. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Wednesday 19th May, 2004

Start time: 5:20 PM

A walk in the (paleo) woods

Don't miss this fascinating glimpse into the past. A walk in the (paleo) woods: leaves, bark, ferns and epiphyllous fungi in the 40 million year old Pikopiko fossil forest. Presented by paleobotanists Daphne Lee and award-winning Jennifer Bannister. Fossil forests are rare in New Zealand. The best known South Island example is the Jurassic forest at Curio Bay. This talk will describe the Pikopiko fossil forest, which has trees still spaced in life position exposed on the east bank of the Waiau River, near Tuatapere, Southland. At the NEW Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Saturday 1st May, 2004

Start time: 8:00 AM

Waipori Forest fungal foray

Trip to Waipori Forest to collect fungi with David Orlovich. (Note: collecting fungi is subject to approval by DoC). Of interest is a new fungus that has only been collected once in the Waipori area. Further collections will make the description of a new species possible. Bring hand lens, small basket or bag for collecting fungi, greaseproof paper (for wrapping specimens in the field). Leave 8 AM and return to the Department of Botany around lunch time. Afternoon in the laboratory examining specimens and recording details for herbarium collections. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Wednesday 21st April, 2004

Start time: 5:20 PM

AGM and talk: Gardens without weeds.

Guest speaker Associate Professor Helen Leach, an anthropologist with a special interest in palaeoethnobotany. When Dr Monkhouse described Maori gardens seen in 1769 as "completely cleared of all weeds", did he mean that the gardeners were fastidious weeders, or were there just fewer weeds to eradicate? Did the Maori and other Polynesian peoples have a concept of weeds equivalent to that in European languages? This talk will look at indigenous plants that might have invaded Maori gardens, the inadvertent introduction of a small number of fellow travelers with Maori cultigens, and how different groups of Polynesians might have classified the plants that we call 'weeds'. At the NEW Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Saturday 3rd April, 2004

Start time: 9:00 AM

Rock and Pillar Range field trip

Full day or weekend field trip to the Rock and Pillar Range with alpine research botanists and ecologists. For the fit there is the option of a 3-4 hr walk up through changing vegetation zones from lowland pasture/tussock/scrub, through subalpine tussock with regenerating Hebe right up to Celmisia-dominated alpine herb fields and lichen-rich cushion fields. On-going botanical and ecological research has been based in this area for over 50 years, often using the Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club hut, 'Leaning Lodge' as a base and refuge. See www.botany.otago.ac.nz/alpine/. There's an opportunity for those keen to extend their appreciation of the alpine flora to stay overnight, in this classic old ex-ski hut, which has been marked for destruction by DoC. Warm clothing and footwear for wet, windy conditions are advisable whatever the weather forecast. High wheel base 4WD advisable for those not walking. Some seats may be available. Contact Robyn Bridges, 479 8244 (day) if you wish to stay overnight (numbers limited). Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Saturday 13th March, 2004

Start time: 8:15 AM

Field trip to the Blue Mountains with Alan Mark

The Blue Mountains, although strongly modified on its lower slopes by exotic forestry, has good road access on to the summit ridge and even to its highest point at 998 m, giving easy access to a range of vegetation types, notably cushion bogs and mixed narrow-leaved snow tussock-shrubland, plus remains of a Halocarpus (bog pine) woodland exposed in eroding peat beds, all quite reminiscent of Maungatua. Its flora is also very similar but there are a few extras on the 'Bluies', notably Astelia linearis. Subalpine silver beech forest and its natural treeline at 950 m are also readily accessible. I suggested this trip as an alternative to Maungatua, given its easier (and more reliable) access. Note, however that there are some steep sections and it is advisable to take vehicles capable of handling rough terrain. It has been much less studied than Maungatua but was included by Stephan Halloy in his comparative study of alpine plant morphology (J. Veg. Sci. 1: 291-304. 1990: J. Roy. Soc. NZ 26: 41-78: 1996). Warm clothing and footwear for wet conditions are advisable whatever the weather forecast. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Monday 8th March, 2004

Start time: 5:20 PM

The All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory being carried out in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A talk by Steve Stephenson, Research Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Arkansas. Steve has recently completed a volume in the Fungi of New Zealand series on plasmodial slime moulds (myxomycetes). He has been surveying mycetozoans (protostelids and dictyostelids as well as myxomycetes) as one component of an all taxa biodiversity inventory (ATBI) of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The ATBI of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in the US has resulted in the discovery of 136 species new to science, in the Park, and an additional 1,436 that are known species, but which have not been previously identified as occurring in the In addition there is much new information on the geographic distribution of thousands of species, important for maps of species distribution. The inventory, coordinated by a support group called Discover Life in America, is conducted by scientists, student volunteers and others from all over the United States. See this article from the Smithsonian Institute for more background information. At the NEW Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Monday 8th March, 2004

Start time:

Closing date for Audrey Eagle Prize for Botanical Drawing

Entries may be given to Audrey to take home for judging at our evening meeting on 8 March. Any medium is permitted, colour or black and white. The main criterion is that it has a botanical theme. Audrey suggests that something that has not been fully illustrated yet, like a small herbaceous plant, a lichen or a liverwort would be of added botanical interest. The president would love to have colour pictures to feature on our website, the committee is keen to have something we can use as a logo or letterhead, while the editor will be delighted to have original art to feature in the BSO newsletter, especially if there is an interesting note to go with it. (Bear in mind that the newsletter is set out in 14 pt font on A4 pages, which are photocopy-reduced to A5 for publishing in black and white.) Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Friday 5th March, 2004

Start time: 12:00 PM

Start of Semester BSO BBQ!

A BBQ to welcome new botany/ecology students and new BSO members. On the front lawn, Botany House Annexe, Great King Street (across the road from the Caltex). Sausage sandwiches and juice $1 each. All BSO members welcome! Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Thursday 19th February, 2004

Start time: 5:00 PM

Drawing from Nature - Botanic Illustration

Eight week course Tutor: Monica Peters will encourage participants to explore different methods of representation by considering ways that plants have beed depicted throughout history, and will intoduce various drawing, watercolour and acrylic techniques for botanical illustration. The class will be suitable for beginners as well as those with some experience. Thursday 7-9 PM, February 19 - April 8.

$120 includes GST and some materials to enroll, please contact:

Cleveland Living Arts Centre
First Floor, Dunedin Railway Station
PO Box 5786, Dunedin Contact Cleveland Living Arts Centre, phone: (03) 477 7291.

Wednesday 18th February, 2004

Start time: 5:20 PM

Nature conservation and grazing management in Europe and New Zealand

A talk by Dr Jan Bokdam, Nature Conservation and Plant Ecology Group, Wageningen, The Netherlands. Dr Bokdam's research interests include: Plant-herbivore interactions, especially between vascular plants and herbivorous mammals; Defensive and exploitative adaptations of plants to herbivores; Consequences of co-evolution for coexistence, survival and extinction; Effects of herbivores on plant processes, successional pathways and mosaics; Implementation of plant-herbivore interactions in conservation management strategies; Consequences of incompleteness and over-completeness of the herbivore assemblage and abiotic catena on habitat use, vegetation succession and biodiversity; Maintenance, restoration, substitution and mitigation as elements of conservation management schemes. At the NEW Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Wednesday 11th February, 2004

Start time: 5:20 PM

Mycorrhizal fungi - ubiquitous underground partners of plants

A talk by Prof. John Cairney, from the University of Western Sydney. Prof. Cairney is an expert on the population ecology and ecophysiology of mycorrhizas and mycorrhizal fungi. He is visiting Dunedin during February 2004 as a William Evans Visiting Fellow. The majority of terrestrial plants exist naturally in symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi, a form of mutualistic interaction that is thought not only to be important in enhancing the ecological fitness of individual plants, but also in shaping plant populations and communities. This talk will provide an introduction to these fascinating associations, with emphasis on the ecology of the fungi that form mycorrhizas with trees and epacrids. At the NEW Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.

Saturday 24th January, 2004

Start time: 9:00 AM

Tokomairiro Mouth with Janice Lord

Grade easy - suitable for all ages. First stop will be the Lower Tokomariro Wetland. This QEII covenanted area is managed by Fish and Game for waterfowl. No formal assessment of the vegetation exists and Fish and Game are very keen for any information we can provide. Fernbirds are often sighted here. The main area to be visited is the dune complex to the south of Toko Mouth settlement which supports probably the largest pingao population in Otago and numerous other native species in dune slacks. Hot water etc is available at Janice's crib. Bring lunch and suitable beach, sun and rain gear. A hand lens is recommended. Return to Dunedin, approx. 5-6 pm. Field trip leaves from Botany car park 464 Great King Street. Meet there to car pool (10c/km/passenger, to be paid to the driver, please). Contact Janice Lord, phone: (03) 479 5131.

Wednesday 31st December, 2003

Start time:

Wellington Botanical Society New Year's Field trip: West Coast and Murchison

This is the Wellington Botanical Society Summer Field trip. Several BSO members are going. 31 Dec - 6 Jan: Kokiri Lodge, 8 km east of Stillwater, near Greymouth. 6 Jan - 11 Jan: Mataki Lodge, Tutaki Valley, 33 km east of Murchison. Botanise West Coast forests, Nelson Lakes National Park, and Lake Matiri/Thousand Acres Plateau. If you would like to be the organiser of food supplies, we can provide you with ideas for menus and quantities. Please contact Barbara Clark ph 04 233 8202/fax 04 233 2222, or Chris Horne ph/fax 04 475 7025. A registration form is available from the BSO notice board in the Department of Botany. More details will be available in the December BSO newsletter. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Saturday 6th December, 2003

Start time: 9:00 AM

Mt Watkin podocarp forest

Trip leader: Ralf Ohlemüller. After recent trips to the area of Mt. Watkin north of Dunedin and the discovery of its significance for a number of rare species (see BSO newsletter 38), we will now have a closer look at the forests near the 'bottom' of this remarkable volcano. These sheltered forests in the gullies running off Mt Watkin harbour a wide range of mature specimens of podocarp, such as matai, rimu, totara and kahikatea - rare remnants of the magnificent lowland forest that once clothed much of eastern Otago. Ralf has studied species richness patterns in forest fragments in coastal Otago and also tried to reconstruct the potential natural forest vegetation of the area. He will talk about his work on the day. We will be walking off track, so bring solid shoes, outdoor equipment, rain gear and lunch. A hand lens is recommended. Return to Dunedin, approx. 5-6 pm. Meet 9 am, Botany car park 464 Great King Street to car pool (10c/km/passenger). Contact Ralf Ohlemüller, phone: (03) 479 5981.

Wednesday 3rd December, 2003

Start time: 5:20 PM

Flora and Vegetation Zones of Washington State, US

A talk by Dr Fayla Schwartz. Fayla will discuss the geological and geographical bases for vegetation distribution in the area and then show slides and talk about a number of plant species in western Washington/Puget Sound area, the montane and subalpine areas on Mt. Rainier, and in eastern Washington. Fayla is a biology and botany instructor at Everett Community College in Washington, and has a PhD in Botany from the University of Washington. At the NEW Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Wednesday 5th November, 2003

Start time: 5:20 PM

Living off the land (sort of) in Mongolia 2001-2002

A talk by Monica Peters. Images of Mongolia - a land in transition. At the NEW Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Saturday 1st November, 2003

Start time: 9:00 AM

Nugget Point and Cannibal Bay, Catlins

Led by John Barkla, DOC Otago. A full day trip, first to Nugget Point and then to nearby Cannibal Bay. Nugget Point is the premier wildlife viewing site in the Catlins but also has fantastic vegetation. Windshorn shrubby vegetation contains a large population of Olearia fragrantissima and herbfields have the megaherb Anisotome lyallii and the Catlins endemic Celmisia lindsayi. Just south of Cannibal Bay are ephemerally wet dune slacks with large populations of the threatened herbs Mazus arenarius and Libertia peregrinans and the small shrub Pimelea lyallii. NZ sealions are regularly encountered here. Trip departs from Botany Department car park. Carpool rates 10c/km/passenger payable to driver. Return mid-late afternoon. Bring lunch and drinks and warm, wind-proof clothing. Following the trip John and family are planning to spend Saturday night at the lighthouse keepers house at Nugget Point. Others are most welcome. Mattressess and cooking facilities are available but you'll need a sleeping bag and food etc. Contact John Barkla, phone: (03) 476 3686.

Wednesday 29th October, 2003

Start time: 5:20 PM

2nd Annual Geoff Baylis Lecture. Distinguished Guest speaker Dr Peter Wardle

New Zealand's forest limits and the vegetation above them, compared with South America and other regions.

Species introductions and climatic comparisons show that hardy trees from the northern hemisphere can grow well above the altitudinal limit of native forest in New Zealand. Instead of the subalpine conifer forests of the northern hemisphere we have a belt of tall tussocks, shrubs and large forbs, occupying an environment very similar to that occupied by deciduous beeches in the southern Andes. While this tall-tussock belt is essentially unique to New Zealand and its subantarctic islands, it does share features with vegetation on tropical high mountains. As well as large tussock grasses, these features include temperature climates with muted seasonal variations, and large-leaved rosette plants, some of the tropical examples being arborescent. On the tropical high mountains, this vegetation zone also contains low forest which has been reduced by fire, and as in New Zealand it is receptive to introduced tall-tree species. The term tropicalpine has been used because this vegetation does not fit the altitudinal zonation that has been derived for north temperate mountains; to recognise the similarly special nature of New Zealand vegetation lying between the upper forest limit and typical alpine vegetation, I have proposed the term penalpine.

Peter Wardle is one of New Zealand's foremost plant ecologists with an unrivalled knowledge of how New Zealand's vegetation, environment and ecological processes compare with the rest of the world. His highly regarded book, Vegetation of New Zealand, covers succession, invasion, disturbance, regeneration and many other complex processes. The book is dedicated to Professor Geoff Baylis, whose contribution to botany is honoured in this lecture series.

Seminar room 2.25 Commerce Building, cnr Union St East and Clyde St. Meet in the atrium for nibbles and drinks (gold coin donation). You are invited to join Peter for dinner after. Please email Trish Flemming if you would like to attend the dinner at Indian Summer, Upper Moray Place. Contact Ian Radford, phone: (03) 479 9065.

Saturday 11th October, 2003

Start time: 1:15 PM

Donaldson's Garden and Moore's Bush

Over the last 40 years Cliff and Linda Donaldson have created a treasure trove of unusual plants. They have nurtured natives from all over New Zealand, including a multi-trunked Kauri that the pigeons fight over, Dysoxylum spectabile (Kohekohe) and several rare species, such as the Marlborough weeping broom, Carmichaelia stevensonii, and Elingamita johnsonii which was discovered by Geoff Baylis on the Three Kings Islands. There's also quite a fern collection, including some which Cliff is keen to have identified. So please bring your hand lens and fern guides. Colourful exotics include collections of Camelia, Rhododendron, Prunus, Magnolia and Fuchsia species, so spring blooms will abound. Weather and time permitting, we will then travel up Leith Valley to Moore's Bush, site of a local Forest & Bird restoration project. Here there are a variety of local and introduced lowland podocarp and broadleaf forest species. Meet at the Donaldson's place, 21 Glenmore St, Glenleith at 1.30pm, or at 1.15 in the Botany Department car park, 464 Gt King St, to car pool, which is a good idea, as parking will be limited. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Saturday 27th September, 2003

Start time: 10:00 AM

Warrington and Seacliff

Carol and Chuck Landis live at the old James Powell Convalescent Home in Warrington. Their large garden contains ornamental trees and an extensive variety of shrubs. Many rhododendron, including several original species, will be in bloom and a range of unusual Magnoliidae is also present. An adjoining area of "bush" contains a range of New Zealand trees, shrubs and ferns. The central part, containing about 95 species of East Otago provenance, is surrounded by a belt comprising natives including many sourced from outside the local area. Highlights include Pennantia baylisiana, Alseuosmia spp, and three Ixerba brexioides. The possible effects of companion plants on Ixerba growth are very interesting. The Enchanted Forest at the nearby Seacliff Reserve will also be visited. It contains a variety beautiful mature trees (native and exotic) on the grounds of the old Seacliff psychiatric hospital. Many were planted by Sir Truby King 100 years ago. A new list of significant trees on the reserve will be provided. Trip departs from the Botany Dept carpark at 10:00 (alternatively meet at Chuck and Carol's at 10:30). Return mid- afternoon. Bring lunch; hot water will be supplied. In case of inclement weather we'll try Sunday 28, same times. Contact Chuck and Carol Landis, phone: (03) 482 2846.

Wednesday 24th September, 2003

Start time: 5:20 PM

An introduction to New Zealand gecko and plant associations

Guest speaker Mandy Tocher.

New Zealand geckos are stunningly beautiful and have very interesting life history characteristics making them highly sought after as pets; they are regularly stolen from New Zealand by poachers. New Zealand geckos consume significant amounts of fruit as part of their diet e.g. fruit from Coprosma spp. Geckos therefore play an important role in dispersing the seed from the fruiting plant species they consume. The continued persistence New Zealand geckos is critical to the persistence and regeneration of various endemic fruiting plant species.

Bring $1 donation for nibbles or $3 for wine. At the NEW Zoology Benham Building, 346 Gt King St, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook. Use the main entrance of Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt, door will be locked at 5:30. NOTE EARLIER TIME.

Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Wednesday 20th August, 2003

Start time: 5:30 PM

Highlights of a High Country Summer - from the Lakes to the Landsborough

Guest speaker John Barkla (DOC Otago) will give an illustrated talk on some of his botanical survey highlights from last summer. Come and hear about hidden delights in the Richardson Mountains and the search for elusive Pittosporum patulum in the jungle of the upper Landsborough. At the NEW Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Saturday 9th August, 2003

Start time: 10:00 AM

Orokonui Reserve

Led by Ralph Allen, Wildland Consultants. Orokonui is the proposed site of a 'Mainland Island'. Ralph will talk about the sanctuary concept and give some indications of where things would be and how it would function. There will also be a chance to see the tallest tree in New Zealand. Meet Botany Dept car park, 464 Gt King St, 10 am to car pool (10c/km/passenger), or at Orokonui 10.30 am. Bring lunch. Rain date Sun 10 August. Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Saturday 26th July, 2003

Start time: 10:00 AM

Lichens on Twigs Workshop

with Jennifer Bannister and Allison Knight. Leaves are falling and wind is blowing, exposing and dropping twigs. Lichens growing on the newly exposed bark of twigs are good environmental monitors. We thought it would be interesting to get an indication of what is growing on twigs in our area, and then talk about the possibility of a distribution map. Start collecting interesting twigs you come across now. Please note where you found them and what tree or shrub they are from. Air-dry them and store them in a dry place (or in the freezer if you want to slow browsing by invertebrates). Bring: lichens on twigs, hand lens and lunch. Microscopes and laboratory space are generously made available by the Department of Botany, tea and coffee will be supplied by the BSO. Related reading: Try the British website on lichens on twigs for interactive keys and some useful basic information. For common NZ species, see: Lichens on Trees: Identification Guide to Common Lichens and Plants on Urban and Rural Trees in New Zealand, by P. N. Johnson and D. J. Galloway, Landcare Research, Dunedin 1999 Contact Allison Knight, phone: (03) 487 8265.

Wednesday 23rd July, 2003

Start time: 5:30 PM

Solander, the botanist who came with Banks and Cook to NZ.

A talk by Ted Nye. Solander (1733-1782) was a pupil of Carl Linnaeus. He went to Britain to spread the doctrine of his master on classification of living things. He worked at the British Museum and soon came to the attention of Joseph Banks and, a few years later, was recruited by Banks to be one of the Scientific team on the Endeavour under Captain Cook. Thus Solander was the first professional botanist to visit New Zealand, in 1769. From this it follows that, with the looming 300th anniversary of the birth of Linnaeus in 2007, Dunedin should be the first city in New Zealand to honour Solander by setting up a garden in his memory. At the NEW Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the Captain Cook Hotel. Use the main entrance of the Benham Building to get in and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Rm. 215, 2nd floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Sunday 8th June, 2003

Start time: 10:00 AM

Botanical Illustration Workshop

Led by Monica Peters, in conjunction with the Cleveland Living Arts Centre at the Dunedin Railway Station. This workshop is aimed at people who are curious about plants and want to learn a variety of ways to create good quality representations. Basic drawing materials supplied. Bring a plant to draw, lunch, hand lens and any specialist drawing material (pens, papers etc) if you have them. Course fee $55. More details here. Contact Cleveland Living Arts Centre, phone: (03) 477 7291.

Wednesday 4th June, 2003

Start time: 12:00 PM

Israel - Land of extremes

A talk by Barbara Wheeler, Collections Supervisor, Dunedin Botanic Garden. This is a joint seminar with the Department of Botany. Upstairs in the Union Street Lecture Theatre (formerly the Botany School Annexe), in the red-brown building, cnr Union Street (West) and Gt King Street. Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 28th May, 2003

Start time: 5:30 PM

Special microhabitats for myxomycetes in terrestrial ecosystems

Talk and superb slides by Prof. Steve Stephenson, Fairmont State College, West Virginia, USA. A slide show on the special places slime moulds occur from arctic tundra to tropical forests. Drinks and nibbles before and after, for a gold coin donation. Meet in the Zoology Annexe Seminar Room, Gt King Street, back behind the car park between the Dental School and the Zoology Department. Dinner at a local restaurant to follow. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Wednesday 28th May, 2003

Start time: 12:00 PM

Brownfields to green forests

Phytoremediation of soil contaminants using short rotation forestry in the United Kingdom. A talk by Chris French, Biological and Earth Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University and The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom. A Department of Botany seminar. Upstairs in the Union Street Lecture Theatre (formerly the Botany School Annexe), in the red-brown building, cnr Union Street (West) and Gt King Street. Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 21st May, 2003

Start time: 12:00 PM

Does size matter? Vegetation and plant diversity in fragments of indigenous forests in eastern Otago

Ralf Ohlemueller, Botany Department, University of Otago. A Department of Botany seminar. Upstairs in the Union Street Lecture Theatre (formerly the Botany School Annexe), in the red-brown building, cnr Union Street (West) and Gt King Street. Contact Trish Fleming, phone: (03) 479 7577.

Wednesday 2nd April, 2003

Start time: 5:30 PM

Walking with Western Australian Wildflowers

Meet at 5:30 for drinks and nibbles - the talk will start at 5:45 PM. Adrienne Markey will give a slide show entitled Walking with Western Australian Wildflowers. Before starting her PhD here in Dunedin, Adrienne worked for the Department of Conservation and Land Management in Western Australia. Her love of photography and enthusiasm for Western Australia's wildflowers will guarantee a lively and exciting talk. Meet in the Zoology Annexe Seminar Room, Great King Street, back behind the car park between the Dental School and the Department of Zoology. Bring a gold coin donation towards costs. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Saturday 15th March, 2003

Start time: 9:30 AM

Mt Watkin / Hikaroroa

A full day field trip with Robyn Bridges. A cross-country walk to a landform of interest both botanically and geologically. The prominent bump on the horizon, on the left as you head north past the Karitane turnoff, is a volcanic hill 'standing alone in a schist landscape'. Botanical specimens of interest include Coprosma virescens, Fuchsia perscandens and Gingidia montana. Bring all-weather gear, stout footware, food, drink and money for transport. Meet in the Department of Botany carpark, 464 Great King Street, to car-pool. Passengers pay driver 8c/km. Read Wild Dunedin by Neville Peat and Brian Patrick for more interesting details about Mt Watkin. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Wednesday 12th March, 2003

Start time: 5:30 PM

BSO Annual General Meeting

Drink, nibbles and chat followed by a short meeting to elect a chairman and committee for 2003. Then, guest speaker Kelvin Lloyd will give one of his fabulous slide shows on The Botanical Tramper. More tantalising glimpses of untracked wilderness. Meet in the Zoology Annexe Seminar Room, Great King Street, back behind the car park between the Dental School and the Department of Zoology. Bring a gold coin donation towards costs. Contact Robyn Bridges, phone: (03) 472 7330.

Friday 7th March, 2003

Start time: 12:00 PM

BSO BBQ

A BBQ to welcome new botany/ecology students and new BSO members. Meet at the front lawn, Botany House Annexe, Great King Street (across the road from the Caltex). Sausage sandwiches and juice $1 each. All BSO members welcome! Contact David Orlovich for details. Contact David Orlovich, phone: (03) 479 9060.