Rare and critically endangered plant species have shown positive signs of repopulation in local reserves, as part of a recovery initiative by Green Adelaide and in partnership with Trees For Life and City of Playford.

Of the four species introduced by Trees for Life volunteers in June, two of them have proven to be particularly strong performers, these are: the Golden Billy Buttons and the Showy Copper Wire Daisy.

Mayor Glenn Docherty said the project was key to rescuing native plants already on the edge of extinction.

“Before it was almost impossible to find these little plants in South Australia, so to see them return means a lot to the recovery of our environment,” Mayor Docherty said.

Reserves towards the east of the city were among the locations chosen due to their high-quality grassy woodland environment.

“We’ve had a promising start and we’re hopeful about the other species, but we will assess the situation after summer,” Mayor Docherty said.

“Council is committed to improving our native species coverage across Playford.”

Eight metropolitan councils in total have reintroduced species over 20 locations within the Green Adelaide region, including Playford.

Green Adelaide Ecologist Jason van Weenen said, “incredibly, some species have done so well that it has already enabled the collection of seed from these sites that can now be propagated for future plantings.”

Council completed recent surveying and along with Trees for Life are responsible for the ongoing care of the plants.