Australian Rare and Threatened Species

Discover Australia’s Rare and Threatened plants.

We are passionate about plant conservation, which makes this collection one of our most important living collections.

Here you’ll find many of Australia’s rare and threatened species, grown for botanical study and the preservation of their genetic material.

By working closely with other botanic gardens and government departments we select priority species that are compromised by climate change and/or habitat loss, and give them a safe home.

Notes from our team

“We established this collection in 2007. It’s inspiring and important work. With so much that we don’t know about the value of individual species for medicine, or their function in an ecosystem, safeguarding every species for future study is imperative.” Curator, Australian Rare and Threatened Collection

Connecting to Country 

This Collection is on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people. As you explore the Gardens you will see four colours and four words in Woi-wurrung language on the signs to reflect the Traditional Owners’ connection to Country and this particular place. The word tanderrum refers to a cultural gathering place in Woi-wurrung and the signs in this area have pink highlights.

Care about the rare plants?

Visit the living collection page and learn more about the horticultural curation of this collection. 

Rare and Threatened Species
View Australian Rare and Threatened Species on map