The Wellington mint-bush Prostanthera galbraithiae is an erect, spreading sub-shrub, growing to two metres high. Flowers are deep mauve-purple with maroon dots at the base of the lobes (Conn, 1998). Flowering occurs in spring.
It appears to be strongly fire-dependent for germination. The ideal time interval for fires is expected to be about 15 years. Over-frequent or infrequent fire may lead to population decline and alter vegetation structure and habitat quality. Fire intervals of less than 10 years may limit soil seed bank replenishment, and fire intervals greater than 20 years may diminish seedbank persistence. Low fire intensity may also limit germination of soil stored seed.
The Wellington mint-bush is listed as vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) 1999. The species is endemic to the central Gippsland region of Victoria. Dutson Downs is one of 11 key locations for the plant so we're following the Wellington mint-bush Action Statement developed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act). Through planting, preservation and monitoring we're working to conserve and manage the species at the site.
Beyond altered fire regimens, other major threats to the population include weed invasion, mammals, drought and construction.
Wellington mint-bush planted at the Dutson Downs biodiversity management sites.
