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“CLOUD FOREST COLLECTION” (ARVS) (ARS) “CLOUD FOREST COLLECTION” (ARS) “CLOUD FOREST COLLECTION”

The Australian Cloud Forest Collection: A High-Altitude Sanctuary

Project Lead : Andrew Rouse

Edited by : James Pethybridge

Inaugurated by: Daniella De Martino, MP

Collaborative Project: Parks Victoria & ARSV

On August 23, 2024, the mist-shrouded heights of the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden played host to a landmark event: the formal opening of the Australian Cloud Forest Collection. Officially inaugurated by Daniella De Martino, State Member for Monbulk, the ceremony served as a celebration of the tireless partnership between Parks Victoria, the Australian Rhododendron Society Victorian Branch (ARSV), Andrea Proctor Landscapes, Warrandale Industries, Cranbourne Botanic Gardens, and the Ian Potter Foundation.

A Fourteen-Year Odyssey

The road to this collection began nearly a decade and a half ago. In 2010, the ARSV embarked on an ambitious quest to re-collect R. viriosum and R. lochiae from the rugged, tropical mountain-tops of North Queensland.

What began as a botanical search evolved into a sophisticated scientific partnership. Through the Tropical Mountain Plant Science Project (TroMPS), the ARSV collaborated with the Australian Tropical Herbarium and other key organizations to ensure these unique species were not only collected but understood and protected for future generations.

Bringing the Tropics to the Dandenongs

The collection represents a significant feat of horticulture, bridging the gap between the tropical north and the cool temperate climate of the Dandenongs. In May 2024, approximately 350 plants—comprising roughly 40 distinct species—were carefully settled into their new home.

Early results are promising; as the garden transitioned into the warmer months of late 2024, the plants showed vigorous signs of new growth, adapting well to the specialized environment crafted for them. This collection offers visitors a rare glimpse into the high-altitude flora of North Queensland, featuring species rarely seen outside their native habitats.

Investment in the Future

The ARSV has made a substantial commitment to the longevity of the Cloud Forest Collection. Beyond the initial planting, the society has pledged an ongoing investment to support Parks Victoria in the curation of the site. This long-term vision includes:

  • Active Maintenance: Ongoing weeding and bed management to ensure plant health.

  • Propagation & Security: Growing additional and replacement plants to maintain the collection’s integrity.

  • Botanical Distribution: Sharing cuttings with other Botanic Gardens to create a “living insurance policy” for these rare tropical species.

A Growing Legacy

As the Australian Cloud Forest Collection matures, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved through long-term scientific collaboration and community dedication. It is more than just a garden; it is a vital reservoir of Australian biodiversity, ensuring that the rare gems of our tropical peaks find a permanent, protected home in the heart of the Dandenongs.

For more information on our conservation efforts and the diverse species within our care, visit the ARSV at rhododendron.com.au.

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