Our Genetics in a Bottle Project is helping to understand the genetic diversity of one of Australia’s rarest trees – the Ormeau Bottle Tree (Brachychiton sp. Ormeau).
Found only in the upper Pimpama River catchment in south-east Queensland, fewer than 200 individuals are thought to remain in the wild.
This Critically Endangered species can survive for more than 120 years, but faces ongoing threats from habitat loss and possible interbreeding with other bottle trees.
Running from July 2025 to June 2026, this project will provide vital insights into the species’ genetic blueprint, the connectivity between remaining populations, and the extent of hybridisation with other Bottle Tree species.
These findings will directly inform recovery planning and conservation action to secure the future of the Ormeau Bottle Tree.
Project Aims
In 2025, the North East Albert Landcare Group will collect leaf samples from all known populations, and provide them our Partners at the Queensland Herbarium. Here they will undergo comprehensive genetic testing to assess gene flow, population structure and the extent of hybridisation with neighbouring Brachychiton rupestris.
The findings from this project will help prioritise seed collection, propagation and planting strategies to maintain the species’ genetic health.
Project outcomes
By combining community expertise, scientific capability and targeted funding, we are building the evidence base needed to give the Ormeau Bottle Tree its best chance of survival.
Check back in late 2026 to find out more!
Acknowledgements
This project would not be possible without the generous support from:
- North East Albert Landcare Group – volunteers will provide in-kind support through the collection of leaf samples to enable this research.
- Queensland Herbarium – Specialist conservation geneticists and botanists will provide their scientific expertise to conduct genetic testing, analysis and interpretation.
- A private donor – whose generous financial support has made this work possible.
If you’d like to sponsor an initiative like this one, check out our donations page, or reach out to our friendly Partnerships team discuss your ideas further.
