A species of plant previously thought to be extinct has been rediscovered in the Western Australian Goldfields. The plant, a type of waxflower is known only by its scientific name Philotheca falcata.

Previously known from only one collection made by William Blackall in 1931 near Yellowdine, the small, white-flowered shrub was listed as Presumed Extinct by the Department of Environment and Conservation after it had not been seen in the wild for over 50 years.

The rediscovery of a species after so many years is always an exciting event. Extinction is forever, and it’s always good news to rediscover a species that was thought to be lost.

The plant was rediscovered by botanists from ecologia Environment conducting a botanical survey for a mining company proposing to carry out exploration in the area. Gold mines have been operating at the location for more than 70 years but this was the first botanical survey to have been carried out in that particular area.

The find is the most recent in a series of rediscoveries that have substantially reduced the Presumed Extinct list in Western Australia. In 1991, 53 plants were believed to be extinct in the State. That number is now down to 13, largely as a result of extra botanical survey work and a better understanding of the plants concerned.

However, just because the plant has been rediscovered doesn’t mean it’s safe. Only 95 mature plants were found during the targeted survey of a small area, so it’s still critically endangered. The important thing now will be to protect the site, conduct further surveys to try to find more plants in surrounding areas, and work to ensure its survival into the future.

Typical Philotheca falcata habitat.