This year’s World Environment Day shines a spotlight on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. Desertification has had a massive impact in Australia, and addressing this issue is crucial to maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystem. At Botany we are committed to working with partners that source ethical and sustainable ingredients. However, even these are vulnerable to environmental changes like desertification. Lets explore further some of these amazing ingredients to better understand the challenges they face and some of the strategies needed to protect them for future generations.

Strawberry Gum: Strawberry Gum is a eucalyptus species that is now only found in the wild, in Gibraltar Range National Park and nearby Timbarra Plateau, New South Wales. Known for its aromatic leaves that release a sweet, berry-like fragrance, it is rich in antioxidants, essential oils, and natural astringents that help tone and tighten the skin, promoting a youthful appearance. Bolstered by its anti-inflammatory characteristics, that make it ideal for sensitive skin, it is a valuable addition to our Botany Native Flora Serum. Due to its limited habitat, this unique gum is classified as a threatened species. However, through sustainable farming and cultivation for products like ours this species is being protected but sustainable forestry practices are required to ensure the survival of this important tree in the wild.

River Mint: River Mint is a fragrant herb found along riverbanks and wetlands across eastern Australia and Tasmania. We incorporate River Mint in our Native Flora Shampoo for its ability to stimulate hair growth, nourishing and strengthening it, however, in Tasmania this plant is threatened due to factors like agricultural development, hydrological changes and invasive weeds. By implementing buffer zones along waterways and promoting water conservation practices we can help maintain the clean, healthy environments that River Mint requires to thrive.

Kangaroo Paw: Known for its unique, fuzzy, tubular flowers that resemble a kangaroo’s paw, Kangaroo Paw, grows in the sandy soils of south Western Australia. Rich in antioxidants, it rejuvenates and nourishes skin, promoting a healthy and radiant complexion. Its natural oils also benefit hair, nourishing and moisturising hair and scalp. Because of its abundant benefits, Kangaroo Paw is an important addition to much of our Native Flora range, from our hair care products, to cleansers and even our popular Night and Day Crème. While not all species are endangered, several, including the Little Kangaroo Paw, are at risk. Land restoration projects that prevent land degradation from factors like over grazing and controlling invasive species are essential to maintaining its ecosystem. Additionally, reintroduce these plants into the wild and community education about the importance of this plant and its benefits can help foster local stewardship.

Banksia: Used in our Native Flora Conditioner for its powerful phyto-compounds that promote growth and soften hair, Banksia is a diverse genus of shrubs and trees known for their distinctive, cone-shaped flower spikes and woody seed pods. They are instantly recognisable as an iconic native plant that were once widespread throughout Australia but are now primarily found in two regions, southwest Western Australia being the predominant one, with over 90% of all species only occurring there. Unfortunately, a number of Banksia species have become rare or endangered and efforts to preserve this important plant requires preserving their natural habitats from urban expansion and land degradation. Also, by implementing fire management practices to mimic natural fire cycles that many Banksia species rely on for regeneration we can help to stimulate sustainable growth.

Davidson Plum: Davidson Plum is native to the subtropical rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales. Its significant volume of antioxidants, vitamins, and polyphenols contribute to the fruit’s skin-rejuvenating properties, promoting collagen synthesis, and helping to maintain a youthful complexion, making it a valued ingredient in our Native Flora Serum. The ongoing desertification of the Murray-Darling basin, in which this tree resides, has contributed to its endangered status. Focus on conserving rainforest habitats through measures such as preventing deforestation, promoting sustainable agriculture, and supporting rainforest regeneration projects are the key to saving this indigenous treasure.

Quandong: A small fruit bearing tree found in many diverse regions of Australia, from rainforests to deserts, Quandong stands out for its high concentration of vitamin C and antioxidants. Prominently incorporated into our Native Flora Night Crème for its potent anti-aging properties and natural astringency, it effectively refines skin texture and brightening complexion. Some species, such as the Desert Quandong found in the arid regions of Northern Territory and central Australia, are endangered due to desertification and overgrazing by animals like camels. Steps have been taken to map and monitor habitat quality and introducing practices like reducing overgrazing, planting supportive native vegetation to prevent soil erosion, and supporting traditional land stewardship by Indigenous communities can also help make these species abundant again.

At Botany Essentials, we are dedicated to ensuring our entire range of products are made using sustainable practices and ingredients, so future generations can inherit a land rich in biodiversity and natural beauty. Let’s embrace this year’s World Environment Day campaign as a call to action to restore our land, combat desertification, and build a more sustainable and resilient Australia.