CONTENTS

19 Alpine Bush Blitz Snowy Mountain Bush Blitz – Prof. Brett Summerell reports on a multi-institution biological survey expedition to the Pilot Wilderness area of the Australian Alps

22 Botanica de Materia Medica Australia’s top botanical artists focus on plants that heal

7 Celebrating camellias Exciting events are planned to mark 200 years since the first camellia collection was planted in the Royal Botanic Garden

8 Funding support Foundation & Friends is helping ensure the Gardens remain at the forefront of seed science

12 Mount Tomah The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden unveils plans for a new garden full of rare and historical camellias

9 Books Among the books we review is The Plant Thieves, an account of a journey into the archives of the National Herbarium of NSW

14 First Person Meet Damian Wrigley, the Gardens’ new Manager, Living Collections & Conservation

16 Artefact The tragic tale of talented painter and habitual felon, Joseph Lycett

26 Travel Exiting new Friends’ tours

27 Plants Tips on what to look out for this winter

30 What’s on Your guide to activities and events

Digital artist Garth Henderson's Fire Lily – Gloriosa superba will feature in this year's Botanica – de Materia Medica exhibition. The plant is used to treat arthritis, diabetes, anxiety, intestinal disorders, endoparasitic infections and snakebite. Full details page 22.