The Australian desert is a harsh environment and anything that grows there has evolved over millions of years to withstand the extreme temperatures and extended drought conditions. These ecosystems are fragile and complex containing species that are found nowhere else on the planet.

With superb views of the spectacular and ancient Flinders Ranges, the AustralianArid Lands Botanic Garden showcases a range of arid zone flora.

For many reasons, not everyone can spend the time to experience them first hand and the Arid Lands Botanic Gardens are a wonderful halfway house where you can see and feel the flora without having to endure an overland trek.

Established in 1993, the Arid Lands Botanic Garden at Port Augusta on the shores of the upper Spencer Gulf in South Australia has in its 250 hectare gardens, a diverse range of plants from our arid habitat.

Opened in 1996, this garden provides a national focus for arid-zone ecosystem conservation and promotes its economic importance for Australia

For some years I have intended visiting but on this trip, as I was traveling through to Port Lincoln to go shark cage diving, time was precious and I debated about not visiting the gardens, thinking that there would not be much to see. But after walking around for about fifteen minutes I was very glad that I had stopped.

If you take the time to consider plants from different perspectives, even things like the “past it’s best” Sand Spurge looks interesting and when captured in close up by my Galaxy Note 3, a new world is revealed. This looks a scene from a Star Wars movie, not an Australian desert plant.

The perennial Sturt Desert Pea “Swainsona formosa” is the floral emblem of South Australia is a member of the pea family and is not found outside of Australia. Interestingly, it is also a protected plant with landowners permission required before plants or seeds can be collected.