Frequently Asked Questions

Q.    What is the difference between native, indigenous and endemic?
A.    Native and indigenous are virtually the same. Endemic is more restrictive.

The Macquarie Dictionary defines ‘Native’ as:  originating naturally in a country or region, as animals or plants. . . . found in nature rather than produced artificially (our emphasis) . . . an animal or plant indigenous to a particular region.

'Indigenous' is defined as: originating in and characterising a particular region or country; native (usually followed by 'to'). For example,: "the plants indigenous to Canada."

'Endemic’ is defined as: peculiar (or confined) to a particular people or locality.

Thus, a plant indigenous to (for example) New South Wales, may also occur naturally elsewhere; whereas a plant endemic to New South Wales occurs naturally only in New South Wales.

Q.    Hybrid grevilleas bring birds to the garden, so why are you opposed to them?
A.    In brief, because most hybrid grevilleas: (a) bring birds that are already abundant, at the expense of smaller birds that face further decline or extinction; (b) provide little or no pollen (= protein) and (c) because – in our opinion – artificial hybrids generally lack the grace and subtlety of the wild plant.

For more detailed information, click on ‘Plants" and then on ‘Hybrids’ on the menu bar.

Q. What is the difference between a detention basin and a retention basin?
A. A detention basin holds water for short periods before discharging, whereas a retention basin holds water for infiltration or diffusion.

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