APS NSW Quarterly Gathering, Hosted by Macarthur, 22 November: Talk - Felix James, “myrtle rust” on Melaleuca Nodosa

The APS Macarthur Group will host the APS NSW November Quarterly Meeting on 22 November 2025 at the Mount Annan Botanic Gardens.

Guest Speaker - Felix James, Officer of Biodiversity, Sampling (PhD Candidate) at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney. at the Acacia Theatre.

At 1.00 pm  our guest speaker Felix James, will talk about his project of studying “myrtle rust” on Melaleuca nodosa growing along the NSW East Coast. Felix is a scientist working on this project at the Botanic Gardens as part of the Research Centre for Ecosystem Resilience, in association with Sydney University.    His project focuses on understanding the severe population decline in the tree species Melaleuca nodosa driven by the invasive fungal pathogen “myrtle rust” .      The project has shed some light on the complex ways that rust, fire, genetics and mating behaviour are interacting to challenge the survival of a widespread paperbark.

Programme for the day

10 am meet at the visitors centre and book in for the guided tours.       Tours have been booked for the Plant Bank and the Connections Garden.   Numbers are limited so bookings on the day will be required.

10:30 am guided tours start

12:00 pm Lunch. 

Visitors can bring their own picnic lunch or eat in the gardens café.      Bookings would be recommended.    Alternatively there is a full scale shopping centre at Macarthur Square, about five minutes drive away.

Attendance Fee

Cost: $5, payable by card only at the door.

Afternoon Tea

Tea and coffee available.

We look forward to a wonderful day of learning and connection—see you there!