Chris Lewis
Wildflower specialist, Kojonup Regional Herbarium
“In Kojonup we don’t have the big fields of everlastings like up in the Murchison, but in a square metre, we can find you a dozen to two dozen different plant species.”
Chris Lewis: Lifelong work for Kojonup Regional Herbarium
Growing up on the family farm in Tambellup, Chris's love for plants blossomed amidst the bush that surrounded her home. As a child, she often wandered into the wild with her siblings, collecting flowers instead of heading straight home from school. Her father introduced her to tree planting at just four years old, reforesting areas he had over-cleared, which shaped Chris's understanding of landcare. Over the decades, Chris has documented nearly 800 plant species in Kojonup, discovering unique biodiversity between the wheatbelt and southern forests. Her favourite species, from the vibrant Tetrathecas to the intriguing sundews, reveal nature's complexities. As she organized wildflower displays, Chris learned to identify plants by their habitats, fuelling her passion for botany. Yet, challenges remain including invasive weeds which threaten the reserves. She continues to advocate for careful management to protect the rich flora that defines the local landscape.
Chris Lewis: An enduring passion for Kojonup’s wildflowers
An interview with Chris Lewis, from the Kojonup Regional Herbarium, on her remarkable 45-year commitment to the plant life of Kojonup.