Imagine - Busselton without Peppermints or possums…

Peppermint trees across the south west are slowly dying due to unknown causes, this could have a catastrophic effect on the Western Ringtail Possum, a threatened species that depends on the tree for food and shelter.

  ‘The Peppermint is such an important and widespread species in the area and the impact of this decline is potentially massive particularly for the threatened Western Ringtail Possums as Peppermint leaves make up the majority of their diet.’ said John McKinney, GeoCatch’s Biodiversity Hotspot Coordinator.

‘Once you get start looking for signs of the decline you see it everywhere. Common symptoms include yellowing of the leaves followed by a dying back and eventual death of the whole tree. ’

  The decline in peppermint health has become more noticeable in the last few years and affects trees in a range of age groups in different locations in the landscape.

 The exact cause of the decline is still unknown, but GeoCatch and the newly established Centre for Excellence in Climate Change and Woodland and Tree Health at Murdoch University are currently researching the decline and possible treatments.

 Landholders have the opportunity to participate in trials to find solutions to the decline. A free workshop was held on Saturday 1st November which enabled  people to learn more about the problem and how to assess, treat and monitor their trees as part of a larger coordinated trial.

 ‘We urgently need to find treatment options for this decline and need landholders help to trial  potential treatments in a range of settings’, Mr McKinney said.

Peppermint Decline Treatment Trials - Information for Landholders  

Peppermint Decline Treatment Trials - Treatment Assessment Forms and Safety Protocols

Peppermint Tree Condition Rating

 There are a number of other tree species in our area that are also in decline such as Marri, Flooded Gums and Tuart; the causes and possible treatments of these declines will also be discussed at the workshop.

 For more information on the workshop, or to participate in the trial, download the Peppermint Tree Condition Rating Scale and Information For Landholders or contact GeoCatch on 9781 0111.