Professor Stephen D. Hopper Releases Landmark Monograph on Australia’s Eucalypt Flora

Professor Stephen D. Hopper, a globally recognized figure in the field of botany, has culminated five decades of intensive research into a comprehensive new publication. This 248-page monograph provides an in-depth exploration of the evolution, biological intricacies, and the urgent conservation needs of Australia’s eucalypt trees. Released in late 2025, the work serves as a definitive record of these iconic species that define the Australian landscape.

Currently serving as the Professor of Biodiversity at the University of Western Australia, Hopper brings a wealth of experience to this project, including his tenure as the Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, from 2006 to 2012. His latest work is distinguished by its synthesis of modern scientific methodology and ancient ecological wisdom. By collaborating closely with Noongar elders from the South-West region of Western Australia, Hopper provides a holistic view of the roughly 900 endemic species within the Eucalyptus, Corymbia, and Angophora genera.

The research delves into complex subjects such as taxonomy and evolutionary history, but it also uniquely highlights Noongar cosmology. The contribution of Noongar elders is central to the narrative, offering profound insights into the land, known as Boodja, and the cycle of the six traditional seasons: Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba, and Kambarang. This indigenous perspective is not merely cultural; it offers practical guidance on species identification and the precise timing for harvesting fruits, bridging the gap between tradition and science.

Eucalypts are fundamental to the Australian ecosystem, boasting remarkable characteristics such as those found in the Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans). As the world’s tallest flowering plant, this species can reach heights of 100.5 meters. While their aromatic leaves are prized for antiseptic essential oils used in medicine and fragrance, their high oil content also makes them significantly flammable. Furthermore, the book touches upon fascinating recent discoveries where eucalypt leaves act as bio-indicators for gold deposits in regions like the Kimberley, as the trees transport ions through their vascular systems.

Professor Hopper’s career has long been dedicated to the preservation of Western Australia’s unique flora, dating back to his role as the state’s first Flora Conservation Research Officer in 1977 and his leadership at Kings Park in Perth. His monograph is richly illustrated with photographs captured during fifty years of field expeditions. It stands as the first comprehensive volume to merge Aboriginal wisdom with cutting-edge botanical science, offering a roadmap for sustainable coexistence with the natural world.