Full membership of the Study Group is open to all members of ASGAP affiliated Societies^*. We welcome also associate members from overseas. A membership form is available here (PDF format. A PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed). If you are unable to view the membership form, please contact the Study Group leader at bannh@NO-SPAMbigpond.net.au (remove "NO_SPAM" from th email address).

Aims and Activities of the Study Group

	Gossypium sturtianum Sturt's Desert Rose

1. To research, record and exchange information on all aspects of Australian species, varieties and hybrids included within the plant family Malvaceae.
2. To record distribution, habitats, flowering periods etc of the species.
3. Selection of superior forms, hybrids etc for cultivation.
4. Selection of superior forms for horticultural purposes, especially breeding programmes.
5. Record cultural techniques including propagation trials, propagation methods, nutritional requirements, pest and disease control, cultivation, weed potential etc.
6. Encourage a comprehensive breeding programme aimed at definite objectives for improvement.
7. Conduct trials of promising hybrids, with the intention of making the very best available to Native Plant Nurseries, collectors etc.
8. Maintain a seed bank and source of properly identified propagating material.
9. Investigate all plant uses e.g. food, medicinal etc., as well as ornamental purposes.
10. Liaise and confer with botanists, herbaria, professional plant people and gardeners to ensure accurate and up to date information is obtained and recorded.
11. Assess and describe cultivars for registration with the "Australian Cultivar Registration Authority" in accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants.
12. Conduct field trips to observe plants in their natural habitat. Assist with scientific study if requested to do so.
13. Produce at least 3 newsletters per year.
14. Record and preserve information, especially photographic images that may be used for future publication.

* ASGAP-affiliated Societies: Society for Growing Australian Plants (Queensland); Australian Plants Society (New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania), Australian Native Plants Society (Canberra), Wildflower Society of Western Australia.

Further Information on Hibiscus and Related Plants

Photographs and brief notes on distribution, cultivation and propagation of numerous members of the Malvaceae can be found on the ASGAP website. To view this information, type Malvaceae into the Search Box on the
ASGAP Photo Gallery Index or into any other search box on the ASGAP web site.