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This scientist's Eureka moment prevented multiple Australian extinctions

Kingsley Dixon discovered in the 1990s how to germinate thousands of Australian native plants, including over a third of Western Australia's species, that were previously difficult to grow, significantly aiding plant conservation efforts.
His 1994 research revealed that smoke, rather than just heat or ash, is crucial in triggering seed germination, revolutionizing the propagation of native Australian shrubs, trees, and grasses.
Dixon's dedication to Australian plants and conservation earned him the 2026 WA Senior Australian of the Year award, recognizing his impact in preventing numerous plant extinctions.

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This scientist's Eureka moment prevented multiple Australian extinctions

For 100 years, scientists failed to germinate native Australian plants. But one botanist's research into smoke would changed our natural landscape forever.

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