Eupomatia laurina is a relic of Gondwanan flora, and endangered in Victoria. Fragmented populations occur in East Gippsland, with the most southern recorded and existing plants on the bank of the Snowy River near Marlo. Specialist pollinator weevils (Elleschodes sp.) were collected from flowers of these plants (January 2025), and their behaviour on E. laurina flowers in specimen jars, will be described. They were still alive after four weeks.

To determine whether Elleschodes weevils maybe established on cultivated E. laurina outside its natural range (where the obligate pollinator is absent), four were transferred from Marlo to a private garden in Metung in East Gippsland. The weevils or their progeny were observed in the last flowers of the flowering season of E. laurina, seven weeks after the experimental translocation. If the Elleschodes weevils survive the non-flowering period (as normal), translocation of weevils from Marlo to the Maranoa Botanic Gardens and other gardens in southern Victoria, is likely to be successful. It would result in cross-pollination, genetic diversity and ultimately conservation of E. laurina without affecting other plants, and provide educational benefits.

Genetic analysis of E. laurina seedlings grown from seed of a rare fruit set in the Maranoa Botanic Gardens, will determine if the seed was produced via self-fertilisation or apomixis. Furthermore, the identification of the species of Elleschodes found near Marlo and in the Endemic Botanic Garden in Mallacoota, is being investigated.

Small botanic gardens may enhance their capability for innovation and conservation through collaboration with interested parties, including retirees.