Biotech Updates

Australia's First 'Green Roof' Study to Take Off

July 25, 2008

Shallow rooftop gardens or 'green roofs' are becoming popular recently for their environmental and energy saving benefits. Now researchers at the University of Melbourne are examining the suitability of Australian native plants in green roofs. “Green roofs have amazing potential but have not yet been evaluated under Australian climatic conditions. We will be examining the suitability of selected native plants for green roofs by measuring their survival, growth rate and response to drought stress,” said project leader Dr Nick Williams.

The researchers have selected a range of Australian and exotic species to test if they meet their criteria: the plants need to be robust and low in height so they do not get blown off the roof, have good drought tolerance, like exposure to full sun and are easily maintained. These include herbs and grasses that grow in the native grasslands west of Melbourne and succulents from arid inland regions.

To read more, visit http://uninews.unimelb.edu.au/articleid_5301.html.