Uncover the hidden world of pollen and the science behind the flowering plants of the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

Join Dr. Andrew Thornhill on a t our through the Adelaide Botanic Garden to delve into the hidden world of pollen and its vital role in plant reproduction.

Pollen is produced by all flowering plants and comes in lots of different shapes. Over millions of years pollen has evolved and adapted to help flowering plants spread around the world.

Using 3D printed pollen models, on thousand times the size of real pollen, Andrew will show and explain and how pollen shape can be used in plant classification and to understand their role in plant reproduction.

There is a whole world of hidden shapes that we be revealed through this tour, and plenty of opportunities for discussion during the walk!

About Dr. Andrew Thornhill

Andrew is the Director of the N.C.W. Beadle Herbarium and Senior Lecturer of Plant Systematics at the University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales. Prior to his current job, Andrew worked at the State Herbarium of South Australia and the University of Adelaide.

Event information

Date: Thursday 9 October 2025

Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm

Location: Please meet inside the Friends' Gate, Adelaide Botanic Garden (A3 on the map)
*Please note the closest entrance is via the Friends' Gate, accessed via Plane Tree Drive

Tickets: $15.00 per person

The 3D Pollen Experience

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The 3D Pollen Experience ticket ticket

Donations

Your donation today helps the Gardens thrive in the future. All funds collected from this event are used to support conservation, education and horticulture at the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium.