WAGGA Wagga's first Bishop, Joseph Dwyer, was, from his schooldays, a keen student of Australian flora.

He was well-respected not only as a pastor but also, in the scientific community, as an amateur botanist.

The red gum, Eucalyptus dwyeri, which he identified was named for him.

During his time as Parish Priest of Temora (1912-1916), he collected plants in an area between 10 and 15 miles wide on either side of the railway line between Wyalong and Stockinbingal.

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Fr James McGee, a retired priest of Wagga Wagga, collected seeds from the small grove of Eucalyptus dwyeri that was planted some years ago at Vianney College Seminary.

Fr McGee supervised the germination of these seeds and is now growing them as tube stock. These saplings will be sold as part of the centenary celebrations.

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