Deny King
Encyclopedia
Charles Denison Deny King AM (12 September 190912 May 1991) was an Australian naturalist, ornithologist, environmentalist, painter and miner. He spent fifty five years living in Melaleuca
in the remote South West Wilderness of Tasmania
where he discovered the extinct shrub, Banksia kingii
.
King was a tin miner by profession and followed his father, Charlie to Melaleuca in 1936. Here he built a house, accommodation for workers as well as the airstrip which opened up tourism for the South West Wilderness. He was instrumental in preserving the habitat of the Orange-bellied Parrot
and it was in Melaleuca that he discovered Banksia kingii. King also discovered a species of eyebright, Euphrasia kingii, as well as a flowering evergreen in the Protea
family: King's Lomatia (also known as King's Holly, Lomatia tasmanica).
In 1975, King was made a Member of the Order of Australia
.
Melaleuca, Tasmania
Melaleuca is a remote hamlet in the south-west area of Tasmania, Australia. Access is only by sea via Port Davey, by air or by foot.The settlement consists of a couple of buildings and a bird hide where the Orange-bellied Parrot can be viewed, and is a major tourist attraction...
in the remote South West Wilderness of Tasmania
Tasmania
Tasmania is an Australian island and state. It is south of the continent, separated by Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania—the 26th largest island in the world—and the surrounding islands. The state has a population of 507,626 , of whom almost half reside in the greater Hobart...
where he discovered the extinct shrub, Banksia kingii
Banksia kingii
Banksia kingii is an extinct species of tree or shrub in the plant genus Banksia. It is known only from fossil leaves and fruiting "cones" found in Late Pleistocene sediment at Melaleuca Inlet in western Tasmania. These were discovered by Deny King in the workings of his tin mine...
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King was a tin miner by profession and followed his father, Charlie to Melaleuca in 1936. Here he built a house, accommodation for workers as well as the airstrip which opened up tourism for the South West Wilderness. He was instrumental in preserving the habitat of the Orange-bellied Parrot
Orange-bellied Parrot
The Orange-bellied Parrot is a small broad-tailed parrot endemic to southern Australia, and one of only two species of parrot which migrate. The adult male is distinguished by its bright grass-green upperparts, yellow underparts and orange belly patch. The adult female and juvenile are duller...
and it was in Melaleuca that he discovered Banksia kingii. King also discovered a species of eyebright, Euphrasia kingii, as well as a flowering evergreen in the Protea
Protea
Protea is both the botanical name and the English common name of a genus of flowering plants, sometimes also called sugarbushes.-Etymology:...
family: King's Lomatia (also known as King's Holly, Lomatia tasmanica).
In 1975, King was made a Member of the Order of Australia
Order of Australia
The Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
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