Australia has a pretty poor record when it comes to animals lost to extinction. The Tasmanian tiger is the most familiar of 27 species that are conspicuous by their absence.

The world of flora fares even worse. Some 30 plants in NSW alone have gone forever since European settlement, with the Seaforth mintbush and Bennett's seaweed among their number.

The Save a Species Walk is raising funds to protect 11 of Australia's most rare and endangered plants. Credit:R Weinstein Photography

Now the Royal Botanic Gardens has identified 11 species that are close to joining the list.

Your grandchildren may never touch or smell the creeping hop-bush, dorrigo waratah or musty leek orchid (they are worth safeguarding just for the names) but it's more than just a nostalgia thing.