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Professor Kingsley Dixon's contribution to research on native plants and the regeneration of ecosystems was recognised last month in London when he was awarded the Linnean Medal.

The Linnean Society of London , the world's oldest and most prestigious biological society, presented Professor Dixon with the medal at its Anniversary meeting. The organisation counts Sir David Attenborough among its Fellows.

Professor Dixon , who is currently working in Saudi Arabia on a major desert regeneration project, is the Director (Science) at the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority. He is also a visiting Professor in the  School of Plant Biology.

His leading work, in collaboration with scientists from UWA, resulted in the discovery of a chemical in smoke which causes the germination of many native plants. This research has greatly changed the way mining restoration and land conservation is done.

Professor Dixon's work has also led to a greater understanding of why diseases migrate from agricultural crops to native plants.

He is working on a two-year project for the Saudi Arabian Government which involves planting more than 48,000 seedlings to test approaches to desert restoration. The project's aim is to halt the deterioration of the ecosystem, enhance biodiversity and to enable local fauna to flourish as well as improve air quality in the capital.

"I feel that often Western Australian scientists undersell our expertise in the conservation and restoration sciences, particularly the regeneration of arid ecosystems," Professor Dixon said. "The Saudis have recognised what we have been able to achieve in places like the Great Sandy Desert. The impressive size and scale of the Saudi restoration project will undoubtedly lead to improved methods for arid restoration in Australia."

It is only the second time an Australian has won the prestigious Linnean Medal.

WA Chief Scientist  and UWA animal biologist Professor Lyn Beazley  said Professor Dixon was a true world leader plant biology and ecology.

"Working in key regions of the world that have greatest biodiversity and/or face the most significant threats, including the southwest of Western Australia, Professor Dixon has conducted research with world-wide impact," Professor Beazley said.

She said she believed his influential publications on climate change and seed viability and his ability to influence policy-making across local, national and international arenas led to him winning the medal.

For Professor Dixon, the award comes after 30 years of doing what he loves and having the chance to work alongside and mentor a number of outstanding young scientists.

"From a young age I was fascinated about everything to do with plants and I knew I wanted to become a biologist. I have been lucky enough to earn a living following my passion,"  he said.

"I believe that Western Australia has an extraordinary landscape and a fantastic array of native species - and every scientist has the opportunity to build a great career working in our state.

"I hope that more young people who share my passion for biology will choose to develop their careers here, safe in the knowledge that our work can have a global impact."

Professor Dixon recalled how his career at Kings Park started as a one-man operation in a tin shed. On learning about his new job, Professor Dixon's PhD supervisor  said: "So you're going to become a gardener?"

A leading voice in his field across academia, government and the environmental community - and now Linnean Medal winner, Professor Dixon has turned out to be much more than just a gardener.

"He is a star whose contribution is now receiving the recognition it richly deserves," Professor Beazley said.