Acalypha - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Acalypha eremorum

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 11 Oct 2022

Description

Acalypha is an open-branched twiggy-looking shrub 2 – 4 m tall. The branches have conspicuous raised spots and often bear spines at the tips. The rounded, almost stalkless leaves are 0.3 – 3.5 cm long, with blunt teeth and five to seven veins on each side of the midrib. They are paler below and when young may be softly hairy. In drought the plant is often completely leafless. Tiny male and female flowers occur separately but on the same plant. The fruits are globular, though somewhat flattened, capsules about 3 mm in diameter.

Distribution

Though widespread and moderately common in south-east Queensland, in NSW it occurs in only a few localities, including the Chaelundi, Lismore and Burringbar areas.

Habitat and ecology

Subtropical rainforest, dry rainforest and vine thickets.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Browsing and trampling by cattle.
Fire.
Clearing of habitat.
Weed infestation, particularly by Lantana.
Trampling by visitors.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Stay on established tracks in rainforest areas to avoid trampling plants.
Avoid fire around the edges of patches of rainforest.
Fence rainforest areas to exclude stock.
Remove weeds where they threaten adult plants or regeneration.
Protect areas of rainforest from clearing and development.

Information sources

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Border Ranges Rainforest Biodiversity Management Plan - NSW & Queensland. (DECCW NSW, Sydney)
Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Management Plan.
James, T.A. and Harden, G.J (2000) Acalypha. Pp 408, 609 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 1. Revised Edition (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW North Coast	Dalmorton	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Predicted	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Predicted	None
South Eastern Queensland	Woodenbong	Predicted	None

Images

Foliage, Acalypha
Enlarge image

Related information

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Nature conservation

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