Indicative distribution
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: Amyema plicatula
Profile last updated:
18 Jul 2019
Description
Amyema plicatula (formerly considered a subspecies of A. scandens), is a bushy mistletoe that grows as a stem-parasite on Rosewood (Dysoxylum fraserianum) in New South Wales, but is found on other species outside Australia. Unlike other Amyema species in NSW, the known specimen has external runners that are visible along the branches of the host-tree. This character is not always present in specimens at other locations. It also has distinctive elliptic to circular leaves. The plant is hairless except for the flowers. Flowering occurs in the summer and the fruit are small and pink to red in colour. Leaves occur in whorls of three or four or opposite. Leaves are elliptic to circular, 2.5-8 cm long, 2-8 cm wide with a rounded apex, thick base and obscure venation. The leaf stem is thick and 5-10 mm long.
Distribution
Within Australia it is known from New South Wales at only one location, and possibly from one location on the Atherton Tableland in Queensland. The population in NSW occurs within a remnant rainforest fragment on cleared farmland within the Rocky Creek area, north of Lismore in north-east New South Wales. The species also occurs in Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
Habitat and ecology
- Parasitic on mature Rosewood trees, growing on basalt-derived soils where subtropical rainforest would have grown before land-clearing occurred.
- Occurs at one location within a remnant rainforest fragment on cleared, undulating farmland at the foothills of the Nightcap Range.
- Flowers in summer.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Historically, clearing has reduced the habitat for this species.
- Further land-clearing for agriculture is the main threat to this species.
- Risk of extinction as population is small and localised.
- Removal of mistletoe as a protection measure for host trees.
- Accidental damage to mistletoe or host-trees.
Recovery strategies
Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological
community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified
6 priority actions
to help recover the Amyema plicatula in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Leave mistletoes in place as a natural part of native forest communities.
- Monitor and control weed invasion from the surrounding farmland.
- Protection of the rainforest fragment that supports this species from further clearing or development.
- Retain and protect existing Rosewood trees.
- Prevent further clearing in the surrounding farmland.
- Protect areas of subtropical rainforest (potential habitat) from development.
- Plant additional Rosewoods in other suitable locations as potential host-trees.
Information sources
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Border Ranges Rainforest Biodiversity Management Plan - NSW & Queensland. (DECCW NSW, Sydney)
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
- Quirico, A.L. (1992) Amyema. Pp. 49-53 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 3. (University of New South Wales Press, Kensington)
- Sheringham, P. and Westaway, J. (1995) Significant vascular plants of upper north-eastern New South Wales. A report by the NPWS to the Natural Resources Audit Council. (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville)
|
IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|