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.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Ancistrachne maidenii
Gazetted date:
15 Dec 2023
Profile last updated:
13 Nov 2024
Description
A scrambling perennial with slender, rigid horizontal stems and ascending branches. Leaves with sparsely hairy sheath. Racemes (inflorescences) terminal or axillary, c. 4 cm long, the latter ones shorter and partially enclosed in the sheath. Spikelets falling entire at maturity, 2.5 - 3 mm long. Upper glume distinctly 5 - nerved, subequal to the spikelet, obtuse to almost acute and, together with the lower lemma, sprinkled with fine, mostly curved hairs on a tubercle base (similar to a wart). Lower lemma similar to the upper glume, distinctly 7 - nerved. Fertile floret elliptic to lanceolate, obscurely nerved, produced into a short but distinct mucro to 0.25 mm long, the palea subequal to the lemma and similar in texture.
Distribution
Ancinstrachne maidenii is known from thirteen localities across New South Wales, including the Hawkesbury sandstones and Clarence Sandstones, where it is locally common in several locations.
Habitat and ecology
- Habitat requirements appear to be specific, with populations occurring in distinct bands in areas associated with a transitional geology between Hawkesbury and Watagan soil landscapes.
- Flowers in summer.
- Grows in dry sclerophyll forest on skeletal sandstone-derived soils.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Habitat loss and degradation due to roadside maintenance and weed spraying.
- Habitat degradation due to track maintenance, track widening or trampling.
- Habitat loss due to urban development.
- Possibly sensitive to pollution and weed invasion as it is not found along urban creeklines.
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
- Implement appropriate fire regimes
- Undertake sensitive track and roadside maintenance activities.
- Protect known habitat from clearing and fragmentation.
Information sources
- Benson, D. and McDougall, L. (2005) Ecology of Sydney plant species: Part 10, Monocotyledon families Lemnaceae to Zosteraceae. Cunninghamia 9(1): 16-212
- Jacobs, S.W.L. and Wall, C.A. (1993) Ancistrachne. Pp. 452-3 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 4. (New South Wales University Press, Kensignton)
- NSW Scientific Committee (1999) Ancistrachne maidenii (a perennial grass) - Vulnerable species determination - final.
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