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: Angophora inopina
Gazetted date:
15 May 1998
Profile last updated:
12 Jan 2021
Description
A small to large tree, up to 8 m high, often multi-stemmed, and with persistent shortly fibrous bark throughout. Adult leaves are moderately glossy, leathery and opposite, 4 – 11 cm long. Inflorescences (groups of buds, flowers or fruits) are compound and terminal; the stalk of each group is bristly. Fruits are also bristly, vaguely ribbed, cup- or pear-shaped, usually 3-celled, 11 – 15 mm long, and 9 – 2 mm in diameter.
Distribution
Endemic to the Central Coast region of NSW. The known northern limit is near Karuah where a disjunct population occurs; to the south populations extend from Toronto to Charmhaven with the main population occurring between Charmhaven and Morisset.
There is an unconfirmed record of the species near Bulahdelah. Approximately 1250 ha of occupied habitat has been mapped in the Wyong–southern Lake Macquarie area.
Habitat and ecology
- This species is a member of the A. bakeri complex, which also includes A. crassifolia, A. paludosa and A. exul. It is most similar to A. crassifolia from which it is distinguished by the broader leaves with shorter petioles. None of these related species are known from the same area as A. inopina, although A. bakeri does occur sporadically in the ranges to the west, and near Kurri Kurri.
- Occurs most frequently in four main vegetation communities: (i) Eucalyptus haemastoma–Corymbia gummifera–Angophora inopina woodland/forest; (ii) Hakea teretifolia–Banksia oblongifolia wet heath; (iii) Eucalyptus resinifera–Melaleuca sieberi–Angophora inopina sedge woodland; (iv) Eucalyptus capitellata–Corymbia gummifera–Angophora inopina woodland/forest.
- Ecological knowledge about this species is limited.
- Is lignotuberous, allowing vegetative growth to occur following disturbance. However, such vegetative reproduction may suppress the production of fruits/seeds, necessary for the recruitment of new individuals to a population, and the time between such disturbance and the onset of sexual reproduction is not known.
- Flowering appears to take place principally between mid-December and mid-January, but is generally poor and sporadic.
- Preliminary experiments indicate that neither pollination or seed viability are limiting factors in the life cycle.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Habitat loss and fragmentation, resulting particularly from residential and industrial developments.
- Frequent fire. While individual plants are believed to sprout from lignotubers and therefore regenerate following fire, a very frequent fire regime may prevent recruitment of new individuals to the population, leading over the longer term to decline and local extinction. In addition, fire appears to postpone (not induce) flowering in this species, and consequently seed production is low or absent in seasons following fire.
- Direct impact on plants and habitat degradation from grazing and trampling by animals, illegal waste disposal, and grassy weeds such as Whisky Grass (Andropogon virginicus).
- Changes to the water table and hydrological processes, due to residential and industrial developments and mining subsidence.
- Clearing along roadside verges and power easements affects recruitment of the species.
- Unmanaged recreational activity impacting habitat.
- Frequent and high severity fire impacts seed germination and the persistence of the population.
- High density weeds alter habitat and suppress the recruitment of the species (e.g. groundsel, lantana, and morning glory).
- Mining subsidence reducing groundwater available for the species.
- Trampling and foraging of plants by deer.
- Disturbance and damage to Angophora inopina as a result of forestry practices
- Loss of plant species, health and structural diversity due to dieback caused by Myrtle rust
- Overgrazing by domestic stock restricting recruitment
- Current distribution and abundance of species is unknown particularly as a result of the many land use changes and loss of habitat since mapping was last undertaken.
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
14 priority actions
to help recover the Charmhaven Apple in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Prevent frequent fires from impacting on the populations.
- Preparation of site-specific fire management plans to enhance and maintain floristic and structural diversity.
- Habitat rehabilitation though weed removal.
- Protect and buffer known habitat from clearing, fragmentation and disturbance.
- Further research into the demography and reproductive ecology of the species so that appropriate fire-free intervals and other guidelines for fire management can be determined.
Information sources
- Bell, S. (2001) Distribution, conservation and management of the vulnerable Angophora inopina. Technical report and conservation management plan. Report to Wyong Shire Council.
- Bell, S. (2001) Survey and assessment of Angophora inopina in the Lower Hunter and Central Coast. Report to NSW NPWS Threatened Species Unit, Central Directorate.
- Bell, S.A.J. (2004) Distribution and habitat of the vulnerable tree species, Angophora inopina (Myrtaceae), on the Central Coast of New South Wales. Cunninghamia 8(4): 477–484
- Benson, D. and McDougall, L. (1998) Ecology of Sydney plant species. Part 6 Dicotyledon family Myrtaceae. Cunninghamia 5(4): 808-987.
- Hill, K.D. (1997) New species in Angophora and Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) from New South Wales. Telopea 7(2): 97-109
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2000) Vegetation survey, classification and mapping, Lower Hunter and Central Coast Region. Report prepared for the Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environment Management Strategy. (NSW NPWS, Sydney)
- NSW Scientific Committee (1998) Angophora inopina (a tree) - Vulnerable species determination - final.
- Tierney, D.A. (2004) Towards an understanding of population change for the long-lived resprouting tree Angophora inopina (Myrtaceae). Australian Journal of Botany 52: 31-38
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