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: Asterolasia buxifolia
Gazetted date:
09 Aug 2024
Profile last updated:
12 Aug 2024
Description
A spindly shrub with hairy stems to 2 m tall. It has small, rounded, leathery leaves that are shiny above and hairy below. The single yellow flowers, with 6 - 7 mm long petals, occur in the angle between the stem and leaf stalks in spring.
Distribution
Known from a single site associated with granite geology in the riparian zone of the Lett River.
Habitat and ecology
- Rediscovered in 2000, little is known about the species.
- The growth rate appears to be very slow, and the flowering season short.
- Apparently restricted to the riparian zone of a granitic rocky section of the Lett River.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Weeds including Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), blackberry (Rubus sp.), Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) and introduced grass species.
- Habitat clearing.
- Susceptible to extinction from human-induced or random natural events, because of the small size and limited genetic base of its single population.
- Potential for increased fire frequency from nearby recreational activities.
- Stock on small rural residential blocks have the potential to impact significantly on this species and its habitat.
- Rabbit and hare herbivory.
- Alteration to flow regimes.
Recovery strategies
A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click
here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click
here
Activities to assist this species
- Establish ex-situ collection.
- Retain vegetation in riparian zones.
- Translocation at existing site to expand population
- Prevent alterations to river flow regimes.
- Remove weeds using bush regeneration techniques.
- Survey for new populations in areas of nearby potential habitat.
- Regular monitoring of population status, demographics and appraisal of new threats
- Establish appropriate fire regime through ecological research
Information sources
- Auld, T.D. (2001) The ecology of the Rutaceae in the Sydney region of south-eastern Australia: poorly known ecology of a neglected family. Cunninghamia 7(2): 213-239
- Benson, D. and McDougall, L. (2001) Ecology of Sydney plant species. Part 8: Dicotyledon families Rutaceae to Zygophyllaceae. Cunninghamia 7(2): 241-462
- Fairley, A. (2004) Seldom seen: rare plants of greater Sydney. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
- Harden, G.J. and Mole, B.J. (2002) Asterolasia. Pp. 310-3 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2 Revised Edition. (University of New South wales Press Ltd., Sydney)
- Makinson, R. (2002) Asterolasia buxifolia rediscovered. Australian Plants 21(171)
- Martyn, A.J., Seed, L.U., Ooi, M.K.J. and Offord, C.A. (2009) Seed fill, viability and germination of NSW species in the family Rutaceae. Cunninghamia 11(2): 203–212
- NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Asterolasia buxifolia (a shrub) - Endangered species determination - final.
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