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: Astrotricha crassifolia
Profile last updated:
14 Oct 2024
Description
Shrub to 2.4 m high, root-suckering. Branchlets have a deep, firm covering of dense hairs. Leaves are stiff, broad-linear, 2 – 6 cm long, 0.25 – 0.4 cm wide, with a blunt apex and entire margins which are rolled under so that the leaf is convex, except for the midvein groove, on the upper surface. The upper surface is shiny and smooth or occasionally wrinkled, lower surface covered densely with brownish hairs; petiole 1 – 2 mm long. The flowers are small, 5-petalled, white or cream with mauve anthers. Individual inflorescences (groups of flowers) are up to about 10 cm long, usually with a few ascending branches, few-flowered, with a dense hairy covering.
Distribution
Occurs near Patonga (Gosford LGA), and in Royal NP and on the Woronora Plateau (Sutherland and Campbelltown LGAs). There is also a record from near Glen Davis (Lithgow LGA).
Habitat and ecology
- Occurs in dry sclerophyll woodland on sandstone.
- Flowers in spring.
- Resprouter from root suckers or basal stem buds after fire.
- Seed storage and dispersal ecology and germination requirements are unknown. Not enough data to rank sensitivity to either frequent or infrequent fires.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Susceptible to extinction from random natural and human-induced events because of the small size and limited genetic base of its few disjunct populations.
- Further loss and fragmentation of habitat; roadside management activities.
- Inappropriate fire regimes.
- Various grass species competing for space and resources, especially on roadsides.
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
- Ensure that roadside and powerline easement maintenance and weed control activities are planned and conducted sensitive to the presence of the species and avoid damaging individual plants as well as potential habitat for the species.
- Protect known habitat from clearing, fragmentation, disturbance and modifications to drainage patterns.
- Research into the species' demography and reproductive ecology so that appropriate fire-free intervals and other guidelines for fire management can be determined.
Information sources
- Benson, D. and McDougall, L. (1993) Ecology of Sydney plant species. Part 1: ferns, fern-allies, cycads, conifers and dicotyledon families Acanthaceae to Asclepiadaceae. Cunninghamia 3(2): 257-422
- Fairley, A. and Moore, P. (2000) Native plants of the Sydney district: an identification guide. 2nd Edition. (Kangaroo Press, East Roseville)
- Henwood, M.J. and Makinson, R.O. (1992) Astrotricha. Pp. 80-4 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 3. (University of New South Wales Press, Kensington)
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) NSW flora fire response database, version 1.3a.
- Robinson, L. (2003) Field guide to the native plants of Sydney. 3rd Edition. (Kangaroo Press, East Roseville)
- Warman, D. and Beckers, D. (2011) Status of the Vulnerable shrub Astrotricha crassifolia (Araliaceae) in Brisbane Water National Park, NSW: an update. Cunninghamia 12(2): 129–136
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