Sweet Myrtle - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

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: Gossia fragrantissima

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Profile last updated: 21 Aug 2018

Description

Sweet Myrtle (formerly Austromyrtus fragrantissima) is a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree, about 4 –10 m tall. The bark is rough, brown and fissured to flaky. Its small, glossy leaves usually have a tiny point at the apex and are paired on the stem. New leaves are shiny and reddish. The flowers are small, white and fragrant and are followed by small, round, yellow to orange berries.

Distribution

Occurs in south-east Queensland and in north-east NSW south to the Richmond River. Mostly found on basalt-derived soils.

Habitat and ecology

Dry subtropical and riverine rainforest.
As it can coppice from roots left in the ground when rainforest is cleared, it is found at several sites as isolated plants in paddocks or regrowth.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

South Eastern Queensland

Threats

Habitat degradation through weed invasion and disturbance.
Loss of habitat through clearing and fragmentation.
Risk of local extinction because populations are small.
Grazing by domestic stock.

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 9 priority actions to help recover the Sweet Myrtle in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Support local Landcare groups and bush regeneration teams.
Fence rainforest remnants to protect them from cattle.
Provide water for cattle away from creeks and rivers.
Control weeds in dry subtropical and riverine rainforest.
Protect areas of rainforest habitat.
Expand and connect remaining remnants of habitat.

Information sources

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	North of Evans Head
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Predicted	None

Related information

NSW Flora Online - Gossia fragrantissima

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