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: Austrostipa wakoolica
Profile last updated:
29 Jun 2022
Description
A densely-tufted, perennial spear-grass that grows to 1 m tall. The leaves are flattened or rolled, 1.5 - 2.5 mm wide at their bases, slightly to strongly ribbed, and densely hairy. The flower-heads are spreading and moderately dense, to 36 cm long, comprising gaping spikelets 11 - 15 mm long (excluding the awn). The awn (bristle) is twice-bent and 3.5 - 6 cm long.
Distribution
Confined to the floodplains of the Murray River tributaries of central-western and south-western NSW, with localities including Manna State Forest, Matong, Lake Tooim, Merran Creek, Tulla, Cunninyeuk and Mairjimmy State Forest (now part of South West Woodland Nature Reserve).
Habitat and ecology
- Grows on floodplains of the Murray River tributaries, in open woodland on grey, silty clay or sandy loam soils; habitats include the edges of a lignum swamp with box and mallee; creek banks in grey, silty clay; mallee and lignum sandy-loam flat; open Cypress Pine forest on low sandy range; and a low, rocky rise.
- Associated species include Callitris glaucophylla, Eucalyptus microcarpa, E. populnea, Austrostipa eremophila, A. drummondii, Austrodanthonia eriantha and Einadia nutans.
- Flowers from October to December, mainly in response to rain.
- Seed dispersal is mainly by wind, rain and flood events; the awn and sharp point of the floret appear to be an adaptation for burying the seed into the soil; grass seed is traditionally believed to be viable for three to five years, so a long-lived seed bank is considered unlikely for this species.
- Recorded as common in the Mairjimmy State Forest population.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Habitat reduction, loss of connectivity, modification, and clearing from pastoral development, irrigation, altered flooding regimes, and agricultural activities such as fence line and water storage maintenance. Species is not highly visible and is easily misidentified so is vulnerable to clearing and a lack of active protection and management.
- Grazing impacts the species and its habitat. Species is likely palatable to domestic stock particularly on roadside sites and travelling stock routes.
- Drought, as the species is rainfall-dependant, the flowering season is affected by drought or prolonged dry periods.
- Weed invasion and competition, particularly from exotic grasses.
- Forestry activities including snigging, road and track widening, and maintenance in state forests can affect ground cover and damage soil structure, especially when harvesting is conducted during wet periods.
- Altered flooding regimes on the Murray River floodplain are likely to affect the germination and establishment of the species. It is unknown if general Austrostipa reproductive characteristics such as a flexible breeding system and seed production apply to this species and whether hydrological changes induced by altered flooding regimes reduce viability of the species.
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
12 priority actions
to help recover the A spear-grass in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Protect from all herbivores.
- Weed control in habitat areas.
- Annual monitoring of fenced areas to determine the influence of different grazing animals.
- Prevent further loss of extant populations.
- Conduct ecological research into specific germination and disturbance requirements and limitations.
- Survey for new populations.
Information sources
- Ayers, D., Nash, S. and Baggett, K. (1996) Threatened Species of Western New South Wales. (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney)
- Briggs, J.D. and Leigh, J.H. (1996) Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. Revised Edition. (CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne)
- Jacobs, S.W.L. and Everett, J. (1993) Stipa. Pp. 639-650 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 4. (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
- Jacobs, S.W.L. and Everett, J. (1996) Austrostipa, a new genus, and new names for Australian species formerly included in Stipa (Gramineae). Telopea 6(4): 579-595
- Murray Catchment Management Authority and Office of Environment and Heritage (2012) New South Wales Murray Biodiversity Management Plan: A guide to terrestrial biodiversity investment priorities in the central and eastern NSW Murray catchment. (Murray CMA, Albury)
- Porteners, M. and Robertson, G. (2003) Threatened Plants in Western New South Wales: Information Review. (NSW NPWS, Hurstville)
- Pressey, R.L., Cohn, J.S. and Porter, J.L. (1990) Vascular plants with restricted distributions in the Western Division of New South Wales. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 112: 213-227
- Vickery, J.W., Jacobs, S.W.L. and Everett, J. (1986) Taxonomic studies in Stipa (Poaceae) in Australia. Telopea 3(1): 1-132
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