Dense Cord-rush - 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: Baloskion longipes

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 11 Feb 2019

Description

Dense Cord-rush is a perennial, rush-like herb with separate male and female plants. Its flowering stems are up to 1.5 m tall, and are narrow and circular in cross section. Flowering spikelets are produced on slender stalks towards the tops of these stems in summer.

Distribution

Dense Cord-rush has been recorded from the Kanangra-Boyd area to the Southern Tablelands but all populations are small. Populations have been recorded in Blue Mountains National Park, Kanangra-Boyd National Park, Penrose State Forest (in Hanging Rock Swamp), Morton National Park (The Vines), the Clyde Mountain area and Ballalaba (south of Braidwood).

Habitat and ecology

Commonly found in swamps or depressions in sandy alluvium, sometimes growing with sphagnum moss.
Also occurs in swails within tall forest, and in Black Gum (Eucalyptus aggregata) Woodland.
Produces new shoots from underground stems (rhizomes), but little is known about its biology.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Some populations are very close to road edges and may be threatened by roadworks and weed spraying.
Pigs rooting for food cause direct damage to the species and to the surrounding habitat.
The species' distribution and population sizes are poorly known in most areas.
Potential for domestic stock to trample and degrade habitat.
The species is susceptible to disturbance related to forestry activities such as trail maintenance, harvesting and weed control.
Potential for habitat pollution via run-off from roads, drains or other sources.
The species may be impacted by inappropriate land mangement activity where it occurs on privately-owned land.

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 4 priority actions to help recover the Dense Cord-rush in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Inform local government, RFS and OEH staff about populations adjoining roads and tracks to ensure that plants are considered when roadworks and fire suppression activities are planned.
Ensure runoff from sites above the population is controlled.
Erect signs to alert management staff to the presence of this species.
Mark sites and potential habitat onto maps used for planning road work.

Information sources

Benson, D. and McDougall, L. (2005) Ecology of Sydney plant species: Part 10, Monocotyledon families Lemnaceae to Zosteraceae. Cunninghamia 9(1): 16-212
Quirico, A.L. and Briggs, B.G. (1993) Restio. Pp. 401-5 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 4 (University of New South Wales Press, Kensington)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

South East Corner	South East Coastal Ranges	Known	None
South Eastern Highlands	Bungonia	Predicted	None
South Eastern Highlands	Kanangra	Predicted	None
South Eastern Highlands	Kybeyan-Gourock	Known	None
South Eastern Highlands	Oberon	Known	East of the Oberon to Goulburn Road
Sydney Basin	Burragorang	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Ettrema	Known	None

Images

Dense Cord-rush, Keith McDougall
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