Small Pale Grass-lily - 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: Caesia parviflora var. minor

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 04 Apr 2023

Description

The Small Pale Grass-lily is an inconspicuous herb. The leaves are 2 mm wide and arranged in a rosette at ground level. Several multi-branched flowering shoots spread widely and turn up at the ends. The whole plant is usually much less than 20 cm tall. The small, white starry flowers may be tinged with blue or purple. The little fruits are green and three-lobed. The other two varieties of Pale Grass-lily in NSW, Caesia parviflora var. parviflora and Caesia parviflora var. vittata, are more than 20 cm tall and have broader leaves.

Distribution

This variety occurs in Tasmania, southern Victoria and south-east South Australia. The taxon is common in the Gibraltar Range, Newnes Plateau and also occurs on the south and north coast in wet heaths. This variety is of uncertain taxonomic distinctiveness, is easy overlooked, and hard to differentiate from other varieties of C. parviflora.

Habitat and ecology

Found in damp places in open forest on wet heathland on sandstone and sand.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Loss of plants at minesites
Damage or destruction of habitat road-works.
Insufficient understanding of distribution.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Ensure familiarity with Small Pale Grass-lily before undertaking works in areas of potential habitat.
Protect known population and areas of potential habitat from damage and disturbance.
Notify the DPE of any additional occurrences of Small Pale Grass-lily

Information sources

Benson, D. and McDougall, L. (2002) Ecology of Sydney plant species. Part 9: Monocotyledon families Agavaceae to Juncaginaceae. Cunninghamia 7(4): 695-930
McCune, S. and Hardin, D.W. (1993) Caesia. Pp 87-8 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 4. (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
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

New England Tablelands	Northeast Forest Lands	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Cataract	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Macleay Hastings	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Yuraygir	Known	None
NSW South Western Slopes	Inland Slopes	Known	None
Other State	SA	Known	None
South East Corner	South East Coastal Ranges	Known	None
South Eastern Highlands	Bungonia	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Sydney Cataract	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Wollemi	Known	None

Images

Caesia parviflora Image 1 of 2.
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Related information

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