Native Justicia - 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: Harnieria hygrophiloides

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 07 Aug 2024

Description

Harnieria hygrophiloides is a large herb or small shrub that grows to about 1.5 m in height. It is bushy in well-lit situations but may be spindly when growing in shade. The leaves are about 2 – 10 cm long, and occur in pairs, with successive pairs of leaves being held at right angles to each other. Crushed leaves have a slightly unpleasant smell. The summer flowers are white, without stalks, and there are five green sepals (petal-like structures) behind the petals. Fruit capsules are slender and about 6 – 8 mm long. The species was formerly known as Calaphanoides hygrophiloides.

Distribution

Though relatively widespread in eastern Queensland, this plant is rarely seen in NSW. It has been recorded only at Hortons Creek and two other places south of Nymboida, and at Brunswick Heads.

Habitat and ecology

The understorey of littoral rainforest, dry rainforest and wet eucalypt forest, usually in well-drained areas.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Loss and fragmentation of habitat for agriculture and development.
Loss of plants and damage to habitat by road-works.
Invasion of habitat by introduced weeds (e.g. lantana and broad-leaved paspalum, vines, crofton weed, asparagus fern, and bitou bush)
Damage to rainforest by fire.
Trampling of plants.
Disturbance from forestry operations (e.g. logging and roading)
High frequency fire
Salt water incursion from sea level rise reducing suitable habitat for the species

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

Encourage visitors to keep to walking tracks and avoid trampling on small plants.
Protect rainforest and wet eucalypt forest areas from fire.
Identify populations along roadsides and protect them during road-works.
Control and remove weeds in rainforest areas.
Protect areas of rainforest and wet eucalypt forest habitat from clearing or development.
Report new occurrences of Harnieria hygrophiloides to the DEC.

Information sources

Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1992) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 3. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
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

NSW North Coast	Dalmorton	Known	South east of Dalmorton
South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Known	Within 5 km of Brunswick Heads township
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Sandstones	Predicted	South of the Nymboida township
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Predicted	Within 5 km of Brunswick Heads township