Max Mueller's Burr-daisy - 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: Calotis pubescens

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 06 Dec 2002

Profile last updated: 21 Sep 2021

Description

Max Mueller's Burr-daisy is a perennial herb with thick and fleshy underground stems (rhizomes), and forms large mats. Its leaves are very woolly when young. It has unbranched flowering stems that hold single mauve or white flower-heads in December. Its fruits have two rows of spines that are likely to aid in dispersal.

Distribution

This species has been recorded from five sites in the Snowy Mountains of NSW (four of which, all in Kosciuszko National Park, are extant). It was first recorded in Victoria in the 19th Century but not seen again there until 2009 when a single large population was discovered south-east of Mt Hotham.

Habitat and ecology

Grows in subalpine treeless plains in herb-rich grassland (often dominated by Poa hookeri); not subject to periodic inundation.
Its response to disturbance is largely unknown.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Australian Alps

Threats

Pigs preferentially dig in the grassland community where Calotis pubescens occurs.
Ox-eye daisy is highly competitive in the core habitat of Calotis pubescens.
Horses browse the species and promote the spread of ox-eye daisy, as well as trampling causing direct damage and disturbance.
Rabbits expose bare ground and will facilitate establishment of ox-eye daisy.
Deer are an emerging problem in the vicinity of populations and may browse this species or facilitate spread and establishment of ox-eye daisy.

Recovery strategies

A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click here

Activities to assist this species

Undertake pig control.
Control Ox-eye Daisy where present and prevent invasion (through annual inspection and plant removal) where currently absent.
Monitor populations.
Mark sites and potential habitat onto maps used for planning works such as fire containment and track maintenance.
Conduct surveys for this species on private land.
Negotiate management agreements for any populations found on private land.

Information sources

Everett, J. (1992) Calotis. Pp. 169-174 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 3 (New South Wales University Press, Kensington).
McDougall, K.L. and Walsh, N.G. (2002) The flora of Nungar Plain, a treeless sub-alpine frost hollow in Kosciuszko National Park. Cunninghamia 7(3): 601-610
McDougall, K.L. and Walsh, N.G. (2007) Treeless vegetation of the Australian Alps. Cunninghamia 10(1): 1-57
NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Calotis pubescens (a perennial forb) - Endangered species determination - final.
Walsh, N.G. and McDougall, K.L. (2002) Calotis pubescens (Asteraceae), change in rank and notes on its distribution and ecology. Muelleria 16: 43-45