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.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Capparis canescens
Gazetted date:
23 Aug 2002
Profile last updated:
10 Dec 2020
Description
Wild Orange is a medium shrub to small tree, covered by dense short hairs and variably thorny. Leaves are oval-shaped, 4.5 - 10 cm long and 2.5 - 6 cm wide, with stalks 1.75 - 4 cm long. Up to four white flowers about 3 cm long occur together on stalks 3 - 9 cm long. Flower buds have four prominent ridges. The species is distinguished by these large, conspicuously 4-ridged buds. The rounded fruits are 2.5 - 7.5 cm in diameter, on 6 - 9 cm long stalks.
Distribution
Occurs in eastern Queensland and has recently been confirmed as occurring in north-western NSW. The species was known in NSW from a single population about 20 km NNW of Bonshaw and 50 km north of Ashford, however this population is reported to have recently been cleared by roadworks. Seven plants are said to still survive at the site.
Habitat and ecology
- Flowers mainly in summer. Ripe fruits are said to be edible, hence the common names of Wild Orange and Wild Pomegranate.
- Unlikely to tolerate too-frequent fire which could kill adult plants and deplete the soil seed bank.
- Grows in open eucalypt forest.
- Associated species include Eucalyptus sideroxylon and E. microcarpa woodland on siliceous sediments. Associated species at Queensland sites include E. dealbata, E. microtheca, E. crebra, E. fibrosa subsp. nubila, E. melanophloia, Callitris glaucophylla, Allocasuarina luehmannii, Lysiphyllum cunninghamii and Acacia and Alphitonia species.
- The single known population of Wild Orange in NSW was recently cleared during roadworks. Seven plants are said to still survive at the site. In Queensland plants are usually uncommon and scattered in populations.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Risk of local extinction due to small population size and isolation.
- Damage to plants from road works including slashing and spraying.
- Grazing by domestic stock.
- Too frequent or intense fires.
- Removal of roadside vegetation.
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
- Protect population and habitat from frequent or intense fires.
- Identify roadside populations and protect during roadworks.
- Protect from grazing.
- Protecting the population and habitat from frequent or intense fires.
- Report additional records of Wild Orange to the OEH.
Information sources
- Bentham, G. (1863) Flora Australiensis. Volume 1 (1863). (Reeve, London)
- Hewson, H.J. (1982) Capparaceae. 2. Capparis. Pp. 208-222 in Flora of Australia Volume 8: Lecythidales to Batales. (ABRS, Canberra and CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne)
- Jacobs, M. (1965) The Genus Capparis (Capparaceae) from the Indus to the Pacific. Blumea 12(3): 385-541
- NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Capparis canescens (a small tree) - Endangered species determination - final.
- Stanley, T.D. and Ross, E.M. (1983) Flora of South-Eastern Queensland. Volume 1. (Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane)
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IBRA Bioregion
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IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|
| Brigalow Belt South | Northern Basalts |
Predicted
| Within 10 km of the QLD border |
| Nandewar | Nandewar Northern Complex |
Known
| Within 10 km of the QLD border |