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.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Cassia marksiana
Gazetted date:
03 Nov 2000
Profile last updated:
17 Sep 2019
Description
Brush Cassia can be a spectacular tree when in bloom. It is similar to the Golden Shower Tree (Cassia fistula) of street-plantings but has smaller leaves and darker flowers. The golden-yellow summer flowers are fragrant and hang in large clusters from the fresh, lime-green foliage. Brown, cylindrical fruits, which develop in winter, are segmented and contain hard yellow-brown seeds, each enclosed in a cardboard-like envelope. The tree may grow to 25 m tall but most are 5 – 10 m. Defoliating caterpillars often give it a scruffy look.
Distribution
The Brush Cassia occurs north of Brunswick Heads, around Murwillumbah, and into south-east Queensland as far as Beenleigh.
Habitat and ecology
- Found in littoral and riverine rainforest, and in regrowth vegetation on farmland and along roadsides.
- It prefers more fertile soil-types and is often found in low and flat sites.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Widening and maintenance of roads.
- Clearing of land for development.
- Clearing of land for agriculture.
- Browsing and trampling by stock.
- Invasion of habitat by introduced weeds.
- Damage to trees, and inhibition of regeneration, by seed-collectors.
- Application of agricultural chemicals from nearby farms including banana farms.
- Inappropriate fire regime altering habitat and resulting in direct loss of individuals.
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
- Identify populations along roadsides and protect them during road-works.
- Protect known and potential habitat from clearing and development.
- Protect from stock by fencing.
- Remove weeds from known and potential habitat.
- Buy Brush Cassia plants only from appropriately licensed nurseries.
- Expand and connect remaining areas of habitat.
- Undertake surveys to identify unrecorded population.
- Support Landcare and other groups raise awareness of the species and undertake onground works.
- Protect from fire.
- Research ecological requirements of the species.
Information sources
- Cunningham, D.C., Walsh, K.B., Anderson, E.R., Harrison, D.K. and Carroll, B.J. (2002) Analysis of genetic diversity in Cassia brewsteri with randomly amplified DNA fingerprints (RAFs). Australian Systematic Botany 15(2): 237-244
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
- NSW Scientific Committee (2000) Cassia brewsteri var. marksiana (a tree) - Endangered species determination - final.
- Randell, B.R. (2002) Cassia. Pp 368-9 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2. Revised Edition (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
|
IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|