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: Backhousia subargentea
Profile last updated:
17 Mar 2021
Description
Giant Ironwood grows up to 30 m tall but, in NSW, most specimens are less than 8 m tall and consist of clumps of crooked trunks growing in dense patches. The attractive bark is smooth, with blotches of pink-mauve, orange-green and copper-colour. The leaves are paired, 4 – 8 cm long and tapering to a point at the tips. They are shiny dark green above and silvery below, and when crushed have a strong eucalyptus-like scent. Flowers are white, in dense round heads, and are followed by small dry capsules.
Distribution
Known in NSW only from Mount Chincogan near Mullumbimby and one recent record at Jiggi north-west of Lismore, and in Queensland from Boonah to Imbil.
Habitat and ecology
- Giant Ironwood is found in dry rainforest regrowth consisting of thickets growing in steeply sloping paddocks on basalt-derived soil as well as in sub-tropical and warm temporate rainforest.
- Within Queensland the species is known to occur in the ecotone between subtropical rainforest and open eucalypt forest.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss of habitat through clearing for agriculture.
- Loss of habitat through clearing for development.
- Risk of local extinction because populations are small.
- Habitat degradation through invasion of weeds.
- Grazing and trampling by domestic stock.
- Inappropriate fire regime resulting in habitat modification and direct loss of individuals.
- Risk of extinction because of restricted and fragmented distribution.
- Uncertainty of future land management practices.
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 remaining habitat from clearing and development.
- Support local Landcare groups raise the profile of the species and undertake onground works.
- Protect known habitat from domestic stock.
- Control fire and maintain fire-breaks outside habitat areas.
- Control weeds in habitat areas.
- Expand and connect remaining areas of habitat.
- Report new occurrences of Giant Ironwood to the OEH.
- Undertake surveys to identify unrecorded populations.
- Maintain viable exsitu seedbank and/or living collection.
- Provide advise to consent and planning authorities to enable adequate environmental impact assessment.
- Undertake research into the ecological requirements and threats to the species.
- Monitor population dynamics and threats at known populations.
Information sources
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Border Ranges Rainforest Biodiversity Management Plan - NSW & Queensland. (DECCW NSW, Sydney)
- Harrington, M.G., Jackes, B.R., Barrett, M.D., Craven, L.A. and Barrett, R.L. (2012) Phylogenetic revision of Backhousieae (Myrtaceae): Neogene divergence, a revised circumscription of Backhousia and two new species. Australian Systematic Botany 25(6): 404-417
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
- Williams, J.B., Harden, G.J. and McDonald, W. (1984) Trees and Shrubs in Rainforests of NSW and Southern Queensland. (University of New England, Armidale)
- Wilson, P.G. (2002) Choricarpia. Pp 173-4 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. (University of New South Wales Press, Sydney)
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