Northern Clematis - 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: Clematis fawcettii

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 15 Jun 2020

Description

Northern Clematis is a vine growing high into the rainforest canopy, but it is usually recognised only as small weak plants in the understorey. The paired leaves are divided once or twice into three toothed leaflets, giving the plant a lacy appearance. The vine climbs by means of the long twining leaf-stalks. Its flowers are white to pink-purple, and develop into fruit with long feathered tails arranged in fluffy clusters. The tails assist in the wind-dispersal of the seeds.

Distribution

Found in widely dispersed areas in southern Queensland and in north-east NSW north from Lismore.

Habitat and ecology

Drier rainforest, usually near streams.

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.
Risk of localised extinction via stochastic processes due to small population size.
Invasion of habitat by introduced weeds (e.g. Lantana, Moth Vine, Crofton Weed, Guinea Grass and Molasses Grass), particularly along road edges, walking trails and tree falls gaps.
Grazing and trampling by livestock, particularly cattle on private property and state forest areas. Weed seeds are also readily transported by cattle into species habitat.
Frequent fire.
Uncertainty of future expansion of forestry activities and potential associated habitat loss and degradation
Disturbance and damage to plants caused by recreational users such as joggers and trail bike riders not staying on formalised tracks.
Lack of knowledge of the impact of fruit bats roosting in the canopy above species habitat which may be negatively impacting the species by opening the canopy structure.
Climate change impacts (including drought and increased fire intensity and frequency) increasing weed incursion (particularly post fire) and reducing soil moisture for plants.

Recovery strategies

Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified 17 priority actions to help recover the Northern Clematis in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Protect dry rainforest areas from fire.
Exclude grazing by domestic stock in remnants of this community by appropriate fencing.
Provide stock watering points away from creeks.
Control weeds in rainforest habitat.
Protect remaining habitat from further clearing.
Report new occurrences of Northern Clematis, particularly adult vines, to OEH.

Information sources

Briggs, B.G. and Makinson, R.O. (2000) Clematis. Pp 157-159 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 1. Revised Edition (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
Briggs, J.D. and Leigh, J.H. (1996) Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. Revised Edition. (CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne)
Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Border Ranges Rainforest Biodiversity Management Plan - NSW & Queensland. (DECCW NSW, Sydney)
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	Cataract	Predicted	None
Other State	QLD	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Woodenbong	Known	None

Images

Illustration, Northern Clematis <a href="http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/" class="linkBlack100" target="_blank">Botanic Gardens Trust</a>

Illustration, Northern Clematis Botanic Gardens Trust Image 1 of 3.
View slideshow.

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