Native Jute - 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: Corchorus cunninghamii

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Profile last updated: 08 Feb 2022

Description

A perennial semi-herbaceous shrub that grows to 1.5 m tall. The leaves are 4 - 8 cm long and have coarsely-toothed edges. Flowers are yellow and appear during summer and autumn. Fruits are dark brown to black elongated capsules, 1.5 - 3.5 cm long and 4 - 6 mm wide and form from December to May.

Distribution

Occurs from the Richmond River in north-east NSW to the Brisbane River in Queensland. In NSW populations occur at Bungabbee and Toonumbar.

Habitat and ecology

Occurs in ecotones between wet eucalypt forest and dry to dry-subtropical rainforest on sheltered slopes and gullies, and grassy, open forest on exposed slopes and ridges.
Regenerates from seed that requires some form of mechanical disturbance or fire to break its dormancy.
Flowers from November to May; is likely to be insect-pollinated.
Relatively short-lived shrub with a lifespan of up to three or four years.
Appears to be a relatively short lived shrub with a lifespan of up to 3-4 years.
Reproduction occurs by seed only. Generally, the seeds are released in a dormant state which can be broken by disturbance, either by fires which cause significant soil heating, or by physical disturbance.
The length of seed viability it unknown but anecdotal evidence suggests that seed remains viable for tens of years, although germination trials have so far not confirmed viability beyond three years.
Field observations suggest the species is fire sensitive, with adults plants being killed by fire.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

South Eastern Queensland

Threats

Clearing and habitat modification.
Inappropriate disturbance regimes, such as frequent fires.
Risk of local extinction because distribution is restricted.
Invasion of habitat by weeds.
The species' habitat should not go without disturbance for periods greater than 30 years; this may be likely if plantation is re-established.

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 seed collection and storage.
Implement weed control programs at known locations.
Protect known populations and areas of potential habitat from clearing and fragmentation.
Undertake research and field trials to determine disturbance requirements.
Undertake surveys to identify new populations.

Information sources

Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) (2004) Draft NSW and National Recovery Plan for Corchorus cunninghamii. NSW DEC, Sydney.
Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Border Ranges Rainforest Biodiversity Management Plan - NSW & Queensland. (DECCW NSW, Sydney)
Halford, D. (1993) Corchorus cunninghamii - A conservation assessment. Report to the Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Project No. 317.
Halford, D. (1995) Conservation statement and draft Recovery Plan: Corchorus cunninghamii F. Muell Tiliaceae. Australian Nature Conservation Agency Endangered Species Program, Project No. 515.
Harden, G.J. (2000) Corchorus. P. 319 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 1. Revised Edition (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
Parr, S. (2002) Recommended recovery actions for Corchorus cunninghamii and the rainforest ecotone in south-east Queensland. Stage 2, Report prepared by the Rainforest Ecotone Recovery Team for the Natural Heritage Trust.
Saunders, M. (2001) Recovery Plan for the endangered native jute species, Corchorus cunninghamii F. Muell. in Queensland (2001-2006). Report prepared on behalf of the Rainforest Ecotone Recovery Team.
Simmonds, M. (2000) The ecology and conservation of the endangered species Corchorus cunninghamii F. Muell. BSc (Hons) thesis, University of Queensland, Brisbane.
Simmonds, M. and Playford, J. (2002) Genetics, Ecology and Convervation of the Endangered Plant Corchorus cunninghamii F.Muell. The Proceedings of the Royal Society of Queensland 110: 61-73

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

South Eastern Queensland

Scenic Rim

Known

None

Images

Flower and foliage, Native Jute Image 1 of 4.
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