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: Corokia whiteana
Gazetted date:
04 Aug 2023
Profile last updated:
14 Oct 2024
Description
Corokia is a shrub or small tree to 4 m tall. Its young shoots, branches and flowers are scattered with hairs, which are sparser on older leaves, and mainly on the undersurface. The leaves, some of which are toothed, are mostly 2 – 7 cm long and 2 – 20 mm wide, tapering to the apex. The cream-coloured flowers are scented and held in loose clusters. They are followed by red, fleshy fruits, 8 – 12 mm long, usually with a single spindle-shaped seed.
Distribution
Occurs only in north-east NSW and has a highly restricted distribution. Three distinct populations are known: one in the Nightcap Range, one in the Tweed Valley, and the other close to the coast near Brunswick Heads.
Habitat and ecology
- The inland populations are found at the boundaries between wet eucalypt forest and warm temperate rainforest, at altitudes up to 800 m.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss of habitat from clearing for urban expansion.
- Risk of extirpation from stochastic environmental events due to the highly restricted distribution and small population size.
- Timber harvesting activities.
- Inappropriate fire regime. The species is very sensitive to any fire.
- Invasion of habitat by weeds.
- Lantana out competing Corokia whiteana for resources, which reduces habitat suitability and recruitment.
- Extreme weather events can trigger flash flooding and king tides that destroy the species habitat.
- Pigs rooting and degrading vegetation.
- Grazing and trampling by domestic stock.
- The presence of Pinus radiata changes the nutrient cycle in the soil and thickens the leaf litter.
- Lantana, small-and large-leaved privet and camphor laurel out competing Corokia whiteana for resources, which reduces habitat suitability and recruitment.
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 Corokia in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Support local Landcare groups and bush regeneration teams.
- Protect rainforest areas from fire.
- Control weeds in and around rainforest habitat.
- Protect remaining habitat from clearing and timber harvesting.
- Report new records of Corokia to OEH.
Information sources
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Border Ranges Rainforest Biodiversity Management Plan - NSW & Queensland. (DECCW NSW, Sydney)
- Harden, G., McDonald, B. and Williams, J. (2006) Rainforest trees and shrubs: a field guide to their identification. (Gwen Harden Publishing, Nambucca Heads)
- Harden, G.J. (1992) Corokia P. 435 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 3. (New South Wales University Press, Kensington)
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