Small Scurf-pea - 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: Cullen parvum

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 11 Feb 2019

Description

The Small Scurf-pea is a small perennial pea that may either trail or stand erect. Its leaves comprise three elongated leaflets to 25 mm long by 8 mm wide. Its flowers are usually also in threes, purple-pink (or sometimes white), appearing in summer. This species was previously called Psoralea parva.

Distribution

The Small Scurf-pea is known in NSW from only two herbarium collections; one from Wagga Wagga in 1884 and the other from Jindera (near Albury) in 1967. A small population was recently reported from near Jerilderie (although it has not been relocated). In recent years, two populations have been recorded in travelling stock reserves south-west of Wagga Wagga, and a population reputedly exists on a roadside near Galong. Another population has recently been discovered on private land near Young. Large populations have been recorded in grassy gaps in the Red Gum Woodlands of Barmah State Park, just across the border in Victoria. Extensive suitable habitat probably occurs across the border in NSW.

Habitat and ecology

In known populations in Victoria and NSW, plants are found in grassland, River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) Woodland or Box-Gum Woodland, sometimes on grazed land and usually on table drains or adjacent to drainage lines or watercourses, in areas with rainfall of between 450 and 700 mm.
Plants tend to die back in dry seasons and resprout with rain in winter or spring; in dry years, plants apparently do not always produce shoots but survive below the ground.
Flooding has been suggested as a mechanism for seed dispersal.
Reproduction has been found to result largely from self-fertilisation, which has produced substantial differences between populations.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Intensive grazing by stock.
Clearing of habitat.
Changes to agricultural practices (e.g. introduction of cropping).
Competition with invasive pasture grasses and other weeds.
Poor knowledge of the species' population size and distribution.
Small population size.

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

Limit heavy, prolonged grazing on sites where this species may occur.
Maintain native grassy groundlayer.
Alert road maintenance and RLPB staff to the possible presence of this species.
Survey is required in early summer, but may not be successful in dry years even if the species is present.

Information sources

Harden, G.J. and Murray, L. (2002) Cullen. Pp 591-594 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2. Revised Edition (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.J. (1998) Flora of Victoria; Volume 3, Dicotyledons Winteraceae to Myrtaceae. (Inkata Press, Melbourne)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW South Western Slopes	Inland Slopes	Known	None
NSW South Western Slopes	Lower Slopes	Known	None
Other State	SA	Known	None
Riverina	Murray Fans	Known	East of Barham
Riverina	Murrumbidgee	Known	Hay Plains and to east

Images

Small Scurf-pea, Colleen Miller <a href="http://www.victorianflora.com//" class="linkBlack100" target="_blank">Victorian Flora</a>

Small Scurf-pea, Colleen Miller Victorian Flora Image 1 of 5.
View slideshow.

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