Thorny 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: Desmodium acanthocladum

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 07 Aug 2024

Description

The Thorny Pea is a sprawling shrub 1 – 2 m in height and often more than 2 m wide. The branches are rather rigid, though they commonly arch over other vegetation. The leaves are alternate up the stem and are divided into three leaflets, the middle one longer than the other two and up to 2.5 cm in length. The branchlets are scattered with sharp spines. Pink or purple pea flowers are produced in summer and are followed by a sticky seed pod about 5 cm long.

Distribution

Occurs only in north-east NSW. It is found in the Lismore area, and there are also records from near Grafton, Coraki, Casino and the Mount Warning area.

Habitat and ecology

Dry rainforest and fringes of riverine subtropical rainforest.
On basalt-derived soils at low elevations.
Much of its habitat has been cleared for agriculture.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

South Eastern Queensland

Threats

Clearing and fragmentation of habitat for agriculture or development.
Damage to plants and habitat by roadworks.
Browsing and trampling by stock.
Weed infestation, particularly by introduced vines such as Asparagus and Lantana.

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 10 priority actions to help recover the Thorny Pea in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Support local Landcare groups and bush regeneration teams.
Protect known populations during roadworks.
Exclude stock by fencing off habitat areas.
Provide stock watering points away from streams.
Control weeds.
Protect known and potential habitat from clearing or development.
Rehabilitate and expand streamside habitat.
Notify the DEC of any new records of Thorny Pea.

Information sources

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. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, 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

South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Known	None