Small-leaved Tamarind - 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: Diploglottis campbellii

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Profile last updated: 11 Oct 2022

Description

A large straight tree to 30 m tall. It has greyish-brown bark with vertical cracks. New leaves are at first softly-hairy, but soon become more or less hairless. The leaves are 10 - 35 cm long and are divided into four to eight leaflets. Small clusters of greenish-white flowers are borne amongst the leaves. The fruits are creamy-brown and in crowded clusters about 10 cm long. The capsules, usually three-lobed, enclose one seed per lobe. Each seed is surrounded by yellow or deep pinkish-red flesh.

Distribution

Recorded from the coastal lowlands between Richmond River on the Far North Coast of NSW and Mudgeeraba Creek on the Gold Coast hinterland, Queensland.

Habitat and ecology

Confined to the warm subtropical rainforests of the NSW-Queensland border lowlands and adjacent low ranges.
The forest types in which the species occurs vary from lowland subtropical rainforest to drier subtropical rainforest with a Brush Box open overstorey.
Occurs on basalt-derived soils and also on poorer soils such as those derived from quartz monzonite.
Flowering times vary across its range depending on latitude and to some extent annual seasonal variations.
Ripe fruits are generally present from January to early April, with peak fruiting during the last week of February and early March.
Seed dispersal mechanisms are unclear.

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 is believed to be the primary reason for decline.
Risk of local extinction because populations are small.
Loss of, or physical damage to plants from roadways and road maintenance.
Physical damage to plants and compaction of soils from grazing and trampling by stock.
Infestation of habitat by weeds.
Introgression with commerically cultivated plants of unknown genetic provenance.
Loss of genetic diversity and potential for inbreeding depression as a result of small population size, fragmentation and habitat loss

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 19 priority actions to help recover the Small-leaved Tamarind in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Buy plants only from licensed nurseries.
Encourage regeneration of the species and its habitat by fencing isolated paddock trees.
Remove weeds where they threaten adult plants or regeneration.
Protect areas of suitable habitat from clearing and road-works.
Undertake habitat restoration works in known and potential habitat.
Seek a permit from the DEC before collecting fruit or seeds from the wild.
Report new records to the DEC.

Information sources

Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) (2004) Approved Recovery Plan for Diploglottis campbellii (Small-leaved Tamarind).
Floyd, A.G. (1989) Rainforest Trees of Mainland South-eastern Australia. (Inkata Press, Sydney)
Gross, C.L. (1996) Annual Report on the reproductive ecology for Diploglottis campbelli, Elaeocarpus williamsianus, Fontainia oraria and Achronychia littoralis. University of New England, Armidale.
Harden, G., McDonald, B. and Williams, J. (2006) Rainforest trees and shrubs: a field guide to their identification. (Gwen Harden Publishing, Nambucca Heads)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Other State	QLD	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	North of Ballina
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Predicted	None

Images

Fallen seeds and capsule, Small-leafed Tamarind. Image 1 of 2.
View slideshow.

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