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: Discaria nitida
Gazetted date:
03 Nov 2000
Profile last updated:
21 Sep 2021
Description
The Leafy Anchor Plant is an erect deciduous shrub mostly 1 - 3 m high, but occasionally to 5.5 m tall. Plants often have a few main erect stems branching from near ground level. Younger branches bear numerous pairs of opposite sharp spines that are usually no more than 10 mm long. The spines and stems are greyish brown except in the current season’s growth, which is green. The spines are shed from the older stems. Leaves are narrow and blunt, mostly 1-1.5 cm long (but can be up to 25 mm long) and 6 mm wide, light green and glossy when young, darkening as the season progresses. The flowers are tiny and white and in clusters of up to nine arising from beneath the base of the spines. Individual flowers are 2 mm long and 3 mm across. Flowering occurs in late November to early December, with individual flowers being very short-lived. The seed capsule is a domed, globular, usually 3-chambered structure 3-4 mm in diameter. The developing seed capsules remain a similar green colour to the leaves. When ripe (late January to February) the seed capsules turn brown and split to realease shiny, brown, hard-coated ovoid seeds (one per chamber) that are about 2 mm x 2.4 mm. The closely related Australian Anchor Plant (D. pubescens) differs in having longer spines (often to 20 mm long), having very few leaves and its flowers have minute petals.
Distribution
The Leafy Anchor Plant is confined to the far south of the Southern Tablelands of NSW and the north-east highlands of Victoria. In NSW the Leafy Anchor Plant grows mostly within Kosciuszko National Park, south from the Blue Water Holes - Yarrangobilly Caves area to south-west of Jindabyne, at altitudes above 900 m. In NSW 18 sites are known with a total population of about 2,800 plants (Wright & Briggs, 2000). In Victoria the species is extremely rare with a total of only 31 plants known from two populations.
Habitat and ecology
- Generally occurs on or close to stream banks and on rocky areas near small waterfalls. The species occurs in both woodland with heathy riparian vegetation and on treeless grassy sub-alpine plains.
- Most population survive in sites that appear to be rarely burnt "fire refugia". The species is known to be highly fire sensitve and most plants that have been observed to have been burnt, even lightly, have died and there has been very little post fire recruitment.
- All populations in NSW contain individuals of varying size-classes but seedlings have only been seen at a few sites, suggesting that recruitment is infrequent. Plentiful quantities of fruit are, however, set in most populations.
- Flowers from late November to early December, with individual flowers being very short-lived; the pollinator is unknown, though hover-flies have been observed visiting the flowers.
- Fruits mature during December and January, fruits split to release three (rarely two or four) seeds.
- Leaves are shed in April through to May; at this time the leaves turn mottled pale-green and yellow, falling when they are still partially green.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Fire is a threat to the species as plants are generally killed by even low-intensity fires, and post-fire recruitment has been observed to be very low.
- Major flooding events since 2010 have caused significant stream bank erosion and the consequent loss of numerous plants at some sites.
- Competition from weeds (especially woody weeds such as blackberry, briar rose and willows).
- Feral horses have recently been observed at sites supporting Discaria nitida. At these sites browsing damage, including breakage of major stems of plants, has been observed.
- Feral deer have recently been observed at sites supporting Discaria nitida. At these sites browsing damage, including breakage of major stems of plants, has been observed.
- Loss of local populations.
- Clearing of habitat on private land is a potential threat.
- Grazing by domestic stock has the potential to impact those populations on private land.
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
- Surveys should be conducted in suitable habitat in proposed development areas.
- Monitor and control woody weeds as required.
- Secure the long term protection of the Crown land site.
- Incorporation of species habitat protection needs into appropriate planning documents.
Information sources
- Hall, K.F.M. and Parsons, R.F. (1987) Ecology of Discaria (Rhamnaceae) in Victoria. Proc.R.Soc.Vict., Vol.99 (3): 99-108.
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1993) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 4. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
- NSW Scientific Committee (2000) Discaria nitida (a shrub) - Vulnerable species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
- Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.J. (1999) Flora of Victoria; Volume 4, Dicotyledons Cornaceae to Asteraceae. (Inkata Press, Melbourne)
- Wright, G.T. and Briggs, J.D. (2000) Population Survey and Notes on the ecology of the Leafy Anchor Plant (Discaria nitida) in New South Wales. NPWS Unpublished Report.
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