Nature conservation

Threatened species

Dysphania platycarpa - profile

Indicative distribution

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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: Dysphania platycarpa
Conservation status in NSW: Endangeredexternal link
Commonwealth status: Not listedexternal link
Profile last updated: 01 Nov 2022

Description

Prostrate annual with simple or glandular hairs, and numerous slender stems arising from the base. The leaves are slightly fleshy and almost hairless, 5-10 mm long, rounded at the tip. Flowerhead a spike-like arrangement of dense, small compact clusters, each about 2.5 mm in diameter. Seed erect, about 0.4 mm long, dull reddish-brown, flower segments and seeds shed separately.

Dysphania platycarpa is distinguished by the flower heads in tight clusters in the space between leaf and stem, and the strongly flattened, often slightly twisted, triangular seeds.

Distribution

Found only in the far north-western plains of NSW in the Broken Hill district. Localities include Sturt NP and Yantara Lake. Distributed Australia-wide in extreme western NSW, south-western Qld, central and eastern SA, west-central WA and the south-eastern NT.

Habitat and ecology

  • Grows on heavy soils near ephemeral water, generally in clay or mud by fresh water. Recorded in Sturt National Park from previously flooded flats within the sandplain. Interstate habitats include claypan margins, sand above the Samphire level of a flooded clay flat, and in Gidgee scrub.
  • Flowering time is January to August.
  • Plant abundance is recorded as common in populations.

Regional distribution and habitat

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Threats

Recovery strategies

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