Lemon-scented Grass - profile

Indicative distribution

Loading map...

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: Elionurus citreus

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 12 Sep 2003

Profile last updated: 11 Oct 2022

Description

Lemon-scented Grass is a perennial tufted grass that grows to 1m high. The leaf blade is rolled inwards and is 2-3 mm wide, and often hairy on the upper surface. The leaf has a distinct lemon smell when crushed. The flower spike is 3-12 cm long, and the spikelets overlap in two rows. This grass flowers in summer.

Distribution

Lemon-scented Grass occurs north from Grafton in NSW. It is only known from localities south of Casino, north-west of Grafton, near Cudgen Lake on the Tweed coast and in Yuraygir National Park. It also occurs in Queensland, NT, WA and New Guinea.

Habitat and ecology

Lemon-scented Grass grows in sandy soils near rivers or along the coast in wallum areas or sand dunes.
At the NSW locations, the species has been found growing in infertile white sands.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

The major threat to this grass in NSW is grazing by cattle as the species is mainly known from private land.
Frequent fire.
Risk of local extinction due to low population numbers.
Weed invasion is likely to be a threat in areas that are disturbed.
Lack of information on the species in NSW to inform a conservation management strategy

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Protect areas of habitat from regular burning.
Fence off areas of habitat to protect from grazing and disturbance.
Assist with weed control programs in habitat areas.

Information sources

Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1993) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 4. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
NSW Scientific Committee (2003) Elyonurus citreus (a perennial grass) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
Renvoize, S.A. (1978) Studies in Elionurus (Gramineae). Kew Bulletin 32(3): 665-672.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

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

Images

Illustration, Lemon-scented Grass <a href="http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/" class="linkBlack100" target="_blank">Botanic Gardens Trust</a>

Illustration, Lemon-scented Grass Botanic Gardens Trust
Enlarge image

Related information

Get involved

Report a sighting

Nature conservation

Threatened species