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: Epacris purpurascens var. purpurascens
Gazetted date:
24 Dec 1999
Profile last updated:
13 Nov 2024
Description
An erect shrub, 50 - 180 cm high; older stems with prominent short, broad leaf scars. Leaves are spreading and recurved above, ovate to heart-shaped, 7 - 21 mm long, 4.4 - 9 mm wide, with sharply pointed tips. Flowers are showy, 7 - 10 mm diam., covering much of the branchlets, white or sometimes pinkish. Fruit approximately 2 mm long.
Distribution
Recorded from Gosford in the north, to Narrabeen in the east, Silverdale in the west and Avon Dam vicinity in the South.
Habitat and ecology
- Found in a range of habitat types, most of which have a strong shale soil influence.
- Lifespan is recorded to be 5-20 years, requiring 2-4 years before seed is produced in the wild.
- Killed by fire and re-establishes from soil-stored seed.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Those habitats which remain, particularly on ridge-tops, are under increasing threat of clearance or habitat modification resulting from urban or rural development.
- Existing populations are directly threatened by urban run-off leading to flooding, erosion, nitrification of soil substrate, altered pH, weed invasion, and introduction of plant pathogens
- Other threats include altered fire regimes, uncontrolled vehicular access, soil compaction, slashing eg. powerline easements, fill and rubbish dumping, and trampling through inappropriate pedestrian access
- Walkers / general public physically damaging individuals and habitat
- The potential for inappropriate slashing and/or spraying activities to have detrimental impacts on the species in various patches where it occurs.
- Slashing, intensive fire and inappropriate fire regimes potentially threaten the species' viabilty.
- Weeds competing with the species particularly in power line easements, esp Eragrostic curvula, whiskey grass and coolatai grass.
- Extent of threats across the population of this species is unkown.
- Records need confirmation that is Epacris purpurascens var. purpurascens.
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
6 priority actions
to help recover the Epacris purpurascens var. purpurascens in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Fire intervals of 10-15 yrs (where there are no needs for asset protection zones).
- Prevent further loss and fragmentation of habitat.
Information sources
- Benson, D. and McDougall, L. (1995) Ecology of Sydney plant species. Part 3: Dicotyledon families Cabombaceae to Eupomatiaceae. Cunninghamia 4(2): 143-431
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1992) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 3. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (1997) Urban Bushland Biodiversity Survey. Native Flora of Western Sydney. NSW NPWS, Hurstville.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2000) Epacris purpurascens var. purpurascens, Threatened species profile.
- NSW Scientific Committee (1999) Epacris purpurascens var. purpurascens (a shrub) - Vulnerable species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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