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 sparsa
Profile last updated:
19 Nov 2024
Description
A small erect to spreading, well-branched shrub that grows to 90 cm high, but is often much smaller. Older stems are brittle and reddish-brown with persistent leaf scars. Leaves are elliptic to ovate 11 – 17 mm long and up to 4 mm wide with acute tips. Flowers are conspicuous, tubular, cream to greenish-white, and are pendant near the ends of branches. Fruit is a capsule 2.5 – 3.5 mm long.
Distribution
Restricted to the lower Grose River, within the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains LGAs.
Habitat and ecology
- Grows in Riparian Sandstone Scrub, where it is found on the base of cliffs or rock faces, on rock ledges or among rocks in the riparian flood zone.
- Grows in small pockets of damp clay soil, chiefly on south-west facing slopes.
- In rocky sites the scrub vegetation is dominated by Tristaniopsis laurina, Leptospermum trinervium, Allocasuarina littoralis, Acacia longifolia, Grevillea sericea and Lomandra fluviatilis.
- In wetter, more sheltered sites typical species include Callicoma serratifolia, Backhousia myrtifolia, Austromyrtus tenuifolia, Leucopogon lanceolatus, Lomandra montana, Todea barbara, Sticherus flabellatus and Dracophyllum secundum.
- Flowering occurs from April to June, with pollinators unknown. Young plants start flowering when 20–30cm high. Flowers are often plentiful, with flower tubes dropping readily and exposing the developing fruit.
- Appears to be killed by fire.
- There is no evidence of vegetative spread in E. sparsa, however, plants appear to resprout readily from lignotubers at the woody base after disturbance.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Urbanisation of the catchments may impact through pollution in runoff.
- Habitat affected by increased water flows with upstream urbanisation.
- Increased sedimentation as a result of upstream urbanisation.
- Unknown regeneration response under frequent and/or intense fires but suspected high mortality rates of individuals and seed in shallow soils associated with rock outcrops.
- Invasion and habitat loss from herbaceous riparian weeds including gorse, blackberry, crofton weed and mist flower; exacerbated when water/sediment levels are higher.
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
- Improve legal protection of the Vale of Avoca population, the largest known population.
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
- 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 sparsa, Threatened species profile. NPWS, Sydney.