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.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Eucalyptus boliviana
Gazetted date:
05 Apr 2024
Profile last updated:
09 Apr 2024
Description
Usually a small contorted tree to 12 m in height, but can also grow as a multi-stemmed mallee to 5 m. It has persistent stringy bark on branches down to about 2 cm diameter. Branchlets are 4-angled (or winged on juvenile shoots and typically round on seedlings until the 4th node) and glaucous (dull blue-green in colour, with a whitish bloom). The large leaves are dull green when young, becoming bluish-green and then glossy green with age and 8-16cm long. The flowers are yellow and are held in clusters of seven, and the large, tightly clustered gumnuts are 7 - 14 mm long and 9 - 18 mm wide. Eucalyptus boliviana is closely allied to Eucalyptus williamsiana from which it is readily distinguished by the 4-winged and glaucous stems, the shorter buds and fruits and thicker peduncles, the usually 4-valved fruits with a medial flange, the flowers with yellow stamens, the longer, flattened, twisted petioles and the dull, glaucous juvenile leaves.
Distribution
Eucalyptus boliviana is very rare and restricted to the Bolivia Hill Ranges area between Glen Innes and Tenterfield. A few small patches that were previously recorded in this region have disappeared over the past two decades.
Habitat and ecology
- Typically flowering in Spring yet also observed to flower at low density in other months.
- Endemic to NSW and restricted to dry sclerophyll woodland habitat, on granite outcrops and acid volcanics above 900 m altitude. Occupied soils are typically gritty and sandy.
- Associated species include Eucalyptus prava, Callitris endlicheri, Acacia pycnostachya, Acacia adunca and many shrubs. Other associated canopy species include Eucalyptus andrewsii, Eucalyptus macrorhyncha, Eucalyptus dealbata, Eucalyptus caleyi and Eucalyptus youmanii.
- May require specific application of low intensity fire to stimulate abundant germination, but sparse seedlings are observed when soil moisture is adequate. High intensity fire is likely to destroy the adult population, with many individuals apparently centuries old.
- Plants are locally frequent, with a metapopulation of five extant sites spread across northern Bolivia Hill Nature Reserve. The total population size is small, being recently estimated as about 2000 individuals. Recent analyses suggest the largest sub-population of a thousand plants may be genetically different from the others.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Highly vulnerable to localised extinction if catastrophic events alter or destroy the habitat.
- Inappropriate fire frequency, which may reduce the ability of the tree to reproduce effectively.
- Clearing of habitat for agriculture, mining or infrastructure.
- Potential for individuals to be cleared for easements without recognition of presence.
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
- Support local Landcare groups.
- Manage fire to encourage regeneration without killing adults.
- Protect known individuals outside Bolivia Hill Nature Reserve from clearing or disturbance.
- Protect areas of potential habitat from clearing or fragmentation.
- Notify the DPE of any additional records.
Information sources
- Briggs, J.D. and Leigh, J.H. (1996) Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. Revised Edition. (CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne)
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
- Hill, K.D. (2002) Eucalyptus. In Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2. Revised Edition. (New South Wales University Press: Sydney).
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Threatened Species of the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes of NSW. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
- NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Eucalyptus boliviana (a shrub or tree) - Vulnerable species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
- Pryor, L.D. and Johnson, L.A.S. (1971) A Classification of the Eucalypts (ANU Press: Canberra).
- Williams, J.B. and Hill, K.D. (2001) Eucalyptus boliviana (Myrtaceae), a distinctive new species from New England, New South Wales. Telopea 9(2): 409.
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