Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint - profile

Indicative distribution

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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: Eucalyptus nicholii

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 10 Dec 2020

Description

A medium-sized tree 10-20 m tall with rough, thick, grey-brown bark which extends to the larger branches. Adult leaves are slightly broader than the juvenile leaves, and are a dull grey-green, 6-12 cm long and 5-10 mm wide and have a strong peppermint smell when crushed. The gumnuts are hemispherical or cone shaped, 2-5 mm long and 3-4 mm wide, and grow in groups of seven. Easily confused with <em>Eucalyptus acaciiformis<\em>.

Distribution

This species is sparsely distributed but widespread on the New England Tablelands from Nundle to north of Tenterfield, being most common in central portions of its range. Found largely on private property and roadsides, and occasionally in conservation reserves. Planted as urban trees, windbreaks and corridors.

Habitat and ecology

Typically grows in dry grassy woodland, on shallow soils of slopes and ridges. Found primarily on infertile soils derived from granite or metasedimentary rock.
Seedling recruitment is common, even in disturbed soils, if protected from grazing and fire.
Tends to grow on lower slopes in the landscape.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Clearing and fragmentation of habitat for agriculture and grazing.
Inappropriate fire regimes. There is a risk of population decline with short fire intervals of less than 10 years or long fire free intervals of more than a few decades where seedling recruitment is lacking.
Destruction and disturbance of habitat for roadside management.
Grazing by domestic stock.
Collection of firewood.
Collection of seed for horticulture.
Deer and goats have been observed to have an impact and numbers of herbivores likely to increase.
Increasing risk from frequent fire, particularly from uncontrolled pasture management fires.
Invasion and spread of exotic grasses, such as Coolatai and African love grass, which outcompete juveniles and increase the frequency and intensity of fires.
Spraying chemicals (e.g. fertiliser/pesticides) on pastures on private land can drift (or move through porous soil water flow) and lead to tree death and population declines.
Vegetation clearing for agriculture, fire management, and roadside firewood collection near townships

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 22 priority actions to help recover the Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Protect dry grassy woodland habitat from clearing and fragmentation.
Identify roadside populations and protect during road-works.
Support local Landcare groups raise awareness of the species and implement on-ground protection add habitat restoration activities .
Practice sustainable grazing in areas of habitat and protect regenerating trees from grazing stock.
Manage fire to promote regeneration.
Only buy seed from appropriately licensed dealers.
Limit firewood collection in areas where this species occurs.
Maintain viable ex-situ seed bank and/or live collection.

Information sources

Benson, J.S. and Ashby, E.M. (2000) Vegetation of the Guyra 1:100 000 map sheet New England Bioregion, New South Wales. Cunninghamia 6(3): 747-872
Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, 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)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Nandewar	Peel	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Armidale Plateau	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Beardy River Hills	Predicted	None
New England Tablelands	Binghi Plateau	Predicted	None
New England Tablelands	Bundarra Downs	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Deepwater Downs	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Eastern Nandewars	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Ebor Basalts	Predicted	None
New England Tablelands	Glenn Innes-Guyra Basalts	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Moredun Volcanics	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Nightcap	Predicted	None
New England Tablelands	Northeast Forest Lands	Predicted	None
New England Tablelands	Round Mountain	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Severn River Volcanics	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Stanthorpe Plateau	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Tenterfield Plateau	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Tingha Plateau	Predicted	None
New England Tablelands	Walcha Plateau	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Wongwibinda Plateau	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Yarrowyck-Kentucky Downs	Predicted	None
NSW North Coast	Chaelundi	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Macleay Gorges	Known	None