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: Fontainea oraria
Profile last updated:
22 Feb 2024
Description
Coastal Fontainea is a large shrub or small tree growing 8 - 10 m tall, sometimes with separate stems from the base. Its elliptical leaves are 8 – 12 cm long and are dark green, smooth and shiny above and paler and slightly glossy below. The leaf-stalk exudes a watery sap when broken. The flowers are small and white. Female flowers are borne in groups of two or three while the male flowers are borne in small clusters. The rounded fruit is ribbed, red, fleshy and slightly downy, and measures 2 – 2.4 cm in diameter.
Distribution
Coastal Fontainea is extremely rare, restricted to a small number of trees at Lennox Head in north-east NSW.
Habitat and ecology
- Coastal Fontainea occurs in remnant regrowth littoral rainforest on highly fertile red-brown krasnozem soils derived from the basalt. These remnants occur on stony slopes within 1km of the sea and at about 50 m above sea level.
- Flowering of the Coastal Fontainea occurs from spring to mid-summer although flowers have been observed during other seasons.
- The Coastal Fontainea appears to have variable periods of fruiting, with ripe fruit being observed mainly in autumn.
- The Coastal Fontainea is considered to be an obligate seed regenerator, which means it relies on seed production and seedling establishment for continued persistence.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Habitat loss and fragmentation as a result of clearing for agricultural purposes.
- Habitat loss and fragmentation as a result of clearing for residential and industrial development.
- Risk of extinction because numbers are extremely low and the natural sub-populations are exhibiting signs of inbreeding.
- Infestation of habitat by weeds and inappropriate weed control activities.
- Vandalism, garden and rubbish dumping.
- Illegal collection by rare-plant enthusiasts.
- Lack of knowledge of Coastal Fontainea's requirements for persistence in nature.
- Habitat degradation as a result of poorly managed stormwater.
- Potential for cattle to graze and trample seedlings.
- Dieback as a result of an unknow trigger and an unknow species of leaf rust are impacting on the species.
- Inappropriate fire regime for the species and its habitat.
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
- Ensure appropriate strategic planning and environmental impact assessment is undertaken by consent and determining authorities to enable protection of all known individuals and their habitat.
- Undertake weed control within known habitat.
- Maintain fences and protect plants from grazing.
- Negotiate for the implementation of permanent protection measures for the species and its habitat on any private land the species is found on.
- Expand and connect remaining areas of littoral rainforest habitat.
- Undertake research and monitoring in accordance with preliminary draft Recovery Plan.
- Mantain ex-situ collection of live material and seed bank.
- Report new records of Coast Fontainea to the OEH.
- Undertake surveys in suitable habitat in accordance with preliminary draft Recovery Plan.
- Implement a translocation proposal in accordance with preliminary draft Recovery Plan.
- Raise awareness of the importance of protecting this species from unauthorised collection.
- Undertake community education program regarding the impact of dumping of garden waste in the species habitat.
- Implement fire regime appropriate for the habitat of the species and ensure not all individuals are exposed to fire on a single event.
Information sources
- Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) (2005) Draft NSW and National Recovery Plan for Fontainea oraria (Coastal Fontainea). NSW DEC, Sydney.
- Floyd, A.G. (1989) Rainforest Trees of Mainland South-eastern Australia. (Inkata Press, Sydney)
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2000) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 1. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
- Rossetto, M. and McNally, J. (2000) Fontainea oraria Genetic Research: Final Report. Unpublished report to the NPWS. Southern Cross University Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics
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