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: Gaultheria viridicarpa subsp. viridicarpa
Profile last updated:
15 Jun 2020
Description
Green Waxberry is a low shrub 20 -70 cm tall, often spreading to 1.5 m in diameter, with thick leathery leaves. It has smooth hairless stems and branches, sometimes with a few bristles. The leaves are 1.5 - 6 cm long and 6 - 20 mm wide, with small teeth and a pointed or rounded tip. It has single flowers appearing during spring to early summer which form a fleshy, firm green berry 5 mm wide.
Distribution
Restricted to NSW where it is found in the Point Lookout-Majors Point area east of Armidale on the eastern edge of the New England Tablelands. It is reserved in New England National Park.
Habitat and ecology
- Green Waxberry grows in mountainous woodland in crevices of basalt or sandstone rocks or on cliff faces.
- It may also occur adjacent to Antarctic Beech (Nothofagus moorei) cool temperate rainforest.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Risk of extinction due to small population size.
- Risk of extinction due to very limited range.
- Trampling of plants by bushwalkers.
- Change of habitat due to climate change.
- Walking track maintenance.
- Erosion.
- Grazing or trampling by domestic stock.
- Weed invasion.
- Inappropriate fire regime.
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
5 priority actions
to help recover the Green Waxberry in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Stay on established walking tracks when visiting New England National Park and other tablelands reserves.
- Protect areas of potential habitat in rocky mountainous woodland and Antarctic Beech cool temperate rainforest from clearing or disturbance.
- Notify the OEH of any new records of Green Waxberry.
- Undertake surveys to identify unknown populations.
- Maintain viable exsitu live and seed bank collection.
- Undertake weed control at known sites.
- Implement fire regime appropriate for habitat type, do not allow all individuals to be burnt in a single event.
- Exclude cattle from known habitat.
- Monitor population dynamics and threats at all know sites.
- Undertake research into the ecological requirements of the species including the impact of fire.
- Undertake seed germination and propagation trials.
Information sources
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1992) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 3. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
- 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
|
|---|