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: Coatesia paniculata
Gazetted date:
10 Jun 2016
Profile last updated:
10 Dec 2020
Description
Axe-Breaker grows from 3 to 6 m in height, and has a dense head of deep green to yellow-green foliage. As its name suggests, its timber is very hard. Its branchlets are bright green turning grey to brown, and finely wrinkled. The smooth, glossy, dark-green leaves are oval, and measure 5 – 10 cm long, are bluntly pointed at the tips, and are strongly fragrant when crushed. The leaf-stalk is about 11 mm long and deeply channelled on the upper surface. Flowers are small and white in small clusters. The dry brown fruit contain glossy black seeds. Species scientific name is now Coatesia paniculata.
Distribution
Moderately common in restricted habitat in Queensland between the Brisbane River and the central Queensland coast, but very rare in north-east NSW, where it is known from the Tweed, Lismore and Wardell areas.
Habitat and ecology
- Axe-Breaker is found in dry subtropical rainforest and vine scrub, often along rivers.
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.
- Clearing and fragmentation of habitat for rural and residential development.
- Infestation of habitat by introduced weeds, particularly vine weeds and Lantana.
- Grazing and trampling by domestic stock.
- Risk of local extinction because numbers are low.
- Habitat change, loss of individuals and impacts on recruit of high intensity or frequency fire.
- Incomplete knowledge of the species distribution and population dynamics.
- Degradation of habitat due to bell miner associated eucalypt dieback.
- Potential pollution and eutrophication from stormwater and other runoff in urban areas.
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 Axe-Breaker in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Support local Landcare groups and bush regeneration teams protect habitat and raise species profile.
- Avoid fire in and around the edges of rainforest patches.
- Exclude cattle from remnant rainforest by fencing.
- Control weeds in rainforest areas.
- Protect areas of suitable habitat from clearing or development.
- Expand and connect remaining remnants of habitat.
Information sources
- Harden, G., McDonald, B. and Williams, J. (2006) Rainforest trees and shrubs: a field guide to their identification. (Gwen Harden Publishing, Nambucca Heads)
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
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