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: Gentiana baeuerlenii
Profile last updated:
21 Sep 2021
Description
Baeuerlen’s Gentian is an annual herb less than 4 cm tall, usually with several stems branching from near the base of the plant. Single, small, bell-shaped flowers, green on the outside and pale-blue inside, are produced at the ends of the stems. Flowers only open in sunny conditions. This species is atypical amongst the Australian members of this genus in that it flowers in autumn rather than in spring.
Distribution
The original collection was made in the 1890s from 'Quidong', west of Bombala, however the species has not been recorded again in NSW. In the late 1980s a small population of less than 20 plants was discovered in Namadgi National Park in the ACT. This population has not been observed since the early 1990s and the last time it was found the population had declined to only four plants.
Habitat and ecology
- In Namadgi National Park the species grows as an inter-tussock herb of grassland and sedgeland (Poa labillardieri and Carex gaudichaudii) in a moist area on the lower slope of a broad valley.
- It is an annual herb.
- The Flora of NSW notes that flowers have been observed in October, however the only New South Wales collection was made in March. The population which was known in Namadgi National Park in the ACT flowered in autumn (March-April).
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Threats to the species in NSW, if extant, are likely to include grazing by domestic stock, pasture improvement and competition from introduced grasses, habitat invasion by weeds such as Serrated Tussock, and herbicide use.
- Climate change and the resulting decreased rainfall in recent years, particularly in autumn and winter, in the areas where this species has been recorded is likely to have had an adverse impact on this species which is dependent on seepage areas remaining moist.
- Insufficient understanding of distribution.
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
- Because of the small size of plants and the autumn flowering, it is possible that the species has been overlooked. Further survey in damp grassland vegetation of the Southern Tablelands is recommended.
Information sources
- ACT Government (1997) A subalpine herb (Gentiana baeuerlenii): An endangered species. Action Plan No. 5. Environment ACT, Canberra.
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1992) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 3. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2001) Recovery Plan for the 'lost' threatened flora of south-east NSW. (NSW NPWS, Hurstville NSW)
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