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: Grevillea juniperina subsp. juniperina
Gazetted date:
28 Apr 2000
Profile last updated:
29 Jul 2019
Description
A broadly spreading to erect shrub to 2.5 m high. The leaves are prickly, narrow, often bright green, to 22 mm long and clustered along short lateral branches. Flowers are “spider-like”, 2.5 - 3.5 cm long and may be red to pinkish, yellow, pale orange or greenish.
Distribution
Endemic to Western Sydney, centred on an area bounded by Blacktown, Erskine Park, Londonderry and Windsor with outlier populations at Kemps Creek and Pitt Town.
Habitat and ecology
- Grows on reddish clay to sandy soils derived from Wianamatta Shale and Tertiary alluvium (often with shale influence), typically containing lateritic gravels.
- Recorded from Cumberland Plain Woodland, Castlereagh Ironbark Woodland, Castlereagh Scribbly Gum Woodland and Shale/Gravel Transition Forest.
- Associated canopy species within Cumberland Plain Woodland and Shale/Gravel Transition Forest include Eucalyptus tereticornis, E. moluccana, E. crebra, E. fibrosa and E. eugenioides. Understorey species include Bursaria spinosa, Dillwynia sieberi, Ozothamnus diosmifolius, Daviesia ulicifolia, Acacia falcata, Acacia parramattensis, Themeda australis, Aristida ramosa, Cymbopogon refractus, Eragrostis brownii, Cheilanthes sieberi, Dianella revoluta and Goodenia hederacea.
- In Castlereagh Woodland on more sandy soils the dominant canopy species are Eucalyptus fibrosa, E. sclerophylla, Angophora bakeri and Melaleuca decora. Understorey species include Melaleuca nodosa, Hakea sericea, Cryptandra spinescens, Acacia elongata, Gonocarpus teucrioides, Lomandra longifolia and the threatened species Dillwynia tenuifolia, Pultenaea parviflora, Micromyrtus minutiflora and Allocasuarina glareicola.
- Flowering may occur sporadically throughout the year, but particularly between July and October. Flowers are reported to be bird pollinated although bees have also been observed visiting flowers.
- Plants are killed by fire with regeneration solely from soil-stored seed. Fire leads to a sudden increase in the recruitment of seedlings. Germination experiments show that germination rates are improved by exposure to both smoke and heat. The frequency of fire is likely to be an important factor. If fires are too frequent there may be insufficient time to build up seed in the soil to replace plants killed in the fire.
- Physical disturbance of the soil appears to result in an increase in seedling recruitment. Has a tendency to colonise mechanically disturbed areas
- Dense growth of blackthorn (Bursaria) can limit the ability of the species to spread.
- Most prolific seeding occurs on plants more than 1m high.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Degradation and reduction of habitat following clearing and fragmentation of native vegetation is a major threat.
- Other threats include disturbance by rubbish dumping, trampling, road works, dumping of fill, changes in drainage, and recreational activities.
- Potential risk of the entry of exotic pathogens
- Arson causing frequent and intense fires
- Invasion from exotic perennial grasses, particularly African lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula).
- Current or potential future land management practices do not support conservation
- 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
24 priority actions
to help recover the Juniper-leaved Grevillea in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Fire intervals of 10-15 yrs (where there are no needs for asset protection zones).
- Protect known habitat areas from clearing and disturbance.
- Control unauthorised access.
Information sources
- Benson, D. and McDougall, L. (2000) Ecology of Sydney plant species. Part 7b: Dicotyledon family Proteaceae to Rubiaceae. Cunninghamia 6(4).
- Morris, E.C. (2000) Germination response of seven east Australian Grevillea species (Proteaceae) to smoke, heat exposure and scarification. Australian Journal of Botany. 48:179-189.
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