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: Gyrostemon thesioides
Gazetted date:
11 Sep 1998
Profile last updated:
23 Aug 2024
Description
A multi-stemmed shrub to 2 metres high, lower leaves often falling early; stems more or less angular when dried. Leaves usually narrow-linear, 5 - 20 mm long, sometimes narrow-lanceolate or narrow-oblanceolate and to 35 mm long. Flower stalks to 1 mm long. Stamens 9 - 12 in one whorl. Fruit 2 - 2.5 mm long, red-brown.
Distribution
Within NSW, the species has most recently been recorded near Lake Burragorang in the Blue Mountains National Park, and near Long Point in Western Sydney. It has also been recorded in 2004 in Wollemi National Park, near the Colo River (one male plant), and historically at sites near the Georges and Nepean Rivers (more than 55 and 110 years ago respectively). Also occurs in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.
Habitat and ecology
- In NSW, known from hillsides, slopes, terraces and riverbanks within 180 metres of watercourses.
- A fire-opportunist, with recruitment occurring from soil-stored seed bank following fire. Adult plants are killed by fire.
- Plants may reach maturity in less than a year and plants are presumably short-lived.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Habitat loss due to clearing.
- Invasion of habitat by weeds such as crofton weed (Ageratina adenophora), ink weed (Phytolacca octandra), spear thistle (Cirsium vulgare) and fleabane (Conyza sp.), particularly following fire events.
- Competition for light and resources from native grasses and shrub species post-fire.
- A lack of knowledge about the distribution and abundance of the species.
- Habitat disturbance caused by feral horses leading to weed invasion and potential disturbance of seedbank.
- Habitat disturbance caused by feral pigs leading to weed invasion and potential disturbance of seedbank.
- Habitat disturbance caused by feral deer and goats leading to weed invasion and potential disturbance of seedbank.
- Risk of extinction due to extremely small population size and highly restricted distribution.
- A lack of understanding of the species' response to fire and the impact of fire regimes on the population. Too frequent fire, and possibly too infrequent fire, are likely to be a threat to the species. Individuals are likely killed by fire and recruit from seed.
- Insufficient understanding of threats.
- Insufficient understanding of life history.
- Insufficient understanding of distribution.
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
- Control weeds where necessary. Avoid spraying herbicide close to Gyrostemon thesioides plants. Herbicide can be painted directly on to weeds near the threatened plant.
- Protect known habitat from clearing and disturbance.
Information sources
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2000) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 1. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) NSW flora fire response database, version 1.3a.
- NSW Scientific Committee (1998) Gyrostemon thesioides (a shrub) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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