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: Hakea dohertyi
Gazetted date:
24 May 2024
Profile last updated:
30 May 2024
Description
Kowmung Hakea is an erect shrub to 6 m tall. Its leaves are long and flexibly thread-like, triangular in cross-section and sharp-pointed. There are four to six flowers growing from the axils of the leaves (the angle at the base of the leaf stalk). The flower clusters are ‘spidery’, small and cream or white in colour. The woody fruit is oval-shaped, almost 3 cm long, and finely warty with a short beak. Plants mature relatively young and may live for many decades.
Distribution
Kowmung Hakea is confined to a small area (18 sq. km) in the Kowmung Valley in Kanangra Boyd National Park. Population varies, but up to 7000 plants have been counted. Additional small populations occur in Bindook area and at Tonalli Cove on Lake Burragorang.
Habitat and ecology
- Kowmung Hakea grows in dry sclerophyll forest, usually dominated by grey gum or silvertop ash, with a sparse groundcover and midstorey.
- It is an obligate seeder - i.e. it is killed by fire. The fruit are possibly susceptible to fire also, and seed may be killed within the follicle with even moderate heating.
- Seed is stored in woody fruits on mature plants and is released after fire or death of the stem. Older follicles are retained on the plant and open as a result of secondary thickening. The seeds are often still viable and germinating and immature plants may be found within the population. No particular age cohorts are evident in the populations.
- Two smaller populations are found ata distance from the main population, on the north side of Bent Hook Swamp (leading up to the ridge) and near the Tonalli Cove of Lake Burragorang. All populations appear to favour shrubby woodland communities.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- While the population is primarily within a National Park, limited distribution and susceptibility to fire make this species vulnerable to natural catastrophes or environmental changes.
- Goats are noted to browse the foliage and bark of plants, leading to their death and potentially reducing seed availability.
- The population near the shore of Lake Burragorang would be impacted by raising pondage heights of Warragamba Dam.
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 Kowmung Hakea in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Until the fire ecology of the species is better understood, prescribed burning should not be conducted in populations of this species.
- In the event of a wildfire, further fires should be excluded until plants have reached reproductive maturity.
- Monitor the population for changes.
- Search likely habitat for other populations.
- Plants are noted to be browsed by goats, and this may reduce the amount of seed available for replacement.
Information sources
- Barker, R.M., Haegi, L. and Barker, W.R. (1999) Hakea. Flora of Australia 17B: 44
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
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