Gorge Hakea - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

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 fraseri

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 21 Jan 2020

Description

Gorge Hakea is a shrub 3 - 4 m high with drooping leaves and dark grey, furrowed bark. Its leaves are shaped like pine needles, 12 - 30 cm long and 1 mm wide. The creamy white flowers appear during spring and are 8 mm long, growing in clusters from the leaf junctions. The hard woody fruit is oblong to oval shaped, 3 - 4 cm long and 11 - 17 mm wide with a smooth hairless tip.

Distribution

Found only in the upper Macleay River gorges, and the escarpment country in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.

Habitat and ecology

Mainly occurs on the dry and steep rocky slopes of river gorges.
Sometimes grows in open woodland on gorge rims.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Risk of local extinction due to low population numbers.
Lack of knowledge on the impact of browsing by feral goats and deer preventing population expansion or recovery after fire or drought.
Too frequent fire can deplete the population size as it takes several years for seedlings to reach maturity and replenish the seed bank. Although some fire is needed to support germination, two fires within 5-6 years could lead to extinction of the population.
Loss of individuals or populations thru erosion.

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 Gorge Hakea in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

When visiting national parks, minimise erosion by remaining on established paths.
Assist with the control of feral goats.
Manage fire to encourage regeneration.
Protect habitat of known populations.
Report new occurrences of the species to the OEH.

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.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Lower North Coast of New South Wales. (NSW NPWS, Hurstville)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

New England Tablelands	Armidale Plateau	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Walcha Plateau	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Macleay Gorges	Known	None

Images

Gorge Hakea, Murray Fagg <a href="http://www.anbg.gov.au" class="linkBlack100" target="_blank">Australian National Botanic Gardens</a>

Gorge Hakea, Murray Fagg Australian National Botanic Gardens Image 1 of 2.
View slideshow.

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