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: Haloragodendron lucasii
Profile last updated:
14 Oct 2024
Description
An erect hairless shrub to 1.5 m tall, with four-winged branches arising in pairs. Leaves, with each pair at right angles to the next, are oblong and have toothed margins. The leaf-midrib is channelled on the dark green upper surface, the lower surface paler. The flowers are creamy-white and almost stalkless, with four triangular erect sepals (petal-like structures). The fruit, a winged nut, is only known in the immature state, as the fruit is usually aborted before maturity.
Distribution
The known locations of this species are confined to a very narrow distribution on the north shore of Sydney.
Habitat and ecology
- Associated with dry sclerophyll forest.
- Reported to grow in moist sandy loam soils in sheltered aspects, and on gentle slopes below cliff-lines near creeks in low open woodland.
- Associated with high soil moisture and relatively high soil-phosphorus levels.
- Highly clonal, which implies the true population size may be considerably smaller than expected.
- Flowering occurs from August to November with fruits appearing from October to December.
- Has demonstrated an ability to resprout from its rootstock.
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 numbers. Maintain ex-situ collection.
- Urban runoff, resulting in increased soil pH and soil moisture levels.
- Invasion of habitat by weeds.
- Physical damage and disturbance to plants from unrestrained access and vandalism.
- Too-frequent or too-intense fires may deplete the rootstocks of existing populations.
- Overgrazing by native herbivores.
- Glasshouse trial indicates species is highly susceptible to Phytopthora.
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
- Restrict access to the sites.
- Establish long term protection of known populations.
- Undertake research into population genetics and clonality.
- Undertake research into the survivorship, response to fire, fecundity through time and breeding system of the species.
- Survey suitable habitat and locations for further populations.
- Establish ex-situ collection.
- Test for the presence of Phytophthora cinnamon in the soil.
Information sources
- Nash, S. and Matthes, M. (1994) Conservation Research Statement and Species Recovery Plan for Haloragodendron lucasii. Prepared for the Australian Nature Conservation Agency. Canberra, ACT.
- Sydes, M.A. and Peakall, R. (1998) Extensive clonality in the endangered shrub Haloragodendron lucasii (Haloragaceae) revealed by allozymes and RAPDd. Molecular Ecology 7, pp 87-93.
- Sydes, M.A., Williams, M., Blackall, R. and Auld, T.D. (1996) Rediscovery program for the endangered plant Haloragodendron lucasii. In: Stephens S and Maxwell S (eds). Back from the Brink: Refining the Threatened Species Recovery Process, pp. 101-104. Surrey Beatty and Sons, New South Wales, Australia.
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IBRA Bioregion
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IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
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Geographic restrictions region
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| Sydney Basin | Cumberland |
Known
| Hornsby and Ku-Ring-gai LGAs |
| Sydney Basin | Pittwater |
Known
| East of the Pacific Highway and South of Broken Bay |