Isoglossa - 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: Isoglossa eranthemoides

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Profile last updated: 21 Nov 2018

Description

Isoglossa is a herb that grows to 50 cm tall. Its paired leaves are oval or more elongated and 2 – 16 cm long. The white-petalled flowers are about 12 mm across, and are borne in clusters towards the tops of the stems. The five petals are of three kinds: two are erect, two droop to the sides and a central tube-like structure has three lobes. The capsules are up to 12 mm long, and tapered at each end to form an elongated diamond shape. They spring open, expelling seeds explosively.

Distribution

A very restricted distribution in north-east NSW from the Tweed to the Lismore area, with a single uncertain historical report from south-east Queensland.

Habitat and ecology

Understorey of lowland subtropical rainforest, in moist situations on floodplains and slopes.
Underlying soils are derived from basalt, metasediments or gabbro.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

South Eastern Queensland

Threats

Risk of local extinction because populations small.
Clearing and fragmentation of habitat from development, agriculture and roadworks.
Construction of walking tracks in areas of habitat.
Grazing by stock.
Inadvertent damage during bush regeneration.
Invasion and competition from various woody and herbaceous weed species including Tradescantia, privet, asparagus fern, Lantana and Madeira Vine.
Uncertainty differentiating the species with local populations of Brunoniella spiciflora and uncertainty with regard to the species area of occupancy.

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 34 priority actions to help recover the Isoglossa in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Ensure familiarity with Isoglossa before undertaking weed management and bush regeneration in areas of known or potential habitat.
Stay on designated tracks in parks and reserves to avoid trampling plants.
Locate walking tracks to avoid populations of Isoglossa.
Fence off areas of rainforest habitat to protect from grazing stock.
Protect areas of rainforest habitat from clearing or development.
Expand and connect remaining areas of habitat.

Information sources

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Predicted	None