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: Kunzea rupestris
Gazetted date:
12 Mar 1999
Profile last updated:
10 Sep 2019
Description
A clonal shrub to about 1.5 m high. Leaves are oblanceolate, 6 - 11mm long, 1.5 - 3mm wide, apex acute; new leaves hairy. Flowers are white to cream, sessile, in head-like clusters at end of branches. Hypanthium (cup-like structure above the ovary) densely covered with long shaggy hairs. Fruit 4 - 5 mm long, do not open at maturity to release seed or pollen.
Distribution
Restricted, with most locations in the Maroota - Sackville - Glenorie area and one outlier in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, all within the Central Coast botanical subdivision of NSW. Currently known to exist in 20 populations, 6 of which are reserved.
Habitat and ecology
- Grows in shallow depressions on large flat sandstone rock outcrops.
- Characteristically found in short to tall shrubland or heathland.
- Flowering occurs in spring. It has indehiscent fruits which resist soil entrapment and so may disperse many metres per week.
- Resprouts from the base after fire or mechanical damage. Seedlings have also been observed after fire.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Track maintenance.
- Fire suppression activities.
- Sedimentation and subsequent competition.
- Weed encroachment.
- Damage to plants for the cut flower industry.
- Destruction of habitat by soil and sand extraction.
- Hybridisation with Kunzea capitata.
- Local extinction from stochastic events such as drought
- Recreational users accessing trails and creating new trails, damaging habitat.
- Removal of bushrock removal which provides habitat to the species
- Threat of land clearing for rural residential
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
13 priority actions
to help recover the Kunzea rupestris in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Implement appropriate fire regimes at sites.
- Restrict access to sites.
- Remove and control for weeds.
- Protect habitat.
- Monitor the extent of hybridisation.
Information sources
- Cohn, J. (1996) Conservation research statement and recovery plans (research and management) for Kunzea rupestris Blakely. (draft) Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Program Project no.251. NSW NPWS, Sydney.
- Fairley, A. (2004) Seldom seen: rare plants of greater Sydney. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
- NSW Scientific Committee (1999) Kunzea rupestris (a shrub) - Vulnerable species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
- Tierney, D. (2003) Hybridisation and its management implications for the rare plant Kunzea rupestris Blakely. PhD Thesis, University of Sydney.