Rylstone Bell - 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: Leionema sympetalum

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 01 Aug 2024

Description

A shrub (formerly known as Phebalium sympetalum) 2 - 3 metres high, with angled stems which have star-shaped hairs. Leaves are 1.5 - 3.5 cm long and 4 - 8 mm wide. Tubular flowers occur in groups of 1 to 3 at the ends of branches and are greenish yellow in colour. Stamens are longer than petals. The fruit has erect lobes (cocci) about 4 mm in length.

Distribution

The Rylstone Bell is restricted to an area of western Wollemi National Park, from east of Rylstone to north of Glen Davis.

Habitat and ecology

Restricted to exposed rocky sandstone formations known as pagodas. The species occurs in dry sclerophyll forest and probably also occurs in open or closed heathland communities.
The flowering period is recorded as winter to spring. The flower has a greenish yellow corolla that may be attractive to particular insect pollinators.
The fruit are in segments, known as cocci, which shatter when dry releasing seed. This seed generally lies dormant in the soil until fire or disturbance promotes germination.
Response of adults to fire is unknown. The sites that support the species are rocky and a fire would be expected to burn in a patchy manner through the habitat.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Restricted distribution and population sizes make the species vulnerable to local extinction, low genetic variability, and demographic instability.
Domestic and feral goats grazing, trampling and degrading habitat.
Too frequent and/or high intensity fires killing long-lived plants as the species is an obligate seeder. Too frequent burns could exhaust seedbank and kill plants before seeds set.
Habitat degradation and plant damage due to disturbance associated with orienteering and other off-track recreational activities in Ganguddy-Dunns swamp area, especially in Pagodas, including potential for foot-traffic spread of soil-borne diseases.
Potential threat of infection from the root-rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi.

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 3 priority actions to help recover the Rylstone Bell in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Survey and monitor populations to gain greater insight into the current status of the species, threats to its persistence, and management actions required.
Investigate fire response in order to inform management.
Control feral goats.
Ensure fire management considers fire response of species to ensure populations recruit adequately and can withstand repeated hazard reduction as well as wild fires.

Information sources

Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2000) Leionema sympetalum. Threatened species profile. NPWS, Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW South Western Slopes	Capertee Valley	Predicted	None
South Eastern Highlands	Capertee Uplands	Predicted	None
Sydney Basin	Wollemi	Known	None

Images

Illustration, Rylstone Bell <a href="http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/" class="linkBlack100" target="_blank">Botanic Gardens Trust</a>

Illustration, Rylstone Bell Botanic Gardens Trust
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