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: Lepidium hyssopifolium
Profile last updated:
25 Jan 2024
Description
Aromatic Peppercress is an erect perennial herb growing 30 to 50 cm tall. The leaves are variable, to 40 mm long by 2.5 mm wide. Leaves are fern-like in the rosette stage, and ultimately narrow and grass-like, with or without teeth, on the mature stems. The flower clusters are similar in form to that of many weedy members of this group, such as African Peppercress. Individual flowers are very small and greenish in colour. The fruits are flattened, oval-shaped 'pods' (siliculas) to 5 mm long and 2.5 mm wide. The flower and fruit stalks (pedicels) are hairy.
Distribution
In NSW, there is a small population near Bathurst, one population at Bungendore, and one near Crookwell. The species was also recorded near Armidale in 1945 and 1958; however it is not known whether it remains in this area. A specimen collected in the Cooma area about 100 years ago may also be Aromatic Peppercress. A new population was established in McLeods Creek Nature Reserve but with limited success to date.
Habitat and ecology
- In NSW the species was known to have occurred in both woodland with a grassy understorey and in grassland.
- The species may be a disturbance opportunist, as it was discovered at the most recently discovered site (near Bungendore) following soil disturbance.
- The cryptic and non-descript nature (appearing like several weed species) of the species makes it hard to detect.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Populations on private land and could be threatened by future changes in land use.
- Unrecorded populations maybe threatened by inadvertent spraying with herbicide, as this species is similar to a number of weeds.
- Competition from invading weeds is a threat.
- Grazing by cattle and sheep appears to be the major threat.
- It is possible that predation by Cabbage White Butterflies may be a threat.
- Grazing by rabbits appears to be a major threat
- The species may now be extinct in the wild in NSW. If any plants are surviving in the wild then the population sizes are believed to be very low.
- Poor understanding of key drivers of population viability such as the ideal disturbance regime that favours survival and species’ response to competition from ground cover biomass/weed invasion.
- Insufficient understanding of the feasibility and effectiveness of translocation actions to create a sustainable and viable local population.
- Insufficient understanding of the abundance, distribution, and occurrence of the species.
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Ensure that road management staff in areas potentially containing this species are aware of the species and its appearance.
- Monitor the known populations for changes.
- Ensure that weed spraying staff and contractors in areas potentially containing this species are aware of the species and its appearance.
- Undertake trials to establish new populations in secure sites, using seeds previously collected from known NSW popualtions.
- Study the ecology of the species.
- Search likely habitat for other populations.
Information sources
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2000) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 1. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
|
IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|