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.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Lepidosperma evansianum
Gazetted date:
26 May 2000
Profile last updated:
04 Mar 2024
Description
A tufted perennial herb 20-55 cm high, with a short rhizome. Leaves and culms are glabrous and almost silky smooth with a distinctive longitudinal channel on the leaves. This leaf character is very useful when checking plants that are not in flower. Leaves are also straight and slightly compressible, with minute striations and white markings, which further differentiates the species from others. The narrow, erect flower stem is oblong to ovate in outline, 3-10 cm long, and about 1 cm diameter. The spikelets are more or less numerous and densely clustered, 4-6 mm long.
Distribution
Currently known from wet cliff faces at Blackheath and Wentworth Falls, although due to the inaccessibility of its habitat, many more plants are likely to occur than have been recorded. All known sites occur within Blue Mountains National Park, although they are near the boundary of the reserve.
Habitat and ecology
- Restricted to seepage areas on steep sandstone rock faces and cliffs in the upper Blue Mountains in New South Wales.
- Occurs on south, east and west aspects, usually with high light levels and where there is permanent moisture. Plants appear to require little soil as they occur on cliff ledges and rockfaces where there is minimal soil substrate present.
- It flowers in spring and summer.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Lack of knowledge of distribution
- Physical disturbance and trampling of plants that grow along walking tracks, particularly along the Govett's Leap track at Blackheath.
- Track works in Wentworth Falls and Blackheath.
- Urban runoff and upstream development activities that contribute pollutants to cliff seepage and overland flows, and weed propagules in stormwater transported downstream.
- Weed encroachment.
- Loss of groundwater
- Reduction in moisture levels.
- Lack of knowledge of reproductive biology and recruitment processes.
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 personnel planning and undertaking track maintenance are able to identify the species and are aware of its habitat.
- Developments in catchments of this species to incorporate water sensitive urban design principles.
- Undertake targeted weed control around populations.
- Assess threats at known sites and develop and implement site specific management actions
- Survey potential habitat to determine distribution
Information sources
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1992) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 3. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
- NSW Scientific Committee (2000) Lepidosperma evansianum (a perennial herb) - Vulnerable species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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