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: Leucopogon fletcheri subsp. fletcheri
Gazetted date:
24 Dec 1999
Profile last updated:
28 Nov 2023
Description
An erect densely branched shrub, seldom more that 1 m high, with narrow pungent-pointed leaves 3.7 - 8 mm long. The white flowers are pendant-like, tubular, 4 - 5 mm long, hairy inside tube and are borne singly but abundantly along ends of branches. The fruit is a ridged and hairless rounded drupe.
Distribution
Restricted to north-western Sydney between St Albans in the north and Annangrove in the south, within the local government areas of Hawkesbury, Baulkham Hills and Blue Mountains.
Habitat and ecology
- Occurs in dry eucalypt woodland or in shrubland on clayey lateritic soils, generally on flat to gently sloping terrain along ridges and spurs.
- Flowers August to September. Fruit produced October.
- Evidence suggests the species responds slowly to fire. The species is an obligate seeder and slow growing with a maturation period likely to exceed 5 years.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Habitat loss and fragmentation due to clearing for rural and rural-residential development
- High pressure for hazard reduction burns in this area. A minimum fire interval of 10 years is required as this species is slow to mature and an obligate seeder. A fire in the near future would be below this threshold.
- Habitat degradation due to disturbance associated with unrestricted access and recreational activities; and erosion.
- Maintenance of fire trails and construction of containment lines during fire management can lead to direct loss of individuals.
- Modification of habitat as a result of urban pressure, including clearing of utility easements and in backyards.
- Lack of knowledge about the distribution of the species at the Blaxlands Ridge site
- Low intensity burns kill the plant and doesn't result in germination. The species does not resprout after fire.
- Erosion of habitat.
- Weed invasion.
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
4 priority actions
to help recover the Leucopogon fletcheri subsp. fletcheri in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Ensure a minimum fire interval of 10 years.
- Introduce measures to prevent habitat degradation related to unrestricted access to habitat and as a result of fire trail maintenance.
- Undertake appropriate weed control activities when necessary.
- Protect areas of known and potential habitat from clearing and further fragmentation.
Information sources
- Benson, D. and McDougall, L. (1995) Ecology of Sydney plant species. Part 3: Dicotyledon families Cabombaceae to Eupomatiaceae. Cunninghamia 4(2): 143-431
- Fairley, A. (2004) Seldom seen: rare plants of greater Sydney. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1992) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 3. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
- NSW Scientific Committee (1999) Leucopogon fletcheri subsp. fletcheri (a shrub) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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