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: Macrozamia johnsonii
Profile last updated:
04 Mar 2024
Description
Like many cycads, Johnson’s Cycad has the appearance of a short-trunked palm with many fronds. The trunk may be up to 1.5 m in height and 80 cm in diameter. The stiff, bright green, glossy fronds are up to 3 m long, with 150 – 250 leaf-segments. They are held on a straight, rather than twisted, stem and the portion of stem below the leaf-segments is very short. Female plants have large cylindrical or barrel-shaped cones on stout stems, which contain many red seeds. Male cones are smaller, spindle-shaped and more numerous.
Distribution
Found only in north-east NSW. Locally common in restricted areas west of Grafton, in the Dalmorton and Chaelundi districts.
Habitat and ecology
- Grows in colonies on sheltered ridges and steep southerly and easterly slopes in wet and dry eucalypt forest on shallow and rocky soils.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Too frequent fires can destroy the seed bank (and seedlings) if it occurs before plants reach maturity. Cycads only accumulate a soil-stored seed bank for a few years, repeated fire at short intervals (less than 1–3 years) may prevent or impede recruitment.
- Physical damage to individuals from forestry activity.
- Road-works.
- Collection of seed and seedlings for horticulture.
- Competitive weed invasion by Lantana which is exacerbated by logging activities, fire and other disturbance events. Lantana reduces habitat suitability and suppresses recruitment and growth of individual plants.
- Native vines may smother M. johnsonii and destroy individual plants
- Lack of knowledge on the susceptibility of the species and its habitat to Phytophthora cinnamomi. Movement of soil on vehicles and machinery may establish presence P. cinnamomi
- Prolonged drought increasing fire intensity and risk to species habitat
- Bell miner associated dieback through a loss of structural diversity as Lantana dominates the understory
- Invasion and establishment of streamside (and moist) habitat by Mysore thorn, particularly after fire.
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
10 priority actions
to help recover the Johnson's Cycad in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Buy plants only from licensed nurseries.
- Protect known habitat from frequent fire.
- Identify and protect populations during timber harvesting and road works.
- Seek a permit from the OEH before collecting seeds from the wild.
Information sources
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
|
IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|