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: Melaleuca biconvexa
Gazetted date:
18 Sep 1998
Profile last updated:
17 Aug 2018
Description
Biconvex Paperbark is a shrub or small tree, usually up to 10 m tall, though occasionally as high as 20 m. The bark is that of a typical paperbark. The leaves are small, to 18 mm long and 4 mm wide; each leaf has a centre-vein in a groove and the leaf blade curves upwards on either side of this centre-vein. Leaf placement is distinctive, with each pair of leaves emerging at right angles from the branch. Each pair is offset at right angles to the previous pair so the branch has a squarish appearance when looked at 'end-on'. This species' white flowers are usually clustered in dense heads and the fruit is urn-shaped and 3 - 5 mm in diameter.
Distribution
Biconvex Paperbark is only found in NSW, with scattered and dispersed populations found in the Jervis Bay area in the south and the Gosford-Wyong area in the north.
Habitat and ecology
- Biconvex Paperbark generally grows in damp places, often near streams or low-lying areas on alluvial soils of low slopes or sheltered aspects.
- Flowering occurs over just 3-4 weeks in September and October.
- Resprouts following fire.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- It is likely Biconvex Paperbark has evolved to cope with infrequent fires. Burning for hazard reduction and other unnatural ignitions have increased fire frequency and may threaten the species’ survival.
- Clearing for residential development.
- Most populations are on private land and there is poor threats knowledge about the species and its requirements by land managers.
- Alterations to the drainage hydrology of low-lying floodplains and swamps including swamp reclamation.
- Increased pollution and nutrients through adjoining developments and rubbish dumping.
- Grazing and trampling by stock causing root damage, prevention of seedling establishment and erosion.
- Potentially affected by Myrtle Rust.
- Increased pollution and nutrients through adjoining developments and rubbish dumping.
- Competition from noxious aquatic weeds, particularly Sagittaria platyphylla along with woody weeds such as privet.
Recovery strategies
A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click
here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click
here
Activities to assist this species
- Ensure staff undertaking hazard reduction burns are able to identify the species and are aware of its habitat.
- Apply fire regimes which maintain floristic and structural diversity.
- Survey thoroughly for the presence of Biconvex Paperbark before the approval of development applications.
- Retain or reintroduce ecologically sustainable water flows to swampland habitat.
- Ensure run-off into swamps is controlled.
- Avoid the introduction of heavy, prolonged grazing on sites where Biconvex Paperbark occurs.
- Assess impact of Myrtle Rust through monitoring of populations in proximity to known infestations
Information sources
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
- NSW Scientific Committee (1998) Melaleuca biconvexa (a small tree) - Vulnerable species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
- Wrigley, J.W. and Fagg, M. (1993) Bottlebrushes, Paperbarks and Tea Trees and all other plants in the Leptospermum alliance. Angus and Roberston, Sydney.
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