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: Melaleuca irbyana
Gazetted date:
23 Jul 1999
Profile last updated:
11 Oct 2022
Description
Weeping Paperbark (formerly Melaleuca tamariscina subsp. irbyana) has thick, spongy, papery bark and grows to about 8 m tall. It has a dense, rounded canopy of very fine, weeping foliage. The tiny, stalkless, pointed leaves are less than 4 mm long, smaller than any other NSW Melaleuca species, and are pressed close to the branchlets, wrapping around them slightly. In summer profuse white brushes, made up of groups of flowers in threes, appear and are followed by tight clusters of woody fruits.
Distribution
Found in only a few places in north-east NSW, including near Coraki, Casino and Coutts Crossing south of Grafton. Also occurs in near Ipswich in south-east Queensland. Only two populations are recorded in conservation reserves in NSW, these are Warragai Creek Nature Reserve and Bungawalbin National Park.
Habitat and ecology
- Open eucalypt forest in poorly drained, usually clay, sandstone or alluvial soils.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Clearing of habitat for agriculture and development.
- Fire, particularly when too frequent to allow regeneration.
- Grazing by domestic stock.
- Invasion of habitat by weeds particularly introduced grasses.
- Plantation development and logging activities.
- Road-works, including grading and slashing.
- Risk of local extinction because populations are small and may also lack genetic diversity.
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
7 priority actions
to help recover the Weeping Paperbark in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Protect areas of known habitat from clearing.
- Fence known habitat to exclude stock.
- Protect known habitat from frequent fire.
- Identify plants on roadsides and protect during road works.
- Control weeds.
- Raise the profile of the species to assist landholders in identification and protection of populations.
Information sources
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
- NSW Scientific Committee (1999) Melaleuca tamariscina subsp. irbyana (a shrub). Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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