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: Melichrus hirsutus
Profile last updated:
13 Mar 2023
Description
A dense shrub, usually 20 – 50 cm tall, with spreading branches that turn up at the ends. The foliage is soft green in colour and appearance, but prickly to feel. The leaves are narrow and sharply pointed, 2 – 3 cm long and have 7 – 11 distinct parallel veins. The flowers are a nectar-filled urn or cup. They are small and half-hidden amongst the crowded leaves but are conspicuously red and pink, yellowish at the base, and covered with thick white hairs. Fruits are hard, round and brown to deep red in colour.
Distribution
Known from five localities from Wombat Creek State Conservation Area, Chambigne Nature Reserve and Flaggy Creek Nature Reserve north of Glenreagh.
Habitat and ecology
- Dry eucalypt forest with a shrubby understorey with sandstone rock outcrops.
- Found at low altitudes (20 to 150 m) in sandy soils.
- Flowers occur from March to August, and fruits from August to November.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- High frequency fire.
- Road-works.
- Loss of habitat from clearing for agricultural purposes.
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 Hairy Melichrus in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Protect known habitat from high frequency fire.
- Identify roadside populations and protect them during road-works.
- Protect areas of known and potential habitat from development.
- Inform the DPE of any new locations.
- Undertake research and field trials to inform management of the species, particularly reproductive mechanisms and response to fire.
- Maintain viable ex-situ seedbank.
- Monitor population dynamics and threats at known populations.
- Undertake surveys to identify unrecorded populations.
- Raise landholder awareness of the conservation importance of the species and negotiate private land management agreements.
Information sources
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
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