Narrow-leaf Melichrus - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

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: Melichrus gibberagee

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Critically Endangered

Gazetted date: 09 Jul 1999

Profile last updated: 19 Nov 2024

Description

The Narrow-leaf Melichrus is a small shrub, about 1 m tall. It has open branches but the prickly, bright-green foliage is quite compact. The crowded, upward-pointing leaves are narrow, up to 1.4 mm wide, with sharply pointed tips and parallel veins. In spring, narrow urn-shaped, white or yellowish flowers are produced, their insides densely hairy. The tips of the petals have a tuft of hairs and lack the little hood that other Melichrus species have. The fruit is round and fleshy, 4 mm in diameter, with a hard seed.

Distribution

Restricted to north-east NSW. Known only from a single population in Gibberagee State Forest and adjacent private property, about 40 km south of Casino.

Habitat and ecology

Low-altitude dry eucalypt forest on gentle slopes.
Found mainly in grassy forests under tall spotted gum and ironbarks.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

South Eastern Queensland

Threats

Timber harvesting activities.
High frequency fire.
Road and track work.
Risk of extinction because populations are small.
Weeds are competing for space, light and resources.
Trampling and physical disturbance from cattle.
Clearing for agricultural development.

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

Protect known habitat from frequent fire.
Identify roadside populations and protect them during road-works.
Protect areas of known and potential habitat from development.
Protect known habitat from timber harvesting activities.
Inform the OEH of any new locations of Narrow-leaf Melichrus.

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) Melichrus sp. Gibberagee (a shrub). Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.