Silver Sword Lily - 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: Neoastelia spectabilis

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 20 Oct 2020

Description

Silver Sword Lily is a tufted, soft-stemmed, lily-like plant with long narrow leaves and white flowers. Its leaves are straight with drooping ends, 60 - 165 cm long and 2.5 - 6 cm wide, with a smooth, green upper surface and silver-white underside. The flowers appear during November-December and are clustered onto numerous branches off a long central stem. These are followed by pale green berries, 10 - 15 mm in diameter, containing small black seeds.

Distribution

Silver Sword Lily is restricted to NSW and has only been recorded in New England National Park, on the eastern edge of the New England Tablelands.

Habitat and ecology

Grows in rock crevices near waterfalls and in seepage lines on rocky slopes in Antarctic Beech rainforest, between 900 - 1150 m altitude.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Trampling of plants by bushwalkers.
Illegal collection by native plant enthusiasts.
Risk of local extinction due to small, restricted population.

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 5 priority actions to help recover the Silver Sword Lily in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Stay on established walking tracks when visiting New England National Park and other parks and reserves.
Enjoy viewing and photographing rare native plants but leave them in the wild.
Protect areas of Antarctic Beech rainforest from clearing and fragmentation.
Report any new records of Silver Sword Lily to the DEC.