Square-stemmed Olax - 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: Olax angulata

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 17 May 2023

Description

Square-stemmed Olax is an upright shrub, which may be parasitic on the roots of other plants. Its stiff branches are often yellowish in colour, with prominent U-shaped ridges. The branchlets are square in cross-section and are yellow-green or blue-green like the leaves. The leaves are stalkless, arranged alternately, and are smooth, brittle and oval-shaped with a tiny point at the end. Small white flowers are often present with the fleshy, egg-shaped, one-seeded fruits.

Distribution

Known from Wooli, Minnie Water to Sandon in Yuraygir National Park. Also known from north of Grafton in Banyabba Nature Reserve, Fortis Creek National Park and adjoining freehold land at the Pinnacles estate, and in Yuraygir State Conservation Area.

Habitat and ecology

Dry Coastal sanddune heaths and heathy woodlands on sandy soils , often in association with Wallum Banksia (Banksia aemula).
Dry sandstone Sclerophyll Forests and woodlands

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Frequent fire.
Track widening and maintenance, and road maintenance.

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 12 priority actions to help recover the Square-stemmed Olax in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Support local Landcare, Coastcare and bush regeneration teams.
Take care with fire in areas of coastal heath. Undertake research into appropriate fire regimes.
Identify trackside and roadside populations and protect them during works.
Protect known and potential habitat from clearing and development.
Report any occurrences of the species to the DPE.

Information sources

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW North Coast	Yuraygir	Known	None
Ocean	Tweed-Moreton	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Sandstones	Known	None