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: Persoonia acerosa
Profile last updated:
28 Nov 2023
Description
The Needle Geebung is a small, erect to spreading shrub 1 - 2 m tall. Its bright green, pine-like foliage is very distinctive. The small, needle-like leaves are channelled on the upper surface. Flower clusters are produced along leafy shoots, not at the branch tips, as in related species. The yellow tubular flowers are up to 1 cm long and most frequently appear in summer. Fruits are pear-shaped, yellowish-green with brownish-red markings, to 14 mm long and 10 mm in diameter.
Distribution
The Needle Geebung has been recorded only on the central coast and in the Blue Mountains, from Mt Tomah in the north to as far south as Hill Top where it is now believed to be extinct. Mainly in the Katoomba/ Wentworth Falls/ Springwood area.
Habitat and ecology
- The Needle Geebung occurs in dry sclerophyll forest, scrubby low-woodland and heath on low fertility soils.
- Plants are likely to be killed by fire and recruitment is solely from seed.
- This species seems to benefit from the reduced competition and increased light available on disturbance margins including roadsides.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss of habitat through clearing for urban and small-rural-lot development.
- Burning for hazard reduction and other unnatural ignitions have increased fire frequency and may threaten the species’ survival.
- Weed invasion on trail and road margins and on the edge of bushland.
- Many Persoonia species are killed following infection by Phytophthora cinnamomi.
- Habitat disturbance during road maintenance.
- Lack of knowledge about the distribution of the species and threats.
- Localised distribution places the species at risk of extinction.
- Disturbance by recreational trail bikes, 4WDs and rubbish dumping.
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
13 priority actions
to help recover the Needle Geebung in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Ensure that personnel planning and undertaking hazard reduction burns are able to identify the species and are aware of its habitat.
- Following burning, protect populations (where possible) from further fires until plants have reached reproductive maturity.
- Erect on-site markers to alert maintenance staff and road-users to the presence of this species.
- Control threatening weeds where necessary. Avoid spraying weeds close to Needle Geebung plants to ensure they are not impacted by poison.
- Protect known habitat areas from clearing and disturbance.
- Monitor populations for the impact of Phytophthora cinnamomi.
- Mark Needle Geebung sites and potential habitat onto maps used for planning road maintenance work.
Information sources
- Blombery, A. and Maloney, B. (1992) The Proteaceae of the Sydney Region. Kangaroo Press, Kenthurst.
- Fairley, A. and Moore, P. (2000) Native plants of the Sydney district: an identification guide. 2nd Edition. (Kangaroo Press, East Roseville)
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
- Wrigley, J.W. and Fagg, M. (1989) Banksias, Waratahs and Grevilleas and all other plants in the Australian Proteaceae family. Angus and Roberston, Sydney.
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