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.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Persoonia nutans
Profile last updated:
12 Aug 2019
Description
An erect to spreading shrub to 2.5 m high with hairy young branches. Leaves are well separated on mature stems, linear, 1 - 3 cm long, 1 - 1.8 mm wide, usually flat, with recurved margins. They are sparsely hairy when immature, and hairless when mature. Flowers are yellow, pendant to drooping on a stalk to 12 mm long. Flowering typically occurs from November to March. the species is similar to <I>P. bargoensis</I>, which is found in the southern part of the Cumberland Plain and nearer Southern Highlands.
Distribution
Restricted to the Cumberland Plain in western Sydney, between Richmond in the north and Macquarie Fields in the south. The species has a disjunct distribution, with the majority of populations (and 99% of individuals) occurring in the north of the species range in the Agnes Banks, Londonderry, Castlereagh, Berkshire Park and Windsor Downs areas. Core distribution occurs within the Penrith, and to a lesser extent Hawkesbury, local government areas, with isolated and relatively small populations also occurring in the Liverpool, Campbelltown, Bankstown and Blacktown local government areas. The southern and northern populations have distinct habitat differences.
Habitat and ecology
- Northern populations are confined to aeolian and alluvial sediments and occur in a range of sclerophyll forest and woodland vegetation communities, with the majority of individuals occurring within Agnes Banks Woodland or Castlereagh Scribbly Gum Woodland and some in Cooks River / Castlereagh Ironbark Forests. Southern populations also occupy tertiary alluvium, but extend onto shale sandstone transition communities and into Cooks River / Castlereagh Ironbark Forest.
- Peak flowering is from November to March with sporadic flowering all year round.
- An obligate seed regenerator. Seed germination is promoted by fire and also by physical disturbance. Although listed as a short-lived species much of the ecology is poorly known. Maturity is expected in about 10 years.
- Plants appear to set abundant fruit. Seed is likely to be dispersed, after consumption of the fruit, by large birds such as currawongs and large mammals such as wallabies, kangaroos and possums.
- Abundance at a site appears to be related to disturbance history. Sites with higher abundance also appear to be more disturbed.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Habitat loss and fragmentation (due to clearing for mining, and rural/residential development).
- Inappropriate fire regimes, particularly too frequent or too infrequent fire.
- Habitat degradation due to disturbance associated with unrestricted access to habitat.
- Infestation of weed grasses - whisky grass, African lovegrass and to an extent kikuyu in areas with historic dumping or grazing.
- Primarily affected by Acacia baileyana that has naturalized in the area, but also by other non-native and native woody weed species.
- Honeybees will harvest the pollen and nectar, but do not effect pollination.
- Some collection of this species from wild populations occurs for floriculture and nursery trades.
- Sites disturbed by dumping activities can induce germination. Further dumping activity will then smother the germinated plants.
- Sand mining in NW Sydney has directly affected the habitat of this species and ongoing activity of this nature will continue to threaten habitat.
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
- Ensure personnel planning and undertaking hazard reduction burns are able to identify the species and are aware of its habitat.
- Introduce measures to prevent habitat degradation related to unrestricted access to many sites.
- Protect areas of known and potential habitat from clearing and further fragmentation.
Information sources
- Benson, D. and McDougall, L. (2000) Ecology of Sydney plant species. Part 7b: Dicotyledon family Proteaceae to Rubiaceae. Cunninghamia 6(4).
- Bernhardt, P. and Weston, P.H. (1996) The pollination ecology of Persoonia (Proteaceae) in eastern Australia. Telopea 6(4): 775-804.
- Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) (2005) Draft NSW and National Recovery Plan for Persoonia nutans (Nodding Geebung) . NSW DEC, Sydney.
- 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.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (1996) Conservation Research Statement and Species Recovery Plan for Persoonia nutans. Report by NSW NPWS, Hurstville, prepared for the Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Endangered species project 308.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Native Vegetation of the Cumberland Plain - Final Edition. (NSW NPWS, Sydney)
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IBRA Bioregion
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IBRA Subregion
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Known or predicted
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Geographic restrictions region
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| Sydney Basin | Cumberland |
Known
| None |
| Sydney Basin | Sydney Cataract |
Known
| Within 5 km of northen boundary of Sydney Cataract subregion |