Brush Sauropus - 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: Phyllanthus microcladus

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 02 Nov 2023

Description

The Brush Sauropus is a small shrub to 35 cm tall, with stout main branches and small wedge-shaped or rounded leaves clustered on short, fine branchlets. The lower surface of the leaves is sometimes softly hairy and has a prominent midrib. Flowers are small and inconspicuous. The fruit is a round smooth capsule, about 3 mm long, and hangs on a long thin stalk. Until recently the Brush Sauropus was known as Sauropus albiflorus subsp. microcladus.

Distribution

In NSW confined to a few locations in the Tweed, Brunswick, Richmond and Wilson River Valleys with an outlying population near Grafton. Also occurs in south-east Queensland.

Habitat and ecology

Usually found on banks of creeks and rivers, in streamside rainforest or dry rainforest.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Clearing and fragmentation of habitat for agriculture.
Clearing and fragmentation of habitat for development.
Invasion of creekside habitat by introduced weeds including cat's claw creeper, Lantana and soda apple.
Grazing and trampling by domestic stock.
Erosion of banks of creeks and rivers.
Risk of local extinction because populations are small.
Inappropriate fire regimes.

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 4 priority actions to help recover the Brush Sauropus in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Protect areas of streamside rainforest habitat from clearing or development.
Fence areas of known habitat to prevent grazing, trampling and erosion by stock.
Provide stock watering points away from streams.
Remove weeds in areas in known habitat.
Expand and connect remaining fragments of streamside rainforest known habitat.
Support local Landcare groups and bush regeneration teams raise the profile of the species and undertake onground works.
Monitor population dynamics and threats to known populatons.
Report new records of Brush Sauropus to the OEH.
Maintain viable ex-situ seedbank and/or living collection.
Undertake surveys to identify unrecorded populations.

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	Dalmorton	Known	None
Other State	QLD	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Sandstones	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Predicted	None

Related information

NSW Flora Online - Phyllanthus microcladus

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