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: Phyllota humifusa
Profile last updated:
18 Mar 2024
Description
Dwarf Phyllota is a prostrate shrub with hairy leaves, at least when they are young. Its small threadlike leaves are up to 10 mm long and 0.75 mm wide, with a small, pointed tip. Its small pea-shaped flowers are few, or solitary, growing in leafy spikes towards the ends of branches. The standard (the broad top petal) is orange-yellow to reddish-brown, the wing-petals in front are yellow and the keel-petals, are reddish-brown. Flowers appear in late spring and summer.
Distribution
Dwarf Phyllota is known from the southern Blue Mountains (Bimlow Tableland), the Joadja area west of Mittagong and Penrose area near Paddys River.
Habitat and ecology
- The species occurs in dry sclerophyll forest, sometimes near swamps, in deep sandy soils or gravely loams over a sandstone substrate. Accompanying trees are often Brittle Gum Eucalyptus mannifera, Narrow-leafed Peppermint E. radiata or Sydney Peppermint E. piperita.
- Plants apparently resprout following fire.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Threatened by sand and sandstone mining, both directly and through changes to hydrology.
- Possibly threatened by forestry activities in close proximity to populations.
- Some populations threatened by potentially insensitive land use practices.
- Potential for road maintenance activities to disturb, damage or remove plants.
- The species is likely to be more widespread than is known, its distribution in some areas is poorly known.
- Habitat invasion and competition by pine wildlings reduces habitat suitability and constrains population growth.
- Invasion by various herbaceous weeds, often on roadsides or patches opened up by fire.
- Potential for disturbance to individuals and habitat by mountain bikes and other human activities.
- Too-frequent fire is likely to remove individuals and disrupt reproduction.
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
3 priority actions
to help recover the Dwarf Phyllota in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Searches should be conducted in suitable habitat in proposed development areas.
- Negotiate management agreements with quarrying companies and State Forests.
- Search for further populations in appropriate habitat.
Information sources
- Benson, J. (1986) Survey and assessment of the conservation status of the endangered plants Phyllota humifusa. National Parks and Wildlife Service.
- 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.
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