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: Pimelea spicata
Profile last updated:
12 Aug 2019
Description
The Spiked Rice-flower is a shrub to 50 cm tall that may be erect or somewhat spreading in habit. The leaves are opposite and elliptical, to 20 mm long by 8 mm wide, and usually held outwards from the stem. The white, pink-tinged flowers are tubular, to 10 mm long, with four spreading petals. They may appear at any time of the year, but are mostly seen in summer as they are probably related to rainfall. Inflorescences start as dense clusters (like most rice flowers) and then extend along an elongating stem as the inflorescences age (the only species of Pimelea in Greater Sydney to do this).
Distribution
Once widespread on the Cumberland Plain, the Spiked Rice-flower occurs in two disjunct areas; the Cumberland Plain (Marayong and Prospect Reservoir south to Narellan and Douglas Park) and the Illawarra (Landsdowne to Shellharbour to northern Kiama).
Habitat and ecology
- In both the Cumberland Plain and Illawarra environments this species is found on well-structured clay soils.
- On the Cumberland Plain sites it is associated with Grey Box communities (particularly Cumberland Plain Woodland variants and Moist Shale Woodland) and in areas of ironbark.
- The co-occurring species in the Cumberland Plain sites are grey box (Eucalyptus moluccana), forest red gum (E. tereticornis) and narrow-leaved ironbark (E. crebra). Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa) is often present at sites (and may be important in protection from grazing) and kangaroo grass (Themeda australis) is usually present in the groundcover (also indicative of a less intense grazing history).
- In the coastal Illawarra it occurs commonly in Coast Banksia open woodland with a better developed shrub and grass understorey. Coastal headlands and hilltops are the favoured sites.
- the IIllawarra populations usually occur in one of two communities - a woodland or a coastal grassland. Woodland sites are dominated by forest red gum (E. tereticornis) and stringybark (E. eugenioides), with a groundcover dominated by kangaroo grass (Themeda australis) and matrush (Lomandra longifolia). The grassland sites are dominated by kangaroo grass (Themeda australis) and matrush (Lomandra longifolia), with blady grass (Imperata cylindrica). A shrubby layer, where present, is dominated by coastal wattle (Acacia sophorae) and coast rosemary (Westringia fruticosa) with coast banksia (Banksia integrifolia).
- Mature plants spread over short distances through underground rhizomes, and this can assist them to recover from disturbances like fire and irregular grazing. However, the age plants must be, and what proportion recover, is largely unknown.
- Flowers may be self-pollinating, although fruit production is variable. Fruit are not dispersed well, with most seedlings germinating close to the adult (within 30cm or so according to P. Hogbin). A soil seedbank develops and is maintained in the presence of a suitable disturbance regime.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss of habitat to urban development.
- High frequency fire will cause death of young individuals and stop recruitment to populations.
- Mowing, grazing, spraying or other types of similar habitat modification.
- Illegal dumping of rubbish.
- Slashing along fire trials causing damage to the species
- Weeds including African olive, African boxthorn, Lantana, privets, green cestrum, blackberry, crofton weed, bridal creeper and exotic grasses pose an increasing threat to this species.
- Changed hydrology and soil movement.
- Nutrient-rich run-off / run-on.
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 that personnel planning and undertaking hazard reduction burns are able to identify the species and are aware of its habitat.
- Control threatening weeds where necessary. Avoid herbicide use close to Spiked Rice-flower plants to ensure they are not impacted by poison.
- Protect known habitat areas from clearing and disturbance.
Information sources
- 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.) (2000) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 1. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
- Robinson, L. (2003) Field guide to the native plants of Sydney. 3rd Edition. (Kangaroo Press, East Roseville)
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