Nightcap Plectranthus - profile

Indicative distribution

Loading map...

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: Plectranthus nitidus

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Profile last updated: 18 Dec 2020

Description

A small shrub that grows 30 - 150 cm tall and has rounded leaves with serrated edges. Branches are erect and sparsely covered with short hairs. The leaves are scentless, shiny green and almost hairless above and purple below. The flower is a terminal spike up to 35 cm long with clusters of tubular, blue to mauve flowers that have a longer lower lip.

Distribution

The species occurs within north-east NSW and sout-east Queensland. In NSW it was previously known only from Nightcap National Park near Terania Creek in northern NSW. However, the species has now been recorded as far south as Chaelundi National Park near Nymboida.

Habitat and ecology

Grows on rocky cliff-faces and boulders, in the shelter and shade provided by the adjacent rainforest and dry rainforest.
Co-occurs with Plectranthus graveolens and Crofton Weed.
Little is known of the ecology of this species.
Flowers from February until May.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Invasion of habitat by introduced weeds.
Modification of habitat by removal of surrounding vegetation for forestry.
Modification of habitat by removal of surrounding vegetation for agricultural expansion.
Inappropriate fire regime.
Roadside maintenance activities.
Vulnerable to local extinction as a result of fragmented populations and restricted distribution.
Vulnerable to local extinction as a result of small population size.
Insufficient understanding of species’ taxonomy as other Plectranthus species in these areas share similar characteristics to Plectranthus nitidus (e.g. purple underside of the leaf) and may have been misidentified.
Insufficient understanding of the species’ distribution and abundance, as other Plectranthus species in these areas share similar characteristics to Plectranthus nitidus (e.g. purple underside of the leaf) and may have been misidentified.
Lack of knowledge of the species’ response to climate change, specifically loss of rainforest cover and alterations to cool, moist conditions associated with rainforests. Plectranthus nitidus has been found exclusively under rainforest cover.
Lack of knowledge of the species’ response to fire. Plectranthus nitidus has been found exclusively under rainforest cover. It may be sensitive to high-frequency fire and high-severity fire.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Control introduced weeds in areas of potential and known habitat.
Protect areas of known habitat and adjoining vegetation from disturbance.
Exclude stock from areas of known habitat.
Implement fire regime suitable for the habitat of the species.
Protect areas of habitat from disturbance from road maintenance activities.
Monitor population dynamics and threats at known populations.
Undertake surveys to identify unrecorded populations.
Maintain viable ex-situ seedbank and living collection.
Undertake research into the ecological requirements for the species.
Raise community and landholder awareness of the species and its requirements.

Information sources

Conn, B.J. (1992) Lamiaceae. Pp 623-664 in Harden, G.J. (ed) Flora of New South Wales Volume 3. New South Wales University Press, Kensington.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW North Coast	Chaelundi	Predicted	None
NSW North Coast	Dalmorton	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Sandstones	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Woodenbong	Known	None