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.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Prostanthera palustris
Gazetted date:
09 Aug 2024
Profile last updated:
12 Aug 2024
Description
Swamp Mint-bush is a low, straggling, herb-like shrub with a few slender branches up to 90 cm long. It winds inconspicuously through other vegetation. Unlike many other mintbushes, it has little or no aromatic smell. The leaves are less than 1 cm in length, spoon-shaped, mid-green above and paler below. The small, lobed flowers are pale mauve with a yellow-dotted white throat.
Distribution
Known from Tabbimoble Swamp Nature Reserve and five sub populations in Bundjalung National Park
Habitat and ecology
- Grows in in wet shrubland to heathland subject to extended waterlogging in poorly drained white siliceous sandy soil with a high organic content.
- Flowers from Febuary to June. Fruit has been recorded in Febuary.
- Recruits predominantly by seed post fire 20% of plants resprouts from basal stem buds after fire.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Inappropriate fire regimes including high frequency fires.
- Damage to plants during track maintenance.
- Trampling by visitors to the national park.
- Species is susceptible to Phytopthora.
- Risk of local extinction because populations are small.
- Feral pigs damage 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
- Protect areas of known and potential habitat from clearing.
- Identify plants and protect them during road maintenance works.
- Protect areas of habitat from high frequency fire.
- Stay on established tracks when visiting national parks to avoid damaging delicate plants.
- Notify the OEH of any additional occurrences of Swamp Mint-bush.
- Control feral pigs in areas of known or potential habitat.
- Monitor population dynamics and threats at known populations.
- Undertake surveys to identify unrecorded populations.
- Maintain viable ex-situ seedbank.
- Raise community and landholder awareness of the importance of the species habitat in supporting threatened species.
- Undertake research into the ecological requirements and appropriate fire regime for the species.
Information sources
- Conn, B. (1997) Four rare and/or threatened new species of Prostanthera Section Prostanthera (Labiatae) from New South Wales. Telopea 7(3), 231-244.
- Griffith, S.J., Bale C, Adam, P., and Wilson, R. (2003) Wallum and related vegetation on the NSW North Coast: description and phytosociological analysis. Cunninghamia Vol. 8, pp. 202-252.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
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