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: Pultenaea parviflora
Profile last updated:
22 Aug 2023
Description
Usually a small erect branching shrub to 1m, but up to 1.8 m when in competition with other shrubs. Leaves are alternate, 2 - 6 mm long, 1 -1 .5 mm wide, narrow to broad obovate to cuneate, with an obtuse to slightly notched apex. The upper surface may be paler, or the leaves may be concolorous. Stipules are about 2mm long. Flowers occur between August and November, witha peak in September. The flowers are produced towards the ends of the branches, clustered (dense to somewhat lax) and are 5 - 7 mm long, yellow and pea-like with reddish markings, single in leaf axils. The calyx is 4-5mm long, hairless, with long slender lobes and bracteoles about 4mm long. Fruit are egg-shaped, 5mm long, maturing in December holding seeds which have an aril.
Distribution
Endemic to the Cumberland Plain. Core distribution is from Windsor to Penrith and east to Dean Park. Outlier populations are recorded from Kemps Creek and Wilberforce.
Habitat and ecology
- May be locally abundant, particularly within scrubby/dry heath areas within Castlereagh Ironbark Forest and Shale Gravel Transition Forest on tertiary alluvium or laterised clays.
- May also be common in transitional areas where these communities adjoin Castlereagh Scribbly Gum Woodland.
- Eucalyptus fibrosa is usually the dominant canopy species. Eucalyptus globoidea, E. longifolia, E. parramattensis, E. sclerophylla and E. sideroxylon may also be present or co-dominant, with Melaleuca decora frequently forming a secondary canopy layer.
- Associated species may include Allocasuarina littoralis, Angophora bakeri, Aristida spp. Banksia spinulosa, Cryptandra spp., Daviesia ulicifolia, Dodonaea falcata, Entolasia stricta, Hakea sericea, Lissanthe strigosa, Melaleuca nodosa, Ozothamnus diosmifolius, Styphelia laeta and Themeda australis.
- Often found in association with other threatened species such as Dillwynia tenuifolia, Grevillea juniperina, Micromyrtus minutiflora and Persoonia nutans.
- Flowering may occur between August and November depending on environmental conditions. Pollinators are unknown.
- Current estimates are that reproductive maturity is not reached for 3-4 years, and peak reproduction until 5-6 years. The individual lifespan is estimated at about 20 years.
- Killed by fire and re-establishes from soil-stored seed. There is no evidence of vegetative spread. Ants are implicated in the dispersal of the species as the seed has an aril. Germination can be prolific after a moderate to high intensity fire.
- Populations range in number between 10 and more than 5000 individuals, with disturbance history often important in numbers at a site. This also influences the population structure, with fire-induced recruitment producing a more evenly-aged population than soil disturbances. Dominance at a site largely depends on competition from other shrubby plants.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- fragmentation of habitat for development.
- Potential that vegetation management to protect cemetery assets is insensitive to species needs.
- African lovegrass and other invasive grasses, these increase biomass which fuels fires, as well as resulting in competition and shading.
- Potential for too-frequent fires, especially where weed biomass (perennial grasses) is driving higher intensity fires which can destroy propagules.
- Clearing for rural residential and urbanisation, as well as industrial purposes.
- Uncontrolled vehicular access.
- Illegal dumping - hard waste and green waste.
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
24 priority actions
to help recover the Pultenaea parviflora in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Fire intervals of 10-15 yrs (where there are no needs for asset protection zones)
- Protect areas of known and potential habitat from clearing and further fragmentation.
- Uncontrolled or poorly-controlled access to sites allows for damage tot he plants from recreational vehicle use, and also the dumping of industrial and domestic waste. Fencing and access restriction to sites would minimise this, as would the use of surveillance devices.
- There is competition from weeds (both grassy weeds and shrubby weeds) and the perennial grasses in particular can allow the development of too much fuel too quickly.
Information sources
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (1997) Urban Bushland Biodiversity Survey. Native Flora of Western Sydney. NSW NPWS, Hurstville.
- RTA (2001) Species Impact Statement: Proposed Western Sydney Orbital prepared by Cumberland Flora & Fauna interpretive Services and LesryK for the Road & Traffic Authority, Sydney.
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