Olinda Bush-pea - profile

Indicative distribution

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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: Pultenaea aculeata

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Gazetted date: 28 Feb 2025

Profile last updated: 17 Mar 2025

Description

An erect to procumbent shrub reaching a height of 0.5 to occasionally 2 m tall with spreading hairy stems. The needle like leaves are alternate, crowded on upper parts of branches, linear, cylindrical, with a groove on the upper surface, lower surface darker than upper and are to 10 mm x 1 mm in size. The pea-like flowers are bright yellow with a red/brown keel and appear in spring. Fruit is a swollen pod to 6 mm long. Considered part of the Pultenaea glabra species complex which is the subject of ongoing research.

Distribution

Known only within a restricted distribution east of Rylstone with the majority of known individuals occur within Wollemi National Park.

Habitat and ecology

Confined to ledges and clefts associated with pagoda rock formations. It occurs as a component of heath communities with or without a sparse Eucalyptus and/or Callitirs canopy on shall, sandy and infertile soils.
Appears to possess a hard impermeable seed coat and fire may play a critical role in providing recruitment opportunities. Field observations have also confirmed a resprouting habit post fire.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Inappropriate fire regime with long fire intervals may limit recruitment as seed germination appears to be fire dependent and old plants appear to be rejuvenated by re-sprouting after fire.
Habitat degradation and plant damage by off-track orienteering and recreational activities in Pagodas, including potential for foot-traffic spread of soil-borne diseases.
Disturbance from activities associated with track maintenance.
Domestic and feral goats grazing, trampling and degrading habitat.
Potential threat of infection from the root-rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi.
Small population size and restricted distribution put species at risk of local extinction and decline in genetic diversity.
Extended drought due to climate change likely to cause irreversible population declines.

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 10 priority actions to help recover the Olinda Bush-pea in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Survey of known populations, and potential habitat, to provide greater insight into the current status of the taxon, threats to its persistence and management actions required.