Ripple-leaf Muttonwood - 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: Myrsine richmondensis

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Profile last updated: 11 Oct 2022

Description

A very bushy small tree or large shrub, with shiny, wavy edged foliage. Flushes of new growth are lime-green. The leaves are narrow-oval in shape, tapered at both ends, and arranged alternately. Their edges have a thin translucent vein and a groove runs down the upper side of the leaf-stalk. The flowers are small, with prominent raised glands. Blue thin-fleshed fruits with one seed appear in clusters on the stems.

Distribution

Known only from a few populations at Coraki, Boatharbour near Lismore, and the Cherry Tree area west of Casino.

Habitat and ecology

Subtropical and dry rainforest and swamp forest on creek flats and slopes on basalt derived soil and alluvial deposits.
Flowers have been recorded in October and November, fruits have been observed from December to March.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

South Eastern Queensland

Threats

Habitat loss and fragmentation through clearing for agriculture.
Habitat loss and fragmentation through clearing for development.
Fire along the edges of rainforest patches destroying habitat.
Invasion of weeds, particularly Lantana, exotic vines and Honey Locust (Gleditsia species).
Browsing and trampling by stock.
Widening and maintenance of roads.
Risk of extinction because populations are small.
Illegal collection of large amounts of material local botanists and students

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 21 priority actions to help recover the Ripple-leaf Muttonwood in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Protect areas of known habitat from fire.
Exclude stock from areas of known habitat.
Identify populations along roadsides and protect them during road-works.
Control introduced weeds in areas of known habitat.
Protect areas of known and potential habitat from further clearing or development.
Rehabilitate and expand areas of known habitat.
Monitor population dynamics and threats at known sites.
Notify the OEH of additional occurrences of Ripple-leaf Muttonwood.
Provide advice to consent and planning authorities about the ecological requirements and appropriate management actions for the species.
Maintain viable ex-situ seedbank and/or living collection.

Information sources

Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) (2004) Ripple-leaf Muttonwood (Rapanea species A Richmond River) Recovery Plan. NSW DEC, Sydney.
Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2000) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 1. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
NSW Scientific Committee (1998) Rapanea sp. A Richmond River (a shrub/small tree) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Predicted	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Predicted	None
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Predicted	None
South Eastern Queensland	Woodenbong	Known	None

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