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: Rhynchosia acuminatissima
Gazetted date:
02 Apr 2004
Profile last updated:
11 Oct 2022
Description
Pointed Trefoil is a climbing herb with hairy stems. The leaves are divided into three leaflets which are broadly egg-shaped or diamond-shaped, 5-15 cm long and 5-7.5 cm wide, with a pointed tip. Both leaf surfaces are more or less softly hairy, with the upper surface often becoming hairless. The leaf stem is 3-10 cm long. The flower spikes are 5-15 cm long, and have 20-50 yellowish-green flowers which are 10-12mm long. These occur in spring-summer. The fruit is a 20-30 mm long oblong pod, and is densely covered with short, velvety, greenish-yellow hairs. There are two rounded, blue-black seeds in each fruit that are around 5mm long.
Distribution
It occurs in Queensland and NSW and is known from only nine locations north of Lismore, six of which occur within National Parks and Nature Reserves, and three in State Forests. Populations are generally small, comprising few individuals scattered over a wide area.
Habitat and ecology
- Pointed Trefoil is found in or near dry rainforest dominated by Hoop Pine.
- Other species with which Pointed Trefoil is associated include Brush Box Lophostemon confertus, Grey Ironbark Eucalyptus siderophloia, Rough-leaved Elm Ahananthe philipinensis and Native Holly Alchornea ilicifolia.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss or degradation Destruction of habitat and individuals in state forest
- Road and track maintainance.
- Lack of knowledge on how the species responds to fire and the appropriate fire regime for the species.
- Weeds out compete pointed trefoil for resources, which reduces habitat suitability and suppresses recruitment and growth of individual plants. Lantana enhances the risk of fire to the species.
- Risk of localised extinction due to small population size.
- Lack of knowledge on what pollinates the species and how it is dispersed.
- Bell miner associated dieback through a loss of structural diversity as Lantana dominates the understory.
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
6 priority actions
to help recover the Pointed Trefoil in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Assist with the prevention of too-frequent fires in habitat areas.
- Identify roadside populations and protect during roadworks.
- Assist with weed control activities, particularly of Lantana, in potential habitat.
- Protect populations and areas of habitat during forestry activities.
Information sources
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
- NSW Scientific Committee (2004) Rhynchosia acuminatissima (a climbing herb) - Vulnerable species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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