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: Commersonia prostrata
Profile last updated:
30 Jun 2023
Description
Dwarf Kerrawang is a ground-hugging shrub that forms mats to more than 1 m across. Its leaves are up to 4 cm long and 2.5 cm wide, on 5 to 20 mm long leaf-stalks. The leaves have irregular, rounded teeth and scattered star-shaped hairs on the lower surface. The flowers are star-shaped, 3 to 4 mm across, and are produced in clusters of three to 12 flowers. Flowers are initially white, becoming pale pink with age. Flowering is mainly between October and November. The fruit is a dry, hairy, spherical capsule about 9 mm across.
Distribution
Dwarf Kerrawang occurs on the Southern Highlands and Southern Tablelands (one plant at Penrose State Forest, one plant at Tallong, a small population near the Corang and about 2000 plants at Rowes Lagoon), a larger population in the Thirlmere Lakes area (particularly among the dying reeds at the edge of the water), and on the North Coast (less than 100 plants at the Tomago sandbeds north of Newcastle). It is also found in Victoria.
Habitat and ecology
- Occurs on sandy, sometimes peaty soils in a wide variety of habitats: Snow Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora) Woodland and Ephemeral Wetland floor at Rowes Lagoon; Blue leaved Stringybark (E. agglomerata) Open Forest at Tallong; and in Brittle Gum (E. mannifera) Low Open Woodland at Penrose; Scribbly Gum (E. haemostoma)/ Swamp Mahogany (E. robusta) Ecotonal Forest at Tomago.
- Associated native species may include Imperata cylindrica, Empodisma minus and Leptospermum continentale.
- Appears to respond positively to some forms of disturbance (e.g. some Victorian records are from gravel road surfaces and the Tomago population is on an area previously subject to sandmining), however, there are conflicting reports about the response of the species to fire.
- The population at the Thirlmere lakes is most abundant in the areas of prior lake bed exposed by the dropping water levels. It is uncertain how long this may remain the case, as many of the individuals are very large, growing among the decomposing bases of bulrushes. It is also found among wattle thickets in the drainage line between the lakes.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Some sites are vulnerable to road works and other maintenance activities.
- Vulnerable to grazing and trampling by stock.
- Vulnerable to rural subdivision development.
- Poor understanding of responses to environmental conditions and management practices could result in inappropriate management actions or inactions.
- Invasive weeds directly competing with Rulingia include; Blackberry, Lantana, Radiata Pine, exotic grasses, as well as a range of annual weeds (including fireweed).
- Long wall mining operations causing lake subsidence leading to colonisation of lake shores by forest vegetation - shading out Rulingia prostrata.
- Lack of fire to stimulate germination and open up canopy
- Potentail spread of phytophora from nearby areas
- Browsing and mechanical disturbance by rabbits
- Vulnerable to trampling by walkers.
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 Dwarf Kerrawang in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Protect known populations from changes to land use and adverse disturbances.
- Develop translocation trials to establish new populations in safe sites (e.g. in adjacent or nearby national parks, nature reserves and other secure sites).
- Undertake research and trials into the species’ response to disturbance.
- Mark sites and potential habitat onto maps (of the farm, shire, region, etc) used for planning (e.g. road works, residential and infrastructure developments, remnant protection, rehabilitation).
- Search for new populations in potential habitat.
Information sources
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2000) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 1. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
- Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.J. (1998) Flora of Victoria; Volume 3, Dicotyledons Winteraceae to Myrtaceae. (Inkata Press, Melbourne)
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