Fragrant Pepperbush - 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: Tasmannia glaucifolia

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 21 Aug 2019

Description

A bushy shrub growing up to 3 m tall. It has glossy deep green leaves 4 - 6 cm long and 4 - 15 mm wide, with fine lumps on the underside, and maroon branches. The small white flowers are followed by shiny, deep purple-black berries which are held in groups of one to three. When crushed, the leaves have a spicy or peppery smell.

Distribution

Known from several locations at high altitude in north east NSW, mainly the Barrington Tops National Park, Gloucester Tops National Park, New England National Park (Point Lookout) and potentially Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve.

Habitat and ecology

Usually grows in or near Antarctic Beech Nothofagus moorei rainforest along streams in mountain areas at altitudes of between 1200 and 1500 m altitude.
Also occurs in tall scrub, on seepage lines in tall eucalypt forest and in grassy woodland.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Grazing and trampling by feral horses and feral pigs.
Weed invasion, particularly by scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius).
Clearing of habitat for agriculture.
Trampling of plants by bushwalkers.
Susceptibility to dieback caused by root rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi).
Insufficient understanding of species phylogeny.

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 12 priority actions to help recover the Fragrant Pepperbush in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Stay on established walking tracks when visiting national parks.
Observe hygiene protocols and track closure signs in national parks.
Assist with the control of feral grazing animals.
Retain and protect areas of high elevation rainforest, scrub and tall eucalypt forest.
Protect known populations and habitat areas from grazing stock.
Assist with the control of introduced weeds in habitat areas.

Information sources

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Lower North Coast of New South Wales. (NSW NPWS, Hurstville)
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Threatened Species of the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes of NSW. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

New England Tablelands	Ebor Basalts	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Round Mountain	Predicted	None
New England Tablelands	Walcha Plateau	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Wongwibinda Plateau	Predicted	None
NSW North Coast	Barrington	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Chaelundi	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Coffs Coast and Escarpment	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Guy Fawkes	Known	None