Mountain Trachymene - 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: Trachymene scapigera

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Profile last updated: 20 Oct 2020

Description

A robust herb that grows to the height of 50cm. White to pinkish flowers appear from December to march with the ripened small fruit appearing in April.

Distribution

The species occurs at around four general locations between Jenolan caves and Gurnang State Forest on the Central Tablelands south east of Oberon. Among these locations, the species occurs in Kanangra-Boyd National Park.

Habitat and ecology

Associated vegetation across known sites varies from riparian tea-tree thickets to tall forest, to frost hollows and includes the following species: Leptospermum obovatum, Eucalyptus fastigata, E. dalrympleana, Acacia melanoxylon, E. stellulata, E. pauciflora, E. rubida.
Despite being perennial, above-ground parts of this herb die back over winter.
Over winter, the leaves turn brown and die with total foliage loss occurring for many patches around July.
By October, regrowth of the foliage has commenced and seedlings emerge.
Flowers from December until March, with seed dispersing in April. Seed viability declines precipitously after dispersal, with almost no viable seed remaining after 12 months.
Can reproduce clonally via rhizomes, often leading to the formation of dense mats or patches of plants.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

South Eastern Highlands

Threats

Disturbance via recreational use (camping, etc.).
Grazing may be a threat by reducing recruitment and rates of establishment.
Sedimentation and erosion smothering populations.
Invasion and competition from various woody and herbaceous weed species, including blackberry and pine.
Inappropriate tracking / road building and changes to hydrology as a result of crossing and tracks.

Recovery strategies

A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click here

Activities to assist this species

Habitat management in the form of fencing or relocation of camping grounds may be required if it becomes apparent that human disturbance and/or overgrazing poses an ongoing threat to this species.
Monitoring is needed to further clarify ongoing threats to this species.

Information sources

Mackenzie, B.D.E. (1996) Population biology and reproductive ecology of Trachymene scapigera. Honours thesis. School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2000) Trachymene saniculifolia. Threatened species profile. NPWS, Sydney.
Powell, J.M. (1991) Apiaceae. In G. J. harden (ed) Flora of New South Wales Volume 3: 87-116. New South Wales University Press, Kensington.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

South Eastern Highlands	Kanangra	Known	None
South Eastern Highlands	Oberon	Known	None

Images

Flowering plant of <I>Trachymene scapigera</I>, near Shooter's Hill. <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/orkology" class="linkBlack100" target="_blank">Greg Steenbeeke, Orkology</a>

Flowering plant of Trachymene scapigera, near Shooter's Hill. Greg Steenbeeke, Orkology Image 1 of 5.
View slideshow.

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