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: Xylosma parvifolia
Gazetted date:
28 Jun 2024
Profile last updated:
28 Jun 2024
Description
Upright shrub 1 - 2 m high. The small, toothed leaves are oval-shaped and 12 mm long by 8 mm wide. The leaf stem is reddish-brown. The plant has separate male and female green, 2 mm long flowers. The purple, rounded fruits are 5 mm long and are held between the branch and the leaf stem.
Distribution
This plant is only found on exposed, remote parts of the southern mountains of Lord Howe Island.
Habitat and ecology
- Grows mostly amongst dense, stunted vegetation on cliffs and ridges, and also in low numbers in Cloud Forest on Mts Lidgbird and Gower.
- Dominant species include Mountain Rose Metrosideros nervulosa, Melicope polybotrya, Alyxia squamulosa, Olearia elliptica and Guioa coriacea.
- Habitat is very steep and exposed.
- All plants are reserved within the Permanent Park Preserve.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Trampling by visitors climbing Mt Lidgbird.
- Predation and browsing by black rats.
- Risk of extinction due to small population size.
- Climate change modifying habitat
- Risk of extinction due to very limited distribution.
- Potential weed invasion through disturbance by walkers.
- General risk of unknown pathogens and/or pest species affecting the species.
- Weed invasion, particularly by Asparagus fern, Cherry Guava and Ochna.
- Reduction in plant health due to competition with native species
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
- Establish ex-situ collections in the event of local extinctions.
- Stay on established tracks when bushwalking on Lord Howe Island.
- Control Black Rats in known habitat.
- Establish monitoring sites to enable early detection of impacts of climate change on Lord Howe Island.
- Monitor population dynamics and threats at known sites.
- Study and monitor populations to determine this plant's biology and ecological requirements.
- Ensure footwear is cleaned when walking to minimise introduction of weeds.
- Support climate change initiatives.
Information sources
- Green, P.S. (1994) Flora of Australia. Volume 49 Oceanic Islands 1. (Australian Government Press Service, Canberra)
- Hutton, I. (2001) Rare plant surveys Lord Howe Island. Report prepared for the NSW Scientific Committee, Sydney.
- Hutton, I. (2002) Field Guide to the Plants of Lord Howe Island. (Ian Hutton, Lord Howe Island)
- Jessup, L.W. (1984) A Revision of Xylosma G. Forster (Flacourtiaceae) in Australia. Austrobaileya 2(1): 78
- NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Xylosma parvifolium (a shrub) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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