Araluen Zieria - 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: Zieria adenophora

Conservation status in NSW: Critically Endangered

Commonwealth status: Critically Endangered

Gazetted date: 31 Jul 2009

Profile last updated: 22 Feb 2024

Description

Zieria species are shrubs or small trees closely related to the genus Boronia; the four-petalled flowers and aromatic foliage are very similar. Araluen Zieria is a shrub to 1 m tall, with warty branches. The clover-like (trifoliate) leaves are arranged in pairs on short stalks along the stems. Their upper surfaces are conspicuouly warty; the lower surfaces are hairy. The small flowers are white or pale pink, with petals to 3 mm long.

Distribution

The species is currently known only from a single population of only 18 mature plants in 2020 near Araluen, south of Braidwood. There are two other historic records of the species, one from ‘near the Clyde’ in 1889 and the other from ‘Some of the remotest sources of Murrumbidgee at Maneroo’ in 1888. Searches in the Clyde River catchment have failed to re-locate the species there.

Habitat and ecology

Araluen Zieria occurs in shrubland amongst large granite boulders and granite tors on a steep west facing hillside.
The average longevity of individuals in the wild seems likely to be in the order of 10-15 years.
Plants generally flower profusely in the wild and produce plentiful quantities of seed. Major recruitment events appear rare. There was a significant seedling germination event around 2000 and the next major germination event was not until autumn 2020.
The response of the species to fire is unknown. Shrubs show little evidence of resprouting from the rootstocks following die-back caused by drought and this may be an indication that fire would kill most plants.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Trampling, soil disturbance and removal of associated vegetation by goats and wallabies are ongoing threats both directly to individuals and to the habitat.
While the goats do not appear to browse on this species, they cause damage directly to individuals, particularly seedlings by exposing the roots and by trampling.
A severe wildfire may be a threat to this species by killing plants and increasing soil erosion on the steep slope on which the species grows.
The species is susceptible to extinction via stochastic processes due to its small known population size and restricted distribution.
Part of the population occurs on private land and part on Crown leasehold land. There is an inherent risk that possible future changes in land use/ownership could put survival of the population at additional risk.

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

Maintain fence to exclude feral goats from the population.
Monitor the population size and check about every six months that feral goats are being excluded from the site.
OEH to negotiate with the LPMA and the private land-owner for the long-term security for the site
Make adequate seed collection for long term, low temperature storage in Botanic Garden institutions
Search appropriate habitat for more populations.

Information sources

Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2001) Zieria adenophora (a shrub) Recovery Plan. NSW NPWS, Hurstville NSW.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

South East Corner	South East Coastal Ranges	Known	None
South Eastern Highlands	Monaro	Predicted	None

Images

Araluen Zieria, <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/orkology" class="linkBlack100" target="_blank">Orkology</a>

Araluen Zieria, Orkology Image 1 of 5.
View slideshow.

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