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: Carmichaelia exsul
Gazetted date:
04 Aug 2023
Profile last updated:
21 Aug 2023
Description
A broom-like shrub, one to three metres tall. Adult branches are leafless, flattened, ridged, spreading and drooping. The young shoots have three to five oblong to oval small leaflets. The sweetly-scented small white flowers have purple markings and grow in groups of two to five. Pods are flattened and 10 to 12 millimetres long, and contain 3 millimetre long, pale orange, kidney-shaped seeds.
Distribution
Lord Howe Island Broom is only found on Lord Howe Island, and occurs at less than 20 locations in the southern mountains.
Habitat and ecology
- The Lord Howe Island Broom occurs between 300 - 500 m altitude.
- It is often found at the base of cliffs.
- It grows in Mountain Rose - Fitzgeraldii forest, Mountain Palm forest and mixed fern and herb vegetation.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Weed invasion, particularly by crofton weed, Kikuyu, cherry guava and tiger lily.
- Predation and browsing by black rats.
- Risk of extinction due to small population size.
- Potential for the introduction of diseases (e.g. Phytopthera, myrtle rust) and/or weed seeds by recreational visitors.
- Risk of extinction due to restricted distribution.
- Disturbance of individuals and their habitat by recreational visitors.
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.
- Control and eradication of the Black Rat.
- Undertake weed control works in areas of known habitat.
- Research into the biological control of Crofton Weed and Tiger Lily.
- Study and monitor populations to determine this plant's biology.
- Monitor population dynamics and threats at known sites.
Information sources
- Auld, T.D. and Hutton, I. (2004) Conservation issues for the vascular flora of Lord Howe Island. Cunninghamia 8(4): 490-500
- Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW (2007) Lord Howe Island Biodiversity Management Plan. (DECC NSW, Sydney South)
- 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)
- NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Carmichaelia exsul (a shrub) - Endangered species determination - final.
|
IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|