Noah's False Chickweed - 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: Lindernia alsinoides

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 27 Aug 2004

Profile last updated: 07 Jun 2022

Description

Diffuse or erect annual herb to 15 cm high. Leaves are opposite, 5-10 mm long and 1.5-5 mm wide, oval-shaped to more or less circular at the base of the plant and almost linear near the flowers. There are 3 veins from the base of the leaf. The leaf stalk is 3 mm long. There are 1-8 blue and white hooded and lobed flowers, approximately 5.5-8.5 mm long. Flowers spring and autumn.

Distribution

Recorded in the mid-coastal areas from Bulahdelah to Coopernook, including coastal populations at Forster (e.g. Cape Hawke); and with occurrences further north at Shannon Creek west of Coutts Crossing and also at Bungawalbyn and near Casino, in the far NSW North Coast.

Habitat and ecology

Grows in swamp forests and wetlands along coastal and hinterland creeks

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Loss and degradation of habitat.
Small size of known populations makes it vulnerable.
Trampling by stock, particularly during drought.
Inappropriate fire regimes which do not allow for the regeneration of the species.
Lack of knowledge of the species's distribution and management requirements.
Cryptic nature of the species, and its similarity to the exotic Lindernia procumbens, makes it easy to be overlooked.
Lack of grazing or slashing disturbance causes increases in density of Melaleuca quinquenervia that competes for space and resources with Lindernia alsinoides.
Encroachment of weeds, including camphor laurel, lantana, vasey grass and whisky grass competing for space and resources.
Habitat destruction from feral deer accessing the swamp. Deer wallow and trample the substrate (peat), create pools and destroy individuals. Likely to have increasing impact.

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 7 priority actions to help recover the Noah's False Chickweed in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Manage fire to encourage regeneration of the species and its habitat.
Ensure consideration of the species' cryptic nature in developing and implementing works.
Protect areas of habitat from clearing or disturbance.
Report new records to the DEC.
Undertake studies into population fluctuation and time(s) of year the species is above ground, flowering and fruiting.
Ensure adequate surveys in suitable habitat at appropriate time of year.

Information sources

NSW Scientific Committee (2004) Lindernia alsinoides (a herb) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Nandewar	Nandewar Northern Complex	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Karuah Manning	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Macleay Hastings	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Sandstones	Known	None

Images

Flowers of Lindernia alsinoides Image 1 of 2.
View slideshow.

Related information

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