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: Commersonia rosea
Gazetted date:
12 Nov 2004
Profile last updated:
16 Sep 2022
Description
A prostrate shrub 0.1 - 0.3 m high, producing trailing branches up to 60 cm long. Branches are densely stellate-hairy (especially on young growth), becoming almost hairless and channelled on older branches. The leaves have a petiole 4-10 mm long, persistent linear stipules, 6-9 mm long and 1 mm wide, and blades that are narrowly oblong to narrowly elliptic, 24-70 mm long, 8-17 mm wide, and stellate-hairy on both surfaces. The inflorescence is a cyme of 1-3 flowers with densely stellate-hairy stalks 2-8 mm long. Flowers have 5 pink, 3-lobed petals. Fruit capsules are globe-shaped, lime-green turning pale brown with age, 10-16 mm diameter, and densely covered in 2-4 mm long bristles. A recent review of the genera Commersonia and Rulingia indicates that they are in need of taxonomic changes, and the name Androcalva rosea has been proposed for this species.
Distribution
Known from the central Hunter valley, extending from near Lee's Pinch in Goulburn River NP in the west to Payne's Crossing near Wollombi in the east. Large numbers where found in northen Wollemi NP south of Martindale following the 2019-20 wildfires.
Habitat and ecology
- Observed flowering in August, November, January and February.
- Occurs on skeletal sandy soils in scrub or heath vegetation with occasional emergents of Narrow-leaved Ironbark (Eucalyptus crebra), Black Cypress Pine (Callitris endlicheri) or E. caleyi subsp. caleyi.
- Given that fire had occurred within 6 - 12 months prior to the location of this species at three of the four sites, it may be a fire ephemeral (that is it appears after fires).
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Environmental and demographic stochasticity due to its small population size
- Disturbance associated with track maintenance
- Inappropriate fire regimes
- Future land development should tenure change
- Browsing by goats and rabbits
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
5 priority actions
to help recover the Commersonia rosea in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Undertake surveys to identify locations; undertake threat assessments and develop protection and recovery actions
- Protect from clearance and disturbance
- Manage plant locations for weed, grazing and fire impacts.
- Protect known locations from grazing and trampling impacts
Information sources
- Bell, S.A.J. and Copeland, L.M. (2004) Commersonia rosea (Malvaceae s.l.: Lasiopetaleae): a new, rare fire-ephemeral species from the upper Hunter Valley of New South Wales. Telopea 10(2): 581-587
- NSW Scientific Committee (2004) Commersonia rosea (a shrub) - Endangered species determination - final.
- Whitlock, B.A., Hale, A.M., Indorf, J.L. and Wilkins, C.F. (2011) Polyphyly of Rulingia and Commersonia (Lasiopetaleae, Malvaceae s.l.). Australian Systematic Botany 24(5): 215–225
- Wilkins, C.F. and Whitlock, B.A. (2011) A new Australian genus, Androcalva, separated from Commersonia (Malvaceae s.l. or Byttneriaceae). Australian Systematic Botany 24(5): 284-349
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