Bungonia Rice-flower - 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: Pimelea axiflora subsp. pubescens

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Profile last updated: 04 Mar 2024

Description

The Bungonia Rice-flower is a shrub that grows up to 3 m high with smooth or hairy stems. Its leaves are 2-10 mm wide and 5-60 mm long with a curled back margin. Leaves are smooth above, and have prominent secondary veins when viewed from below. The leaf stalk is up to 3 mm long. The flowers are in heads and surrounded by bracts 2-7 mm long. There are 2-10 white flowers in a head, and they are followed by a fruit which is 3-4 mm long and green.

The features that distinguish it from the other subspecies are that young stems have hairs to 1 mm long; the leaf stalk and lower surface of leaves are hairy; the leaves are 6-22 mm long and 2-5 mm wide; and the female flowers are 3-4 mm long.

Distribution

Endemic to NSW and currently only known to occur in the Bungonia State Conservation Area, south east of Goulburn. Occurs in a single population which is estimated to contain a total of 50 to 500 plants within an area of less than 4 square kilometres.

Habitat and ecology

Occurs on limestone cliff edges and outcrops

Regional distribution and habitat

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

South Eastern Highlands

Threats

An unknown pathogen is affecting vegetation adjacent to the population and has the potential to infect the population. Its impact on the species is currently unknown.
Inadvertent or deliberate physical damage by bushwalkers.
Risk of decline due to environmental stochasticity as the species has a highly restricted geographic distribution and low numbers of mature individuals
Possibility that increases in fire frequency could cause local extinction.
Damage to plants from road/track maintenance and widening

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 2 priority actions to help recover the Bungonia Rice-flower in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Conduct searches in other suitable habitat.
Monitor impact of bushwalkers on species. If negative impacts are arising, address by signages, fencing or consider re-routing sections of walking tracks.