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.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Dampiera fusca
Gazetted date:
07 Sep 2007
Profile last updated:
21 Sep 2021
Description
Dampiera fusca is a perennial subshrub to 30 cm high. Its stems have 3 acute angles and may have a covering of brownish-grey hairs. The upper leaves, which are usually bunched towards the top of the stem, are 0.8 - 2.2 cm long and 2 - 8 mm wide with toothed margins. Flowering branches are in 1s or 2s in leaf axils. Each flowering branch is up to 2 cm long and produces 1- 3 flowers. Flowers are light blue, about 8 mm long, with brownish grey hairs on the outer surface.
Distribution
Highly restricted. Currently only known to occur on and near the eastern edge of the Southern Tablelands in New South Wales. Scattered occurrences have been recorded from the northern end of the Kybeyan Range, East-South-East of Cooma, probably all within Wadbilliga National Park. A single population consisting of 20 plants has been located south of Tinderry Peak in Tinderry Nature Reserve. The species is also known from the Australian Capital Territory and Nunniong Plateau in far North-East Gippsland in Victoria.
Habitat and ecology
- The species may germinate in large numbers after fires, rapidly colonising areas and setting seed within two years post-fire. However, few (if any) standing plants are observed in populations 20-30 years post fire.
- Recorded in montane heath, also amongst rock platform and tors interspersed with closed heath. Habitat in the Canberra area is generally restricted to granite ridgetops and plateaux on very shallow soils supporting heath, scrub and heathy snow gum and/or mallee woodland.
- Flowers from October to February. Plant is very hard to observe when not in flower.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Potentially threatened by feral rabbits and goats.
- Given that species is associated with skeletal soils it may be susceptible to future long term reductions in rainfall as a result of climate change.
- Accidental clearing of the species during fire trail maintenance
- Lack of fire leading to build up of native shrubs including Leptospermum that are competing with the species.
- Bulldozing of fire edges.
- Risk of extinction due to small populations.
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
4 priority actions
to help recover the Kydra Dampiera in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Monitor browsing by rabbits and goats and initiate control programs if browsing levels become high.
- Undertake surveys and monitoring in suitable habitat following fires.
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