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: Acacia ausfeldii
Gazetted date:
07 Sep 2007
Profile last updated:
29 Jun 2022
Description
Acacia ausfeldii is an erect or spreading shrub 2 - 4 m high with branchlets angled or flattened, resinous and smooth. The phyllodes (leaves) are narrowly elliptic to linear-oblong, straight to slightly curved, 2 - 7 cm long, 2 - 5 mm wide, hairless and are dotted with resin glands. Acacia ausfeldii phyllodes have a prominent mid-vein and less pronounced lateral veins, they also have an obtuse apex with a short sharp tip. There is a small gland located near the base of the phyllode and the pulvinus is less than 2 mm long. Two or sometimes 3 flower clusters stemming from the leaf axil and the flower stalks are 4 - 9 mm long, hairy and enclosed by small oval shaped bracts. Flower heads are bright yellow and 6 - 8 mm in diameter. Seed pods are straight or slightly curved and 4 - 9 cm long by 2 - 4 mm wide.
Distribution
Found to the east of Dubbo in the Mudgee-Ulan-Gulgong area of the NSW South Western Slopes bioregion, with some records in the adjoining Brigalow Belt South, South Eastern Highlands and the Sydney Basin bioregions. Populations are recorded from Yarrobil National Park, Goodiman State Conservation Area and there is a 1963 record from Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve. A large population is also known from Tuckland State Forest to the northwest of Gulgong.
Habitat and ecology
- Established plants are likely to be killed by fire, as mature and juvenile plants have a single-stemmed growth form.
- Associated species include Eucalyptus albens, E. blakelyi and Callitris spp., with an understorey dominated by Cassinia spp. and grasses.
- Acacia ausfeldii is likely to have a dormant soil seedbank from which germination is stimulated by fire; a small number of seeds have been observed to germinate in the absence of fire.
- When stimulated by fire, germination appears to be reduced at depth, and by low fire temperature. Laboratory experiments show strong germination only at the highest temperature treatment of 100ºC (Brown et al. 2003).
- Flowers from August to October.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Roadside disturbance is a major threat, with half of the remaining populations located within an agricultural landscape on road verges.
- Weed invasion.
- Inappropriate fire regimes, including fire intensity.
- Inappropriate grazing regimes or overgrazing.
- Clearing for agriculture or development removing individuals and habitat.
- Knowledge of the species full distribution and abudance is lacking in many locations.
- The species is likely to require disturbance for reproduction and may senesce without it.
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
1 priority actions
to help recover the Ausfeld's Wattle in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Protect populations present in conservation reserves, state forests and leasehold lands from adverse grazing, and fire regimes.
- Reduce road side disturbance and protect from weed invasion, grazing and small scale clearing.
- Consider installing bollards or fences to protect plants from disturbance.
- Within the distribution of Acacia ausfeldii, educate landholders, public authorities and other stakeholders on the threats, management, status and potential habitat of the species.
Information sources
- Brown J., Enright, N.J. and Miller B.P. (2003) Seed production and germination in two rare and three common co-occurring Acacia species from south-east Australia. Austral Ecology 28(3): 271-280.
- Kodela, P.G. and Harden, G.J. (2002) Acacia. Pp 381-476 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2. Revised Edition (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
- NSW Scientific Committee (2007) Acacia ausfeldii - Vulnerable species determination - final.
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