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: Bertya sp. (Clouds Creek, M. Fatemi 4)
Gazetted date:
04 Dec 2009
Profile last updated:
11 Oct 2022
Description
A shrub to 3 m tall with densely hairy stems. The leaves are arranged opposite each other on the stem, are dark green in colour, and are 50-75 mm long by 9-17 mm wide. The species has separate male and female flowers on the one plant. Fruits are globose, densely hairy, 3-seeded, and 12 mm long by 10 mm wide.
In the past this species has been confused with Bertya opponens which only occurs in NSW west of the Great Dividing Range. Bertya sp. (Clouds Creek, M. Fatemi 4) has previously been included within the broadly defined taxon known as Bertya sp. which is now known to consist of two species - Bertya opponens and Bertya sp. (Clouds Creek, M. Fatemi 4). It is distinguished from Bertya opponens by the presence of stipitate glands near the base of the leaves.
Distribution
Endemic to north-eastern New South Wales where it occurs from the Gibraltar Range, east of Glen Innes, to the Macleay Gorges, south-east of Armidale. Records east of the Great Divide detailed within the Recovery Plan for Bertya sp. Cobar-Coolabah refer to this taxon.
Habitat and ecology
- The species typically occurs within heath or low shrubland vegetation surrounded by stunted eucalypts at altitudes from 300-1000 m above sea level.
- Grows on steep, rocky slopes in shallow soil. The parent material is either granitic or metasedimetary.
- The Gibraltar Range habitat is recorded as a ridge crest immediately above the cliff, with Eucalyptus campanulata, Eucalyptus notabilis and Allocasuarina littoralis woodland.
- Flowers slightly later than Bertya opponens (after August) and are still in seed-set around January and February.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- An inapropriate fire regime such as the total exclusion of fire which may lead to a lack of recruitment of juveniles, or high frequency fires which may kill all adult plants and juveniles before they have set seed.
- Grazing by feral animals such as goats.
- At risk from stochastic events due to very small population size.
- At risk from stochastic events due to highly restricted distribution.
- Poor recruitment at some sites.
- Lack of knowledge regarding the ecological requirements of the species.
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 Bertya sp. (Clouds Creek, M. Fatemi 4) in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Implement an appropriate fire regime for each population that allows sucessful recruitment of young individuals.
- Control feral animals such as goats and pigs.
- Maintain viable ex-situ seedbank and/or living collection.
- Undertake research into the ecological requirements of the species.
- Undertake surveys to identify unrecorded populations.
- Monitor population dynamics and threats at known populations.
- Exclude domestic stock from known populations.
Information sources
- Austen, J.A. (1999) The management of Bertya opponens – a vulnerable shrub: A precursor to the Draft Recovery Plan for the vulnerable shrub Bertya opponens. Unpublished B.Nat.Res thesis available from the University of New England, Armidale.
- Fatemi, M., Gross, C.L. and Bruhl J.J. (2007) The first phenetic analysis of species limits in Bertya (Euphorbiaceae). Australian Systematic Botany 20(5): 448-463
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Bertya sp. Cobar-Coolabah (Cunningham & Milthorpe s.n., 2/8/73) Recovery Plan. (NSW NPWS, Hurstville)
- NSW Scientific Committee (2009) Bertya sp. (Clouds Creek, M. Fatemi 4) - endangered species determination - final
- NSW Scientific Committee (2009) Review of the Schedules of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. A summary report on the review of selected species. (NSW Scientific Committee, Hurstville)
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