Nature conservation

Threatened species

Comesperma scoparium - 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: Comesperma scoparium
Conservation status in NSW: Extinct
Commonwealth status: Not listed
Profile last updated: 07 Sep 2017

Description

Comesperma scoparium, also known as Broom Milkwort, is a small broom-like shrub that grows up to 1.2 metres high and produces blue flowers between February and November. It is branched from the base and above. The stems are erect and the leaves are small and triangular, 1.5 to 2 millimetres long.

Distribution

The species occurs in the states of Western Australia, South Australia, and Victoria. It appears to have been collected in NSW during the 19th Century by Ferdinand von Mueller from the "Desert of the Darling, near Fitzgerald Range" and as growing on sandy soils in south west NSW later that century. However, there are no records for the species in NSW at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, and it is considered to be extinct in this state.

Habitat and ecology

  • Broom milkwort is found in habitats of sandy and gravelly soils in undulating plains.
  • It flowers between the months of July and October.


Threats

Recovery strategies

Activities to assist this species

Information sources

IBRA Bioregion IBRA Subregion Known or predicted Geographic restrictions region
Other StateSA Known None
Other StateVIC Known None