Phebalium speciosum - 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: Phebalium speciosum

Conservation status in NSW: Critically Endangered

Commonwealth status: Critically Endangered

Gazetted date: 16 Dec 2016

Profile last updated: 23 Feb 2024

Description

Phebalium speciosum is a shrub to three metres tall. The specific name refers to the showy, spectacular appearance of the plant. It has lanceolate to narrow elliptic slightly recurved leaves that are 25- 84mm long and 7.5mm-22mm wide. The upper leaf surface is dark green with dense silver-star hairs, and the lower surface is covered with rusty hairs and silver scales. Flowers are held in stalkless clusters of four to eight flowers. The flowers have six to eight white to pale pink petals, 12-14 pink stamens and yellow anthers. The species is recorded flowering in June, August and February. Phebalium speciosum can be confused with P. woombye and P. nottii. Key differences are: the pink flower colour; larger leaf size; star- hairiness and lanceolate/elliptic leaf shape; the greater number of flowers; and the larger size of the flowers.

Distribution

Phebalium speciosum has a very highly restricted distribution on the far north coast of New South Wales, located about 6-8km south south west of Urbenville, 80k from Lismore, in the NSW North Coast Bioregion. It is only known from two localities at Battery Hill in Yabbra State Forest and Callawajune Mountain in Yabbra National Park.

Habitat and ecology

Phebalium speciosum grows at the base of the acid volcanic outcrops, on the steeper midslopes on skeletal clay-loam soils, and also on top of the escarpment among rocks, at 350–450 m altitude
Associated plant species are recorded as Eucalyptus microcorys, Corymbia intermedia, Allocasuarina littoralis, Bossiaea rupicola and Leptospermum polygalifolium.
There are estimated to be approximately 1150 mature individuals between two subpopulations of Phebalium speciosum.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

South Eastern Queensland

Threats

Lantana forms dense thickets that compete with P. speciosum.
Forms dense thickets that compete with P. speciosum.
Pine Wildlings invade populations from adjoining pine plantation.
Trampling by recreational users is a threat at Battery Hill including rock climbing and walking tracks.
Road maintenance of pine plantation perimeter road may threaten populations.
Pesticide and herbicide spraying occurs in adjoining pine plantation.
Trend in population number and/or decline is not documented
The fire regime for this species is not known to inform management
Spraying and harvesting activities potentially disturb populations.
Highly restricted distribution puts the species at risk of extinction via stochastic events
Potential for the species to be susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi.
Potential for the species to be illegally collected from the wild.

Recovery strategies

A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click here

Activities to assist this species

Control and remove Lantana camara (Lantana) and Ligustrum sinense (Privet), two noxious weeds that form dense thickets and compete with juvenile Phebalium speciosum.
Secondarily target other weed species present in the area, including Solanum mauritianum (Wild Tobacco), Ageratina adenophora (Crofton), Sporobolus fertilis (Giant Parramatta Grass), Passiflora subpeltata (White Passionfruit), Passiflora edulis (Passionfruit), Ambrosia sp. (Ragweed), Bidens pilosa (Farmers Friend), Paspalum mandiocanum (Broad-leaved Paspalum) and Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor Laurel).
Limit the spread of pine wildings.
Trampling by recreational users is a threat at one site (Battery Hill). Establishing fenced walking tracks and/or installing informational signage would be effective ways to combat this threat.
Develop a targeted seed collection program for ex situ seed banking. Establish living collections in botanical gardens.
Use signage and community engagement to inform rock climbers visiting the Battery Hill site about Phebalium speciosum, and how they can help to protect this species.
Work with adjoining pine plantation managers to ensure that pine plantations expansion, road maintenance, and pesticide spraying and fertilization application does not adversely impact on population of P. speciosum.
Survey in flowering time of habitat at North Oblelisk Mountain Cunninghams Hill and Callawjune Mountain.
Monitor trends in population size at known locations
Establish through monitoring fire response of this species to inform management.