Fontainea sp. Coffs Harbour - profile

Indicative distribution

Loading map...

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: Fontainea sp. Coffs Harbour

Conservation status in NSW: Critically Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 15 Oct 2021

Profile last updated: 14 Oct 2024

Description

Small tree to 5m. Bark is grey, smooth to slightly wrinkled. The leaves are 4-9cm long (sometimes up to 13cm) and 2-4cm (sometimes up to 6cm) wide, hairless and somewhat glossy. There are small glands just above the base of the leaf and the leaf stem is slightly swollen where it joins the leaf. Flowers are white and either male or female. The pinky-orange fruit is rounded and approximately 25-30mm long and 16-24mm in diameter.

Distribution

Known only from two sites north of Coffs Harbour in the Coffs Harbour LGA.

Habitat and ecology

Subtropical rainforest and lowland moist brushbox and eucalypt forest.
Occurs in a narrow zone along drainage lines and gullies.
Associated species include Brush Box, Tallowwood, Pink Bloodwood, Blackbutt and Flooded Gum with a rainforest understorey of small to medium sized trees including Red Bean, Murrogun, Forest Maple, Blueberry Ash and Scentless Rosewood, plus many vines, herbs ferns and Bangalow Palms.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

NSW North Coast

Threats

Degradation and loss of habitat for the species due to land clearing for infrastructure development including housing and road construction.
Risk of extinction from stochastic events due to the species’ small population size and extremely restricted distribution.
Weed invasion resulting in degradation of habitat.
Degradation of habitat and direct damage to individuals from recreational users.
Disturbance from agricultural activities, including herbicide spray drift impacting the species and its pollinators.
Too severe or too frequent fire will kill adult plants.
Feral deer browse the trees and damage the bark.
Potential damage to plants from browsing by feral deer.
Potential impacts to plants from agricultural activities including land clearing and pesticide use.

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 0 priority actions to help recover the Fontainea sp. Coffs Harbour in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Liaise with Transport for NSW and local council to provide advice on habitat requirements and protection measures.
Establish translocation population at site using ex-situ material.
Conduct regular species monitoring.
Undertake appropriate restoration and regeneration activities to promote habitat improvement and expansion.
Undertake sensitive weed control, especially in close proximity to Pittosporum sp. Coffs Harbour individuals.
Engage with local landholders and the community to raise awareness of the species and its conservation value to reduce accidental damage from recreational use.
Engage with land managers to promote development of native vegetation buffers.
Engage with local landholders and Transport for NSW to minimise spray drift from adjacent areas.
Avoid fire in habitat areas.
Liaise with relevant agencies regarding deer control.
Fence wild and translocated populations to protect from deer browsing and damage.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW North Coast

Coffs Coast and Escarpment

Known

Restricted to the Kororo Basin.

Nature conservation

Threatened species