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: Astrotricha cordata
Gazetted date:
05 Oct 2001
Profile last updated:
19 Nov 2018
Description
Heart-leaved Star Hair is a shrub to 3 m tall with a few upright branches or no branches. Smaller branches are woolly. The leaves are heart-shaped to oval, 12-30 cm long, 7-20 cm wide and with a leaf stem 7-23 cm long. Leaves are hairy or woolly underneath and are shed when fruiting. The purple flowers are borne on branched stems up to 1.2 m tall, and appear in spring. The fruit is winged.
Distribution
Known from Mount Belmore State Forest and Mount Neville Nature Reserve in north-east NSW.
Habitat and ecology
- Grows in dry eucalypt forest on exposed rocky summits, cliff edges and rocky slopes.
- Heart-leaved Star Hair is restricted to approximately five populations occurring quite close to each other in a relatively small area of about 120 square kilometres.
- The population size fluctuates but is estimated to total less than 1000 plants.
- The species is short-lived (two to four years).
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Too-frequent fire. Fires more often than every five years are likely to threaten the survival of populations.
- Track and pipeline construction and maintenance at Brushy Hill.
- Degradation from weeds including lantana
- Disturbance from forestry operations
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Apply appropriate fire regimes i.e. as the plant is short-lived, ensure the fire frequency is greater than five years.
- Protect areas of habitat during forestry activities.
- Conduct targeted surveys in suitable habitat.
Information sources
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Management Plan.
- Henwood, M.J. and Makinson, R.O. (1992) Astrotricha. Pp. 80-4 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 3. (University of New South Wales Press, Kensington)
- NSW Scientific Committee (2001) Astrotricha cordata (a shrub) - Endangered species determination - final.
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