Granite Kardomia (formerly Granite Babingtonia) - 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: Kardomia granitica

Conservation status in NSW: Not listed

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Gazetted date: 27 Sep 2013

Profile last updated: 18 Mar 2022

Description

Although Kardomia granitica is no longer listed as threatened in NSW due to the lack of records, the species description should be kept in mind when in suitable habitat. The Granite Kardomia (formerly known as Babingtonia granitica) is a shrub up to 2 m high with fissured grey bark. It has small paired leaves up to 3.3 mm long and 0.7-1.4 mm wide with distinct oil dots on the lower surface. Single white flowers about 6 mm across are borne in the upper foliage between November and January.

Distribution

The Granite Kardomia is restricted to three small populations in the tableland granite country around Stanthorpe, Queensland. There are no records of this species from NSW, but it may occur in Bald Rock National Park.

Habitat and ecology

The Granite Kardomia grows in shallow peaty soil associated with crevices in extensive granite outcrops dominated by heath.
Flowers from November to January.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

New England Tablelands

Threats

Grazing by feral goats.
Vegetation clearing for agricultural purposes, particularly clearing into granite outcrops.
The very small population size places this species at risk to stochastic events.
The limited and fragmented distribution of this species places it at risk of extinction.
Grazing by domestic stock, particularly sheep, may be impacting on this species.
Agricultural burning of habitat particularly where the frequency regularly is less than 12 years.
Climate change in the region is predicted to result in hotter fires and changing temperatures and rainfall patterns, which may impact on the habitat of the species and its reproductive cycles.
Small populations size and isolated habitat may have resulted in loss of genetic diversity.

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

Protect areas of potential habitat from disturbance including fencing to exclude domestic stock.
Report any occurrences of Granite Kardomia in NSW to BioNet.
Carry out opportunistic surveys for Granite Kardomia in likely habitat.
Negotiate formal habitat protection arrangements with landholders.
Undertake feral animal control, particularly for goats, in areas of known habitat.
Ensure viable ex-situ seed bank is maintained.
Implement fire regime recommended for habitat type and allow minimum of 12 years between fires to allow seed bank establishment.
Monitor known populations for population dynamics and threats.
Undertake research into reproductive strategies and requirements and habitat requirements.

Information sources

Bean, A.R. (1997) Reinstatement of the genus Babingtonia Lindl. (Myrtaceae, Leptospermoideae). Austrobaileya 4(4): 642, Map 1.
Stanley, T.D. and Ross, E.M. (1986) Flora of South-Eastern Queensland. Volume 2. Queensland Department of Primary Industries: Brisbane.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

New England Tablelands

Stanthorpe Plateau

Predicted

None

Images

Kardomia granitica flowers Image 1 of 3.
View slideshow.

Related information

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Nature conservation

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