Granite Boronia - 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: Boronia granitica

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Gazetted date: 13 Dec 2002

Profile last updated: 11 Oct 2022

Description

Granite Boronia is a medium-sized shrub 0.6 - 2 m tall. Its leaves are divided into nine to eleven leaflets with each leaflet about 2 - 14 mm long and 1 - 2.5 mm wide. When crushed, the leaves have a pungent scent. The leaflets and stems are covered with soft white hairs. Bright pink flowers 6 - 10 mm long appear from July to October.

Distribution

Granite Boronia occurs in scattered localities on the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes north from the Armidale area to the Stanthorpe district in southern Queensland. It can be locally common in appropriate habitat (e.g. Torrington).

Habitat and ecology

Grows on granitic soils amongst rock outcrops, often in rock crevices, and in forests and woodlands on granite scree and shallow soils.
Important site characteristics include low precipitation and high levels of solar radiation. This semi-arid soil environment will have selected the more xerophytic species from the available regional assemblage of rainforest species.
The largely barren substrate (e.g. granite) may help to control too frequent fire, thus allowing maturity and seed set.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

New England Tablelands

Threats

Inappropriate fire regimes including too frequent fires limiting soil seed bank accumulation.
The small, scattered nature of sub-populations means stochastic events such as wildfire can cause to local extinction.
Insufficient understanding of distribution and/or abundance.
Clearing of habitat for agriculture or mining.
Excessive browsing on plants by native herbivores (wallabies) and potentially feral goats. This threat may be exacerbated by drought and post fire when food resources are scarce.
Extreme heat events and prolonged drought are likely to reduce soil moisture for adult plants and germination of seedlings. The species occurs in a narrow climatic envelope, is not deep-rooted and its rock habitat is susceptible to climate change impacts (e.g. drying out).
Phytophthora spp. spread affecting survival of plants
Illegal collection of flowers or seeds by wildflower and horticultural enthusiasts.
Potential loss of pollinators due to, for example, inappropriate fire regimes or climate change. Boronia pollination may involve highly specific pollinators that may be impacted independently of the plant.
Trampling of plants by bushwalkers.
Destruction and disturbance of habitat by bushrock collection.

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

Retain bushrock in its natural setting and obtain rocks for gardens only from licensed dealers.
Stay on established walking tracks when visiting national parks and other reserves.
Enjoy viewing and photographing native wildflowers but leave them in the wild.
Only buy plants from licensed nurseries.
Assist with the control of feral goats in habitat areas.
Manage fire to maintain populations primarily through protection. Liaise with the OEH concerning appropriate long-term fire management.
Protect known populations and habitat areas from grazing stock.
Protect known populations and areas of potential habitat from clearing or disturbance.
Report any new records to the OEH.

Information sources

Clarke, P.J., Knox, K.J.E., Campbell, M.L. and Copeland, L.M. (2009) Post-fire recovery of woody plants in the New England Tableland Bioregion. Cunninghamia 11(2): 221–239
Duretto, M.F. (1999) Systematics of Boronia section Valvatae sensu lato (Rutaceae). Muelleria 12(1): 1-131
Hunter, J.T. and Bruhl, J.J. (1997) Significant range extensions for 10 species of vascular plants in northern New South Wales. Austrobaileya 4(4): 691-4
Hunter, J.T. and Clarke, P.J. (1998) The vegetation of granitic outcrop communities on the New England Batholith of eastern Australia. Cunninghamia 5(3): 547-618
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Recovery Plan for Boronia granitica (Granite Boronia). (NSW NPWS, Hurstville)
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Threatened Species of the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes of NSW. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Boronia granitica (a shrub) - Vulnerable species determination - final.
Weston, P.H. and Duretto, M.F. (2002) Boronia. Pp. 265-275 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Revised Edition Volume 2. (University of New South Wales Press Ltd, Sydney)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

New England Tablelands	Armidale Plateau	Predicted	None
New England Tablelands	Beardy River Hills	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Binghi Plateau	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Eastern Nandewars	Predicted	None
New England Tablelands	Moredun Volcanics	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Severn River Volcanics	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Tingha Plateau	Known	None

Images

Flowers, Granite Boronia <a href="http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/" class="linkBlack100" target="_blank">Botanic Gardens Trust</a>

Flowers, Granite Boronia Botanic Gardens Trust Image 1 of 3.
View slideshow.

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