Callitris oblonga subsp. parva - 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: Callitris oblonga subsp. parva

Conservation status in NSW: Critically Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 13 Sep 2024

Profile last updated: 13 Nov 2024

Description

Pygmy Cypress Pine is a bushy shrub, to about 5 m tall but usually less with a pine or ‘Christmas tree’ appearance. It has pale green foliage and grey-brown cones about 12 to 15 mm in diameter. It is generally smaller and grows in wetter, more easterly habitats than the more common Black Cypress Pine C. endlicheri or White Cypress Pine C. glaucophylla.

Distribution

Pygmy Cypress Pine is represented by two subspecies in NSW and one in Tasmania. The subspecies parva occurs in northern NSW on the eastern edge of the New England Tablelands and the subspecies corangensis is only known to occur naturally in the Corang River catchment.

Habitat and ecology

Usually grows in sand along watercourses in shrubland and open woodland in granite country; it also occurs in drier sites, including exposed ridges.
Plants are naturally killed by flood-waters, but seed germinates readily and mature plants are quickly replaced.
A fast-growing species, which is killed by fire.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Clearing and fragmentation of habitat for agriculture.
Frequent fire, fire interval is greater than 20 years.
Grazing by domestic stock, rabbits and feral goats.
Weed invasion, particularly by blackberry and potentially from Pinus radiata and broom.
Destruction and disturbance of habitat for roadworks and roadside maintenance activities including slashing, weed-spraying and grading.
Damage by trail bikes on undesignated trails in national parks.
Erosion through removal of streamside vegetation.
Risk of local extinction due to small, scattered populations.
The species is potentially susceptible to infection by Phytophthora cinnamomi.

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 10 priority actions to help recover the Callitris oblonga subsp. parva in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Control feral goats and rabbits in habitat areas.
Protect known populations from frequent fire.
Protect known populations and habitat areas from grazing stock.
Identify and protect populations and areas of habitat along roadsides and illegal tracks.
Control weeds in habitat areas.
Protect areas of known and potential habitat from clearing, fragmentation or disturbance.
Expand and reconnect isolated remnants of habitat.

Information sources

Benson, J.S. and Ashby, E.M. (2000) Vegetation of the Guyra 1:100 000 map sheet New England Bioregion, New South Wales. Cunninghamia 6(3): 747-872
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
Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Management Plan.
Harden, G.J. and Thompson, J. (2000) Callitris. Pp 84-6, 567-9 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 1. Revised Edition (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
Hunter, J.T. (2005) Vegetation and floristics of Warra National Park and Wattleridge, Northern Tablelands, NSW. Cunninghamia 9(2): 255-274
Hunter, J.T. (2008) Vegetation of Basket Swamp National Park, Northern Tablelands, New South Wales. Cunninghamia 8(4): 453–466
Nadolny, C. and Benson, J. (1993) The Biology and management of the Pigmy Cypress Pine (Callitris oblonga) in NSW. Species Management Report No. 7. (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

New England Tablelands	Armidale Plateau	Predicted	East of Chandler River
New England Tablelands	Ebor Basalts	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Nightcap	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Round Mountain	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Stanthorpe Plateau	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Walcha Plateau	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Wongwibinda Plateau	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Upper Manning	Known	None
South Eastern Highlands	Bungonia	Known	Corang River catchment and between Charleyong and Nerriga

Images

Pygmy Cypress Pine, <em>Callitris oblonga</em> subsp. <em>corangensis</em>, Keith McDougall

Pygmy Cypress Pine, Callitris oblonga subsp. corangensis, Keith McDougall Image 1 of 7.
View slideshow.

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