Darwinia biflora - 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: Darwinia biflora

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 01 Dec 2017

Description

An erect to spreading shrub to 80cm high. Flowers are green, surrounded by two red bracteoles, and are mostly in pairs.

Distribution

Recorded in Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby, Baulkham Hills and Ryde local government areas. The northern, southern, eastern and western limits of the range are at Maroota, North Ryde, Cowan and Kellyville, respectively.

Habitat and ecology

Occurs on the edges of weathered shale-capped ridges, where these intergrade with Hawkesbury Sandstone.
Associated overstorey species include Eucalyptus haemastoma, Corymbia gummifera and/or E. squamosa. The vegetation structure is usually woodland, open forest or scrub-heath.
Longevity is thought to be 15-20 years. Flowering occurs throughout the year but is concentrated in autumn, with mature fruits being produced from May to August.
Self-pollination is the usual form of pollination. Flowers and fruit are produced 18 months after germination, though at this stage few reach maturity. Maturation rates are higher for plants older than 5 years. Seed viability is high (up to 99%).
Fire is an important factor in the life cycle of this species. Fire kills all plants, but also produces a flush of germination from seed stored in the soil. The number of individuals at a site then declines with time since fire, as the surrounding vegetation develops.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Sydney Basin

Threats

Habitat loss, particularly as a result of clearing for urban and industrial development.
Habitat degradation (from inappropriate fire regimes, slashing for easement maintenance, and illegal track creation).
Current or potential future land management practices do not support conservation
Habitat loss as a result of motorway extension and general road and trail maintenance.
Lantana and exotic grasses encroaching on the edge of habitat and potentially changing fire regimes.
Illegal dumping

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 12 priority actions to help recover the Darwinia biflora in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Implement appropriate fire regimes.
Prevention of mechanical damage and trampling by livestock.
Weed control.
Increase protection of sites, especially in those parts of the species’ range where few sites are in conservation reserves.

Information sources

Auld, T.D., Bradstock, R. and Keith, D. (1993) Fire as a threat to populations of rare plants. Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Program. Report for Endangered Species Project No. 31. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Servic
Auld, T.D., Bradstock, R.A. and Keith, D.A. (1991) Germination of rare plants in relation to fire. Project P154 Final Report for World Wide Fund for Nature Australia. NSW NPWS, Sydney.
Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) (2004) Draft Recovery Plan for Darwinia biflora. NSW DEC, Sydney.
Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (1997) Urban Bushland Biodiversity Survey. Native Flora of Western Sydney. NSW NPWS, Hurstville.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Sydney Basin	Cumberland	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Pittwater	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Yengo	Known	None

Images

Foliage, Darwinia biflora Image 1 of 3.
View slideshow.

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