Veronica blakelyi - 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: Veronica blakelyi

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 05 Apr 2024

Profile last updated: 01 Aug 2024

Description

A small hairless and bluish shrub to 50 cm high, with one to several erect, softly woody stems arising from a narrow rootstock; stems are mostly unbranched below the flower sprays, and die back after fruiting. The roundish leaves are usually V-shaped in cross section, and are mostly 2.5 - 5.5 cm long, 10 - 20 mm wide, with a point at the tip. Sprays of the small bright blue - violet flowers are 8 - 40 cm long and produced in summer. The Royal Botanic Gardens list this species as Veronica blakelyi.

Distribution

Restricted to the western Blue Mountains, near Clarence, near Mt Horrible, on Nullo Mountain and in the Coricudgy Range. Over this range, occurrences are patchy and generally small in in size.

Habitat and ecology

Occurs in eucalypt forest, often in moist and sheltered areas. Associated canopy species include Eucalyptus dives, E. dalrympleana, E. rossii and E. pauciflora.
At known locations, populations are generally restricted in distribution and abundance.
Flowers in late Spring through to early Summer.
The species appears to resprout after fire, although an optimal fire regime (frequency, intensity, etc) is unknown.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Loss of habitat by clearing.
Inappropriate fire regimes.
Susceptible to extinction from these and other human-induced or random natural events, because of its very restricted distribution, small size and limited genetic base of its total population.
Until susceptibility to phytophthora is determined, disease and its spread remains a threat.
Disturbance to habitats and direct damage by vehicles, rubbish dumping and recreational throughout distribution.
Changes in hydrology due to mining activities

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 Veronica blakelyi in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Establish and maintain ex-situ collection of seed and plants.
Investigate and implement optimal fire regimes that maintain floristic and structural diversity.
Protect areas of occupied habitat that provide a buffer for expansion of local populations.
Investigate appropriate fire regime for the species.

Information sources

NSW Scientific Committee (2000) Derwentia blakelyi (a shrub) - Vulnerable species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW South Western Slopes	Capertee Valley	Predicted	None
South Eastern Highlands	Bathurst	Predicted	None
South Eastern Highlands	Capertee Uplands	Known	None
South Eastern Highlands	Hill End	Known	None
South Eastern Highlands	Kanangra	Predicted	None
South Eastern Highlands	Oberon	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Burragorang	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Wollemi	Known	None

Images

Derwentia blakelyi Image 1 of 5.
View slideshow.

Related information

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