Indicative distribution
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: Diospyros mabacea
Profile last updated:
11 Oct 2022
Description
Red-fruited Ebony is generally a small tree, though it can grow to 25 m tall. The stem is often crooked, and has dark, scaly bark. The leaves are alternate, and up to 13 cm long. Silky hairs are conspicuous on the new shoots, the zigzag branchlets and the underside of the leaves. Old leaves turn black. The flowers are small and white and the fruits are bright red, about 3 – 4 cm across and globular or egg-shaped. The fruits contain three to four hard, brown, spindle-shaped seeds.
Distribution
Occurs only in north-east NSW. It is found in a few stands on the Tweed and Oxley Rivers, upstream from Murwillumbah, on Stotts Island in the lower Tweed River and one other small population west of Mullumbimby on the Brunswick River. The largest population is in Limpinwood Nature Reserve.
Habitat and ecology
- Usually grows as an understorey tree in lowland subtropical rainforest, often close to rivers.
- Soils are generally basalt-derived or alluvial.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss of habitat through clearing for agriculture or development.
- Browsing and trampling by domestic stock.
- Invasion and competition from various woody and herbaceous weed species inlcuding Lantana, Dutchmans pipe, Castor oil plant, Madeira vine and Cats claw creeper
- Fire affecting the margins of rainforest habitat.
- Change in ownership may lead to grazing or other impacts on the trees.
- Small population size resulting in stochastic events impacting individuals or populations.
- Small populations and isolation leading to low genetic diversity and potential inbreeding depression.
- Seed collection for horticulture.
- Not enough seedlings and young trees to replace mature individuals
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
20 priority actions
to help recover the Red-fruited Ebony in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Buy plants only from licensed nurseries.
- Protect rainforest areas from fire.
- Exclude stock from rainforest areas by fencing.
- Control weeds.
- Protect rainforest habitat from clearing and development.
- Rehabilitate and expand habitat areas to enable regeneration of seedlings.
- Seek a permit from the DEC for the collection of seeds from wild plants.
- Monitor population to establish accurate population estimates and detect evidence of decline.
- Establish ex-situ collections or propagules for potential translocation.
- Undertake translocation to improve genetic diversity and establish populations in modelled climate change refugia.
Information sources
- Harden, G., McDonald, B. and Williams, J. (2006) Rainforest trees and shrubs: a field guide to their identification. (Gwen Harden Publishing, Nambucca Heads)
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2000) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 1. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
|
IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|