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.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Eidothea hardeniana
Gazetted date:
18 Jan 2002
Profile last updated:
20 Aug 2018
Description
Nightcap Oak is a newly discovered tree in the Proteaceae (Banksia and Grevillea) family. The largest specimens are up to 40 m tall, although most are smaller. The bark is grey and slightly flaky, with fine horizontal crinkling. The tough leaves are paler on the underside. Adult leaves are dark green, smooth along the edges, and have distinctive pale veins. Leaves on juvenile plants are orange to red and strongly toothed with red veins and stalks. The creamy flowers are in compact heads. The globular fruits are 3.5–4.0 cm long, 3.0–3.7 cm diameter, green maturing to dull golden yellow.
Distribution
Nightcap Oak has been found only in the Nightcap Range north of Lismore.
Habitat and ecology
- The species occurs in upland warm temperate rainforest, usually near creeks.
- Pollen movement is mostly mediated by small nocturnal beetles.
- Flowering occurs from mid-October to mid-November.
- The fruit takes over one year to develop and reaches full size in about mid December. It then changes colour from green to dull yellow over the following two to three months, falling from mid-February to early March.
- The flesh of E. hardeniana fruit is thought to be unpalatable to the local dispersal organisms. Generally, once the fruit falls to the ground, bush rats (Rattus fuscipes) chew through the flesh and hard endocarp to feed on the seed.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Fire.
- Risk of extinction because distribution is very restricted
- Risk of extinction because ability to disperse is limited.
- Risk of extinction because populations are small.
- Risk of introduction of disease by visitors.
- Risk of trampling by visitors.
- Illegal seed collection.
- Risk of disturbance from road/track work.
- Lack of information regarding the ecological requirements and threats to the species.
- Invasion and establishment of mixed weeds (including camphor laurel) and non-rainforest native species.
Recovery strategies
A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click
here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click
here
Activities to assist this species
- Prevent fire entering areas of known habitat.
- Keep to established tracks and visitor areas in Nightcap Range.
- Maintain viable exsitu seedbank and/or living collection.
- Manage access to the site and maintain hygiene protocols to reduce the likelihood of introduction of pathogens.
- Undertake research to determine the ecological requirements of the species.
- Undertake surveys to identify any unrecorded populations of the species.
- Notify the OEH of any new occurrences of Nightcap Oak.
- Monitor population dynamics and threats to known populations.
- Continue to provide advice to planning and consent authorities to ensure adequate consideration of the species when assessing development in areas of potential habitat.
- Undertake research into causes of decline.
Information sources
- Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) (2004) Eidothea sp. 'Nightcap Range' (a tree) Recovery Plan. NSW DEC, Sydney.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
- NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Eidothea sp. 'Nightcap Range' (a tree). Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
- Weston, P.H. and Kooyman, R.M. (2002) Systematics of Eidothea (Proteaceae), with the description of a new species, E. hardeniana, from the Nightcap Range, north-eastern New South Wales. Telopea 9(4): 826-829.
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