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: Eucalyptus camfieldii
Profile last updated:
13 Nov 2024
Description
Mostly mallee to 4 m tall though can grow to a straggly tree to 9 m high. Bark is rough, fibrous and stringy, red or dark grey-brown. Juvenile leaves round to heart shaped and roughly hairy. Adult leaves broadly lance-shaped, to 10 x 3 cm, glossy green. Flowers creamy-white. Buds egg-shaped, stalkless, to 8 mm long in clusters of 11 or more; bud caps conical. Fruit flattened, globe-shaped, to 9 mm across, with valves enclosed or with tips protruding.
Distribution
Restricted distribution in a narrow band with the most northerly records in the the Raymond Terrace area south to Waterfall. Localised and scattered distribution includes sites at Norah Head (Tuggerah Lakes), Peats Ridge, Mt Colah, Elvina Bay Trail (West Head), Terrey Hills, Killara, North Head, Menai, Wattamolla and a few other sites in Royal National Park.
Habitat and ecology
- Poor coastal country in shallow sandy soils overlying Hawkesbury sandstone. Coastal heath mostly on exposed sandy ridges.
- Occurs mostly in small scattered stands near the boundary of tall coastal heaths and low open woodland of the slightly more fertile inland areas.
- Associated species frequently include stunted species of E. oblonga Narrow-leaved Stringybark, E. capitellata Brown Stringybark and E. haemastoma Scribbly Gum.
- Population sizes are difficult to estimate because its extensive lignotubers may be 20 m across. A number of stems arise from these lignotubers giving the impression of individual plants.
- Flowering period is irregular, flowers recorded throughout the year.
- Poor response to too frequent fires.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss of habitat through clearing for development.
- Inappropriate fire regimes is a serious threat. High frequency of fires reduces the ability of trees to reach full maturity. The ability of trees to recover following a succession of frequent fires is likely to decline.
- Weed invasion.
- Possible in-breeding due to too small and isolated populations.
- Prolonged dry periods as a result of climate change (combined with threat of Myrtle Rust) makes this species highly vulnerable to local extinction.
- Myrtle rust fungus impacting on species survivorship.
- Phytopthora imapcts on species survivorship.
- Recreational vehicles (4WDs) causing physical damage to plants.
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
15 priority actions
to help recover the Camfield's Stringybark in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Measures should be taken to reduce the impact of arson eg. buffer zones around arson-prone areas to prevent spread of fire, as well as buffers around populations.
- Where fuel reduction is required to protect human life and property, mechanical means that leave populations intact should be pursued in preference to burning.
- Protect areas of known and potential habitat from clearing and disturbance.
- Prevent further loss and fragmentation of habitat.
- Investigate appropriate fire intervals and management practices.
- Undertake surveys within potential habitat.
Information sources
- Fairley, A. (2004) Seldom seen: rare plants of greater Sydney. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
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