Pokolbin Mallee - 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: Eucalyptus pumila

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 01 Dec 2017

Description

A mallee-form eucalypt to 6 m high with smooth bark that sheds completely from stems in strips; bark coppery in colour, but weathering to greyish. Juvenile leaves are ovate, up to 12 cm long and 6 cm wide. Adult leaves are lanceolate to falcate, up to 16 cm long and 2.5 cm wide, glossy green both sides. Inflorescences (groups of flowers, buds or fruits) form in angle between the stem and leaf and are 7-flowered. Buds are stalked, up to 12 mm long and 9 mm in diameter. Flowers are white. Fruit are hemispherical, with a short stalk, 6 – 7 mm long and 7 – 9 mm in diameter, with four exerted valves.

Distribution

Currently known only from a single population west of Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley. Historical records also exist for Wyong and Sandy Hollow, however, has not been recorded recently in these areas.

Habitat and ecology

The single known population occupies north-west-facing slopes derived from sandstone.
Present as a mid-canopy species to a height of 6 m within dry sclerophyll woodland which has a canopy comprising Eucalyptus fibrosa, Callitris endlicheri and, to a lesser extent, Corymbia maculata.
Very little is known about the biology or ecology of this species.
It is thought to flower in April-May, but like many eucalypts does not flower every year.
Individual plants are understood to regrow by sprouting from a basal lignotuber and therefore can persist following fires. However, such vegetative reproduction may suppress the production of fruits/seeds, necessary for the recruitment of new individuals to a population, and the time between such disturbance and the onset of sexual reproduction is not known.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Sydney Basin

Threats

Small population size, limited distribution, and limited genetic diversity leave the species exposed to extinction risk due to random events.
Appropriate fire regime for this species is unknown.
Changes to site activities leading to increased use/disturbance of key habitat areas.
Lack of distribution and abundance information.

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 7 priority actions to help recover the Pokolbin Mallee in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Protect known habitat from clearing, fragmentation and disturbance.
Research into the demography and reproductive ecology of the species so that appropriate fire-free intervals and other guidelines for fire management can be determined. Preparation of site-specific fire management plans consistent with these.
Survey potential habitat for new populations.

Information sources

Brooker, M. and Kleinig, D.A. (1999) Field guide to eucalypts, Volume 1: South-eastern Australia. 2nd edn. Blooming Books, Hawthorn.
Pryor, L.D. (1981) Eucalyptus pumila. In: Pryor, L.D., Australian Endangered Species: Eucalypts. Special Publication No 5, pp.104-105. Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Canberra.