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 saxicola
Gazetted date:
17 Aug 2012
Profile last updated:
07 Sep 2017
Description
NOTE: this taxon is no longer considered by the Scientific Comittee to represent a taxon separate from Eucalyptus bridgesiana, and as a consequence it has been delisted from the TSC Act.
Mt Canobolas Box is a small tree, 6 - 15 m tall with box-like bark persistent on larger branches, then shed in long strips. Juvenile leaves are stemless, orb-shaped, becoming broadly oval-shaped, blue-green, with rounded teeth and slightly recurved edges. The leaf-tips are rounded and have a small pointed tip, and the leaf-base is heart-shaped. The leaves are opposite (becoming subopposite at about the fourth internode). Groups of seven-flowered clusters form in the angles where leaves join the stems.
The Scientific Committee has determined that based on new information Eucalyptus saxicola J.T.Hunter is not currently recognised as a distinct taxon and therfore is no longer eligible to be listed as an Endangered species in Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Act. Information reviewed by the Scientific Committee can be found in their determination of 17 August 2012. The stands found at Mt Canobalas suggests the plant stature of E. saxicola appears to be environmentally determined and that it is synonymous with E. bridgesiana.
Distribution
The taxon formerly known as Eucalyptus saxicola is found at Mt Canobolas near Orange within the Mt Canobolas State Recreation Area and is restricted to a few scattered stands over a distance of approximately one kilometre.
Habitat and ecology
- The Mt Canobolas Box population is only known from a handful of small outcrops. The total population is estimated to be fewer than 200 individuals, with the stands discontinuous and scattered over the almost linear 1 km stretch on the northern flank of Mt Canobolas.
- Found on and around the margins of acid volcanic rock outcrops.
- Associated species include Eucalyptus canobolensis in the overstorey and Cassinia uncata, Phebalium squamulosum, Mirbelia oxylobioides, Dodonaea viscosa, Calytrix tetragona, Leptospermum myrtifolium and Leucopogon attenuatus in the understorey.
- Eucalyptus saxicola is likely to be killed by intense or inappropriate fire.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- The species' highly restricted distribution and low abundance render it vulnerable to extinction from stochastic events.
- May also be affected by roadworks. Of particular importance is the main access road to the summit that cuts through the largest occurrence of this species. The road itself it built up and may still cause major impacts.
- High visitor pressure.
- Dumping of cars and their incineration which is a regular practice.
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 Mt Canobolas Box in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Ensure that local Council and road managers are aware of the species and take it into consideration when planning road work and weed spraying.
- Control weed incursions as they occur
- Appropriate fire management that takes into account the fire sensitivity of the species.
Information sources
- Benson, D. and McDougall, L. (1998) Ecology of Sydney plant species. Part 6 Dicotyledon family Myrtaceae. Cunninghamia 5(4): 808-987.
- Briggs, J.D. and Leigh, J.H. (1996) Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. Revised Edition. (CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne)
- Hunter, J.T. (2000) Vegetation and Floristics of the Mt Canobolas State Recreation Area. Unpublished report for the Western Directorate New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service: Dubbo.
- Hunter, J.T. (2001) Eucalyptus saxicola (Myrtaceae), a new species from the Central Tablelands of New South Wales. Telopea 9(2): 403-407.
- NSW Herbarium Records. () Databased specimen records from the National Herbarium of New South Wales (Royal Botanic Gardens: Sydney).
- NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Eucalyptus saxicola (a small tree) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
- Pryor, L.D. and Johnson, L.A.S. (1971) A Classification of the Eucalypts (ANU Press: Canberra).
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