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: Argyrotegium nitidulum
Gazetted date:
10 Jun 2016
Profile last updated:
14 Apr 2022
Description
Shining Cudweed is a low, mat-forming, perennial daisy. Its crowded stems are only a few centimetres tall. The densely-spaced, distinctive leaves are covered with shining, silvery hairs on both surfaces. The flower-head consists of a cluster of inconspicuous flowers to 10 mm across, at the end of the stem, surrounded by long shining bracts (leaf-like structures). Each head is solitary on a short (to 3 cm long) woolly stem.
Distribution
In NSW Shining Cudweed is found only in the higher parts of Kosciuszko National Park. The species also occurs in Victoria and the south island of New Zealand, in similarly high mountain areas.
Habitat and ecology
- Usually found in herbfield or open heathland, above or close to the treeline.
- Flowers appear from December to March.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Feral horses disperse weeds, leave manure piles, and trample plants.
- Warming and drying of alpine ecosystems as a result of climate change will reduce suitable habitat.
- Encroachment of introduced species to the alpine zone potentially altering the abundance and/or breeding success of this species, altering the abundance and/or behaviour of co-existent species (i.e. moths, bog snow grass) and increasing competition.
- Feral deer cause disturbance including trampling and browsing leading to erosion.
- Lack of understanding of the impact of human activity (e.g., recreational) on the distribution of this species.
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
3 priority actions
to help recover the Shining Cudweed in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Undertake horse control in areas containing Shining Cudweed.
- Avoid construction of walking tracks in areas containing Shining Cudweed.
Information sources
- Costin A.B., Gary M., Totterdell C.J. and Wimbush D.J. (1982) Kosciusko Alpine Flora. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne.
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1992) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 3. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2001) Approved Recovery Plan for the Threatened Alpine Flora Anemone Buttercup (Ranunculus anemoneus), Feldmark Grass (Erythranthera pumila), Raleigh Sedge (Carex raleighii) & Shining Cudweed (Euchiton nitidulus) and other threatened alpine flora. (NSW NPWS, Hurstville)
- Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.J. (1999) Flora of Victoria; Volume 4, Dicotyledons Cornaceae to Asteraceae. (Inkata Press, Melbourne)
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