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: Floydia praealta
Profile last updated:
14 Jun 2020
Description
This tree grows to 35 m tall, with rough, brown, slightly wrinkled bark. It is closely related to the Macadamia. The leaves are 10 – 25 cm long and 1 – 3 cm wide, tapering at the bases but rounded at the tips, and with slightly wavy margins. They are shiny green and leathery, without hairs. The flower buds are creamy brown, and when open are cream and spidery with a musky odour. The woody, globular, brown fruit is 5 cm in diameter and contains one or two inedible seeds.
Distribution
Small scattered populations distributed from Gympie in Queensland to the Clarence River in north-east NSW.
Habitat and ecology
- Riverine and subtropical rainforest, usually on soils derived from basalt.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Clearing and fragmentation of habitat for coastal development, agriculture, roadworks and powerlines.
- Risk of local extinctions because populations are small and sparsely distributed.
- Infestation of habitat by weeds.
- Grazing and trampling of seedlings and saplings by domestic stock, particularly around remnant paddock trees.
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
21 priority actions
to help recover the Ball Nut in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Support local Landcare groups and bush regeneration teams raise the species profile and protect known sites.
- Identify populations along roadsides and powerline easements and protect them during works.
- Fence rainforest remnants and isolated paddock trees to exclude grazing stock.
- Remove weeds where they threaten adult plants or regeneration.
- Protect areas of habitat from clearing or development.
- Expand and connect remaining remnants of habitat.
- Report new records to the DEC.
- Augment extant wild population in protected areas if required.
Information sources
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
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