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: Gaultheria viridicarpa subsp. merinoensis
Profile last updated:
15 Jun 2020
Description
Mt Merino Waxberry is a low shrub 20-70 cm tall, spreading to 1.5 metres across. It has smooth stems and branches, sometimes with a few bristles. Leaves are thick and leathery, 1.5-6 cm long and 6-20 mm wide with small-toothed margins. Single flowers appear during spring to early summer. Fruit are unknown. The Mt Merino Waxberry has smaller, broader leaves and smaller flowers than the Green Waxberry, which is a more southerly subspecies.
Distribution
Restricted to Mount Merino in Limpinwood Nature Reserve on the NSW-Qld border
Habitat and ecology
- Grows in crevices and cliff faces in high altitude woodland.
- Negatively impacted on by over shading.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Risk of extinction due to small population size.
- Risk of extinction due to very limited distribution.
- Invasion of habitat by weeds, particularly mistflower.
- The species' growth at the site is being constrained by shading from nearby overhanging trees (Antarctic Beech).
- Microclimate modification as a result of climate change.
- Potential for this species' habitat to become infected by known/unknown pathogens.
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 Merino Waxberry in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Report any records of Mt Merino Waxberry to OEH.
- Undertake ecological and biological studies
- Undertake surveys in potential habitat
- Undertake weed control at known sites.
- Prevent shading by nearby vegetation.
- Establish translocation site in nearby suitable habitat.
- Maintain viable ex-situ live and seed bank collection.
- Undertake research into the biology and ecological requirements of the species.
Information sources
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1992) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 3. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
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