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: Gentiana wissmannii
Gazetted date:
05 Apr 2024
Profile last updated:
09 Apr 2024
Description
New England Gentian is a small upright herb 3 - 8 cm tall. It usually has a single soft, hairless stem, sometimes with two to four short branches. It has three to ten pairs of leaves which all grow on the upper part of the plant, not around the base. The leaves are oval, 4 - 10 mm long and 3 - 6 mm wide, and curve away from the stem towards the ground. Each plant has one to five flowers which are greenish on the outside and sky blue coloured inside, 8 - 15 mm long. It flowers during September-November.
Distribution
New England Gentian occurs only on the New England Tablelands of NSW, in the Round Mountain area between Wollomombi and Ebor. It is reserved in Cathedral Rock National Park.
Habitat and ecology
- Found in wet heath areas on the margins of acid swamps, in moist sandy soils on granite.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Clearing of habitat for agriculture.
- Trampling by domestic stock.
- Destruction and disturbance of habitat for fossicking and mining.
- Drainage of acid swamp habitat for agriculture.
- Disturbance of habitat by feral pigs.
- Browsing by rabbits.
- Infestation of habitat by weeds.
- Roadside maintenance and roadworks.
- Loss of alpine habitat due to increased temperatures and drought.
- Fires during droughts, or during late spring to summer when the species is in flower can be detrimental.
Recovery strategies
A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click
here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click
here
Activities to assist this species
- Support local Landcare groups.
- Assist with the control of feral pigs and rabbits in habitat areas, particularly in the Cathedral Rock/Round Mountain area.
- Help to maintain water table levels and protect acid swamp areas from drainage.
- Fence wet heath and acid swamp areas to protect from grazing and trampling by domestic stock.
- Identify roadside populations and protect during roadworks
- Assist with the control of introduced weeds.
- Protect known populations and areas of potential habitat from clearing, mining or fossicking.
- Regenerate and protect degraded areas of wet heath and swamp.
Information sources
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1992) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 3. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Threatened Species of the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes of NSW. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
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