Nature conservation

Threatened species

Grevillea obtusiflora - profile

Indicative distribution


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Key:
known
predicted
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: Grevillea obtusiflora
Conservation status in NSW: Endangered
Commonwealth status: Endangered
Profile last updated: 14 Oct 2024

Description

Two subspecies are included under this taxon. Grevillea obtusiflora subsp. obtusiflora is a low, multi-stemmed shrub to half a metre tall, with narrow leaves and pink to pinkish red flowers. Grevillea obtusiflora subsp. fecunda is a low, dense shrub to one metre tall with narrow leaves, and profuse pale to deep pink to crimson flowers. The flowers may occasionally be pale cream.

Distribution

Grevillea obtusiflora subsp. obtusiflora is restricted to Clandulla State Forest near Kandos. Grevillea obtusiflora subsp. fecunda occurs in the Capertee Valley, north-west of Lithgow, and south into Gardens of Stone National Park.

Habitat and ecology

  • Subspecies obtusiflora occurs as scattered groups in the understorey of low open eucalypt forest at altitudes of around 730 metres above sea level.
  • Subspecies fecunda occurs in clusters within low, open scrub beneath open, dry sclerophyll forest, on orange, sandy loam soils with sandstone boulders, at altitudes of above around 550 metres.
  • Species growing in association with subspecies obtusiflora include Eucalyptus crebra, E. dealbata, E. tenella, Callistemon linearis, Acacia buxifolia, Acacia elongata, Leucopogon sp., Caustis flexuosa, Dianella sp. and Patersonia sp.
  • Species growing in association with subspecies fecunda include Eucalyptus tenella, E. fibrosa, E. macrorhyncha, E. punctata, Callitris endlicheri, Acacia buxifolia, Leptospermum continentale, Monotoca elliptica, Persoonia linearis, Indigofera sp. and Pomax umbellata.
  • Subspecies obtusiflora flowers sparsely in winter and spring with flowering peaking in October. Fruits, seeds and seedlings have not been recorded, indicating that it may be wholly dependent on root suckering for reproduction. The flower shape indicates it is mainly pollinated by birds, with bees being potential secondary pollinators. Subpopulation structure and isolation may affect pollination within and between sub-populations to cause lack of fruit set. Other causes of failure to produce seed may be genetically influenced.
  • Subspecies fecunda flowers abundantly in spring and setsproduces copious amounts of fruit. Due to the flower shape, subspecies fecunda is mainly pollinated by birds, with bees being potential secondary pollinators. Seed is most likely dispersed directly below the plant and is distributed by wind, water and ants. Seedlings have been recorded soon after seed is shed.
  • The high degree of clonality of subspecies obtusiflora makes it difficult to identify and count individual plants. Subpopulation sizes vary from a few isolated stems to more than hundred stems covering. Only around five such subpopulations are known in the wild.

Regional distribution and habitat

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Threats

Recovery strategies

Activities to assist this species

Information sources

IBRA Bioregion IBRA Subregion Known or predicted Geographic restrictions region
NSW South Western SlopesCapertee Valley Known None
South Eastern HighlandsCapertee Uplands Known None