Binghi Homoranthus - 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: Homoranthus binghiensis

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 15 Mar 2002

Profile last updated: 21 Nov 2018

Description

Binghi Homoranthus is a bushy shrub 3 m tall and often 2 m wide, with thick, pale lime-green to dull blue-green leaves. The leaves are paired on the stem, with successive pairs at right angles to each other, and are 8 - 26 mm long, 1.5 - 2.5 mm thick and 0.5 - 1 mm wide with a curved tip. Pale yellow to green flowers, which later turn red, grow between stem and leaf. The flowers are relatively large for a Homoranthus, measuring about 12 mm long. Binghi Homoranthus can be distinguished from other Homoranthus species in the area by its larger size, thicker leaves and larger flowers.

Distribution

Restricted to the Torrington area south-west of Tenterfield.

Habitat and ecology

Flowers from November to January.
Associated with isolated granitic outcrops in the far north-eastern tablelands region of NSW. It grows within sandy soil pockets in open and exposed situations on and around the margins of the outcrops. The species appears to prefer heath and shrubland patches in shallow soils at altitudes of 700 to 950 m.
Associated species include Eucalyptus prava, Eucalyptus dealbata and Callitris endlicheri in the overstorey and Calytrix tetragona, Babingtonia odontocalyx, Leptospermum trinervium, Kunzea bracteolata, Leptospermum melaleucoides and Leucopogon novae-angliae in the shrub layer.
Homoranthus binghiensis is an obligate seeder and fruit is released in summer.
Only small numbers of seedlings have been observed in post-fire recruitment, and a very small soil-stored seed-bank detected. Studies of a related genus to Homoranthus, suggest that the seed-bank is relatively short-lived.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

New England Tablelands

Threats

The species is susceptible to extinction via stochastic processes due to its small known population size and restricted distribution.
The species is susceptible to extinction via stochastic processes due to its small known population size and restricted distribution.
High-frequency fire impacts the species as it is a long-lived obligate seeder that is slow to re-establish post-fire and requires a long fire interval.
Grazing and site disturbance by feral goats.
Vegetation clearing for agriculture.
Grazing distrubance from domestic stock.
Mining.
Species is intolerant to drying soils and prolonged drought conditions, which are increasing as a result of climate change and are expected to lead to population declines.

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 1 priority actions to help recover the Binghi Homoranthus in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Protect areas of habitat from frequent fire.
Control of feral goats in habitat areas.
Protect areas of known and potential habitat from clearing, disturbance and fragmentation.
Report new records of Binghi Homoranthus to the OEH.
Protect areas of known habitat from grazing by domestic stock.
Maintain viable ex-situ seed bank or living collection.
Undertake research into the ecological requirements of the species.
Monitor population dynamics and threats at known populations.
Undertake surveys to identify unrecorded populations.

Information sources

Briggs, J.D. and Leigh, J.H. (1996) Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. Revised Edition. (CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne)
Clark, P.J. and Fulloon, L. (1999) Fire and Rare Plants: Torrington State Recreation Area. (Division of Botany, University of New England: Armidale).
Craven, L.A. and Jones, S.R. (1991) A taxonomic review of Homoranthus and two new species of Darwinia (both Myrtaceae, Chamelaucieae). Australian Systematic Botany 4(4): 513-533.
Harden, G.J. (2002) Homoranthus. In Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Revised Edition Volume 2 (University of New South Wales Press Ltd: Sydney).
Hunter, J.T. and Copeland, L.M. (2001) Homoranthus binghiensis (Myrtaceae: Chamelaucieae), a new species from the North Western Slopes of New South Wales. Telopea 9(2): 431-433.
Hunter, J.T., Clarke, P.J., Copeland, L.M., Nano, C.E., Williams, J.B. and Wills, K.E. (1998) The Vegetation and Plant Species of Torrington State Recreation Area (Division of Botany, University of New England, Armidale).
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Threatened Species of the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes of NSW. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Homoranthus binghiensis (a shrub) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.