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: Homoranthus croftianus
Gazetted date:
05 Apr 2024
Profile last updated:
09 Apr 2024
Description
Bolivia Homoranthus is an upright shrub 2 m tall and 1.5 m wide with thick, dark to pale green leaves. The leaves are paired on the stem, with successive pairs at right angles to each other, and 2.5 - 8 mm long, 0.5 - 1 mm wide and thick with a gradually tapered tip. The green to cream flowers are about 5 mm long and are borne solitary (ie not grouped together) between stem and leaf. Flowers have been seen in all months (the original description identified winter as the flowering season, while a later document named Spring-Summer as the primary period). This species can be distinguished from other Homoranthus species in the area by its upright form and distinctive green foliage.
Distribution
Restricted to Bolivia Hill Ranges, north of Deepwater on the New England Tablelands of NSW.
Habitat and ecology
- Individual plants flower sporadically throughout the year, with September to January most common. Feral honeybees, native bees such Leafcutters and native flies are all very commonly visit flowers, and filled seeds have been observed to form inside protective cages that would deter larger pollinators.
- Homoranthus croftianus is associated with isolated granitic outcrops at about 1000 m altitude, growing within crevices of bare rocky slopes and in shallow acidic soil above and below sheet rock.
- Associated species include Callitris endlicheri, Eucalyptus prava, Eucalyptus dealbata, Leucopogon neoanglicus, Micromyrtus sessilis, Kunzea bracteolata, Boronia anethifolia, Boronia boliviensis, Leptospermum novae-angliae, Acacia viscidula, Acacia pycnostachya and Cryptandra lanosiflora.
- Likely to be highly fire-sensitive and intolerant to frequent fire disturbance. Bare rock near most populations probably hinders wildfire from reaching them.
- Initially thought to comprise less than 500 individual plants, subsequent census efforts and the discovery of more sub-populations have more than doubled that number. Recruitment is limited yet consistent at all sites.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- The restricted distribution and low population numbers makes the species vulnerable to localised catastrophic events such as intense, widespread wildfire.
- Grazing by feral goats, rabbits and potentially macropods is especially problematic for seedling recruitment.
- Optimal fire regimes remain uncertain for this species.
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Assist with the control of feral goats in the surrounding region.
- Identify any new populations along easements or tracks, and protect during maintenance works.
- Protect areas of known and potential habitat from clearing and fragmentation.
- Protect from frequent fires.
- Report new records of Bolivia Homoranthus to the DPIE.
Information sources
- Briggs, J.D. and Leigh, J.H. (1996) Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. Revised Edition. (CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne)
- 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. (1998) Two new rare species of Homoranthus (Myrtaceae: Chamelaucieae) from the Northern Tablelands. Telopea 8(1): 35-40.
- NSW Herbarium Records. () Databased specimen records from the National Herbarium of New South Wales (Royal Botanic Gardens: Sydney).
- 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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