Granite 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 prolixus

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 14 Sep 2021

Description

Granite Homoranthus is a horizontally spreading shrub about 80 cm high with the ends of the branches growing upwards. The dull, blue-green leaves are paired on the stem, with successive pairs at right angles to each other, and 3 - 6 mm long and 0.5 - 1 mm wide, with a tapered tip. The red to yellow flowers are about 5 mm long and grow in the upper part of the branches, with one to six flowers on each branch. Homoranthus prolixus is characterised by the low spreading habit and short and more or less glaucous (dull blue green in colour with whitish bloom) leaves.

Distribution

Occurs in scattered locations between Inverell and Manilla. This species is conserved in Ironbark Nature Reserve, Gwydir River National Park and Tingha Plateau and Goonoowigal State Conservation Areas west of Guyra.

Habitat and ecology

Flowers from October to November.
Homoranthus prolixus grows in heath patches, in skeletal soil among crevices of granite outcrops.
Likely to be highly fire-sensitive and intolerant to frequent fire disturbance.
Homoranthus prolixus has a localised distribution and may be the dominant shrub at some sites. Its abundance in populations ranges from frequent or common, to very locally abundant.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Clearing and fragmentation of habitat for agriculture.
Browsing and trampling by feral goats, and associated soil compaction and nutrient addition.
Trampling and grazing from domestic stock
Damage to habitat by feral pigs.
Roadside maintenance and construction.
Clearing and fragmentation of habitat for agri rural subdivision.
Recreational users, such as off-track mountain and trail bike riders impact the species
High risk of local population extinction through catastrophic events such as fire, due to the scattered distribution of small populations.
Habitat loss from mining exploration and associated activities.
Weeds including coolatai grass compete for resources, increase fire risk and intensity, and reduce chance of regeneration
High frequency and intense fires are detrimental for population recovery, though species requires fire to set seed
Feral herbivores including goats and deer are known to browse the species, removing individuals and degrading habitat.

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 Granite Homoranthus in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Control feral goats and pigs in areas of known habitat.
Identify roadside populations and protect during roadworks.
Protect areas of rocky heath habitat from clearing and development.
Exclude domestic stock from known habitat.
Protection from frequent fires.
Support local Landcare groups raise the profile of the species and undertake on-ground works.
Monitor population dynamics and threats at known populations.
Maintain viable ex-situ seed bank.
Undertake weed control in areas of known habitat.
Stay on established walking tracks when visiting rocky bushland areas.
Notify the OEH of any new records of Granite Homoranthus.

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. (1997) A further record of Homoranthus lunatus Craven & S.R. Jones (Myrtaceae) for northern New South Wales. The Queensland Naturalist 35(1-3): 24-25.
Hunter, J.T. and Bruhl, J.J. (1997) Significant range extensions for 10 species of vascular plants in northern New South Wales. Austrobaileya 4(4): 691-4
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)