Isotoma fluviatilis subsp. fluviatilis - 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: Isotoma fluviatilis subsp. fluviatilis

Conservation status in NSW: Not listed

Commonwealth status: Extinct

Gazetted date: 04 Jul 2003

Profile last updated: 15 Dec 2022

Description

Listed as Hypsela sessiliflora. A prostrate herb with 2 - 3 cm branches and 2 - 4 mm ovate to oblong leaves. Solitary, more or less sessile flowers are white or pale purple occurring in the spring, but also when conditions are suitable at other times of the year. Albrecht et al. (2015) assessed the taxonomic status of Hypsela sessiliflora using both morphological and molecular data and determined that it is a synonym of Isotoma fluviatilis (R.Br.) F.Muell. ex Benth.
subsp. fluviatilis, a widespread taxon not listed under the Act.

Distribution

Currently known from only two adjacent sites on a single private property at Erskine Park in the Penrith LGA. Previous sightings are all from western Sydney, at Homebush and at Agnes Banks.

Habitat and ecology

Known to grow in damp places, on the Cumberland Plain, including freshwater wetland, grassland/alluvial woodland and an alluvial woodland/shale plains woodland (Cumberland Plain Woodland) ecotone.
May be an early successional species that benefits from some disturbance.
Possibly out competed when overgrown by some species such as Cyndon dactylon.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Sydney Basin

Threats

Threatened with habitat loss through clearing for development.
Due to the extremely limited distribution, also threatened by stochastic events (eg fire or pollution events) that might wipe out entire population at once.
Weed invasion and smothering is a serious threat.

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

Off-site conservation to prevent extinction due to loss of only known population.
Control pedestrian access.
Protection of existing habitat
Translocation to other sites to reduce stochastic threats