Leionema lachnaeoides - 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: Leionema lachnaeoides

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Profile last updated: 14 Oct 2022

Description

A shrub to 2 m tall with short (0.5 - 2.0 cm), narrow, scented leaves arising alternately along the stem. It displays yellow flowers in spring.

Distribution

Occurs at 10 sites in the upper Blue Mountains, within a 12 km range between Katoomba and Blackheath. Potential habitat occurs in the Megalong and Jamison Valleys.

Habitat and ecology

Formerly known as Phebalium lachnaeoides.
Populations occur on exposed sandstone cliff tops and terraces, at 960 - 1000m altitude and with aspects from south-east to south-west.
Habitat vegetation is montane heath and commonly includes Eucalyptus stricta, Allocasuarina nana, Dillwynia retorta, Epacris microphylla and Caustis flexuosa.
Has a life span greater than 10 years.
Flowering occurs in winter to late spring. The age when plants first flower is not known. Pollination is thought to occur by insects. Seed is released seasonally when ripe. Seed viability is not known.
Fire is likely to be an important factor in the life cycle of this species. Fire probably kills all plants, but may produce a flush of germination from seed stored in the soil. The number of plants then declines as the surrounding vegetation develops.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Sydney Basin

Threats

Inappropriate fire regimes.
Upslope development causing alterations to drainage patterns and increasing nutrient status, sedimentation and weed spread.
Invasion of habitat and competition from various invasive weed species.
Potential for disturbance or damage to plants by rock climbers walkers or other other recreational users.
Information about the species' distribution and population status is limited.

Recovery strategies

A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click here

Activities to assist this species

Prevent wildfire or controlled burns from affecting habitat. Investigate appropriate fire intervals for the species.
Consider off-site impacts during the assessment of nearby developments.
Prepare and implement catchment-wide sediment and pollution control plans to improve water quality in habitat.
Control weeds using bush regeneration techniques.
Implement weed control plans.

Information sources

Cohn, J. (1993) Conservation research statement and recovery plan (research and management) for Leionema lachnaeoides Cunn. Prepared for the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Endangered species program project no. 251.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2001) Leionema lachnaeoides Recovery Plan. NSW NPWS, Hurstville NSW.
Wilson, P.G. (1998) New species and nomenclatural changes in Phebalium and related genera (Rutaceae). Nuytsia 12(2), 267-288.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Sydney Basin	Burragorang	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Wollemi	Known	None

Images

Flowers, Leionema lachnaeoides Image 1 of 2.
View slideshow.

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