Monga Tea Tree - 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: Leptospermum thompsonii

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 21 Sep 2021

Description

Monga Tea-tree is a shrub to 6 m tall with rough flaky bark and hairy young stems. The leaves are to 15 mm long by 6 mm wide, with a sharp tip. The large white tea-tree flowers are solitary and about 15 mm across. The woody seed capsule is hairy.

Distribution

The species is mostly found in Monga National Park near Braidwood. Two populations have also been recorded in Morton National Park to the north (near The Vines).

Habitat and ecology

Monga Tea-tree is found in swamps and drainage lines. It also invades road verges.
Flowering occurs mainly in summer.
It is killed by fire.
Plants are fast-growing (reaching reproductive maturity within about 5 years)
Establishment from seed was poor following a recent fire.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Two large populations are beside a major road and could be affected by rubbish dumping, oil spills, car accidents and future road works.
Too frequent fire will threaten populations.
Impacts of pollution and eutrophication from stormwater runoff.
Small population size increases risk of local extinction.

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 5 priority actions to help recover the Monga Tea Tree in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Ensure that road maintenance staff are aware of the populations beside the Kings Highway.
No prescribed fires in vegetation containing this species.
Following wildfire, protect populations from burning until plants have reached maturity.
Erect crash and drainage barriers beside populations beside the Kings Highway.
Monitor the populations for changes.

Information sources

Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
Wrigley, J.W. and Fagg, M. (1993) Bottlebrushes, Paperbarks and Tea Trees and all other plants in the Leptospermum alliance. Angus and Roberston, Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

South East Corner	South East Coastal Ranges	Known	North of Deua National Park
South Eastern Highlands	Bungonia	Known	South of Kings Highway
Sydney Basin	Ettrema	Known	None

Images

Monga Tea Tree, Don and Betty Wood <a href="http://collections.ala.org.au/public/show/dr689" class="linkBlack100" target="_blank">Plants of the NSW South Coast & ACT</a>

Monga Tea Tree, Don and Betty Wood Plants of the NSW South Coast & ACT Image 1 of 4.
View slideshow.

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