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: Parsonsia dorrigoensis
Profile last updated:
14 Jun 2020
Description
Milky Silkpod is a slender, trailing climber that grows to 5 m long. Plants exudes a milky sap if cut. The leaves vary from narrow to broad, are 4 - 12 cm long, have a fine point and have green to purplish undersides. There are no glands at the base of the leaf-blade. Clusters of white or yellowish, tubular flowers are produced in summer, followed by narrow capsules (up to 7 cm long) that split lengthwise to release many seeds, each bearing a tuft of long, silky hairs.
Distribution
Milky Silkpod is found only within NSW, with scattered populations in the north coast region between Kendall and Woolgoolga.
Habitat and ecology
- Found in subtropical and warm-temperature rainforest, on rainforest margins, and in moist eucalypt forest up to 800 m, on brown clay soils.
- Flowers in summer.
- Little is known of the species' reproductive biology.
- Appears to be able to withstand, and maybe even favour, light to moderate physical disturbance.
- Has a well developed root stock, suggesting it may re-sprout after fire.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Clearing of habitat for agriculture.
- Road maintenance activities including grading, slashing and spraying disturbs or damages seedlings and adult plants; and promotes exotic grasses.
- Intensive logging leads to canopy disturbance, changes in the canopy structure and disturbs subterranean fungi.
- Invasion of habitat by introduced weeds, particularly Lantana.
- The small population size of this species makes it susceptible to stochastic and human induced impacts.
- Herbicide spraying along roads within areas of habitat or herbicide impacts during other weed control works.
- Inappropriate fire regime. Too frequent fire has the potential to eliminate the population.
- Trampling and habitat degradation by cattle in close proximity to edge populations. This threat is exacerbated after fire and during drought periods.
- Climate change impacts (including drought and increased fire intensity and frequency) reduce soil moisture for plants.
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
- Searches for the species should be conducted prior to any logging operations.
- Control introduced weeds in potential habitat areas.
- Protect known habitat from clearing, high levels of disturbance and development.
- Monitor populations to identify any threats or population declines.
- Ensure roadside populations are identified and marked to protect them from road works and weed spraying.
- Notify the OEH of any new records of this species.
- Ensure viable seedbank is maintained.
- Exclude cattle from known sites.
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