Hairy Geebung - 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: Persoonia hirsuta

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Gazetted date: 12 Jun 1998

Profile last updated: 27 Aug 2021

Description

The Hairy Geebung is best distinguished by its hairiness - long coarse hairs on flowers and branchlets and short stiff ones on the leaves. It is a spreading shrub with small leaves of variable shape. They are from 6 - 12 mm long, from oblong to narrow in shape and crowded along the stems; they are curled under at the edges. Groups of flowers grow into a leafy shoot. The tubular flowers are yellow or orange and about 1 cm long and also hairy. There are two subspecies - both are considered to be endangered.

Distribution

Persoonia hirsuta has a scattered distribution around Sydney. The species is distributed from Singleton in the north, along the east coast to Hilltop in the south west, Dombarton in the south east and the Blue Mountains to the west. Persoonia hirsuta has a large area of occurrence, but occurs in small populations or isolated individuals, increasing the species' fragmentation in the landscape.

Habitat and ecology

The Hairy Geebung is found in clayey and sandy soils in dry sclerophyll open forest, woodland and heath, primarily on the Mittagong Formation and on the upper Hawkesbury Sandstone.
It is usually present as isolated individuals or very small populations.
Plants are generally killed by all but the lowest intensity fire or partial burning. Fire may promote germination of soil-stored seed, although it may also kill some of the seedbank if it is of high severity.
Extreme wet-dry weather cycles may also promote germination of soil-stored seed.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Sydney Basin

Threats

Burning for hazard reduction and other unnatural ignitions have increased fire frequency and may threaten the species’ survival.
Loss of habitat through clearing for urban and small-rural-lot development.
The European honey bee Apis mellifera may be a factor in the rarity of Hairy Geebung and several other Geebungs. This is because although A. mellifera is able to collect pollen its method of pollen transport makes it a poor pollinator of Geebungs, among many other native plant species.
Habitat degradation related to unrestricted access and grazing.
Physical disturbance to individuals and habitat via recreational vehicles such as mountain bike, BMX and trail-bikes.
Habitat degradation related to stormwater run-off and nutrient enrichment of areas close to roadsides.
Potential for disturbance to patches occuring on road/track sides as well as within powerline easements.
Burning for hazard reduction and other unnatural ignitions have increased fire frequency and may threaten the species’ survival. Too fequent / intense burning hinders seed germination and kills living plants.
Competition and encroachment from dense native vegetation leading to closed vegetation structure is likely to constrain the species seed germination and survival.
African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula), Paspalum species and Panic Veldt-grass (Ehrharta erecta), as well as Small-leaved Privet (Ligustrum sinense), Lantana and Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides), especially close to outlet pipes. There is also dense growth of Tick Bush (Kunzea ambigua) in some areas forming a low canopy and reducing open habitat and light availability.
Potential disturbance from coal mining activity.
Current or potential future land management practices do not support conservation.
Potential for rabbits to browse on young seedlings and inhibit recruitment to the population.
Small population size.

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

Ensure that personnel planning and undertaking hazard reduction burns are able to identify the species and are aware of its habitat.
Develop a fire management plan for the populations.
Following burning, protect populations (where possible) from further fires until plants have reached reproductive maturity.
Searches should be conducted in suitable habitat in proposed development areas.
Erect on-site markers to alert maintenance staff and road-users to the presence of this species.
Introduce measures to prevent habitat degradation related to unrestricted access to habitat.
Minimise habitat loss, fragmentation or disturbance by retaining native vegetation containing the species and maintaining connectivity between populations.
Continue research into the impact of the European Honey bee on the reproduction of Persoonia spp.
Mark Hairy Geebung sites and potential habitat onto maps used for planning road maintenance work.

Information sources

Blombery, A. and Maloney, B. (1992) The Proteaceae of the Sydney Region. Kangaroo Press, Kenthurst.
Fairley, A. and Moore, P. (2000) Native plants of the Sydney district: an identification guide. 2nd Edition. (Kangaroo Press, East Roseville)
Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
NSW Scientific Committee (1998) Persoonia hirsuta (a spreading to decumbant shrub) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
Wrigley, J.W. and Fagg, M. (1989) Banksias, Waratahs and Grevilleas and all other plants in the Australian Proteaceae family. Angus and Roberston, Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Sydney Basin	Burragorang	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Cumberland	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Pittwater	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Sydney Cataract	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Wollemi	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Yengo	Known	None

Images

Buds and foliage, Hairy Geebung Image 1 of 2.
View slideshow.

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