Austral Pillwort - 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: Pilularia novae-hollandiae

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 14 Oct 2024

Description

Austral Pillwort is a semi-aquatic fern, resembling a small fine grass. Its thread-like fronds, to 8 cm long, arise in tufts from a creeping underground stem (rhizome). The fruiting capsules are small, spherical hairy pills that form at the base of fronds.

Distribution

In NSW, Austral Pillwort has been recorded from suburban Sydney, Khancoban, the Riverina between Albury and Urana (including Henty, Walbundrie, Balldale and Howlong), Oolambeyan National Park near Carrathool and at Lake Cowal near West Wyalong. The populations at Lake Cowal and Oolambeyan NP are the only known extant populations in NSW, although the species is obscure and has possibly been overlooked elsewhere.

The species has also been recorded in the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.

Habitat and ecology

Austral Pillwort grows in shallow swamps and waterways, often among grasses and sedges. It is most often recorded in drying mud as this is when it is most conspicuous.
Most of the records in the Albury-Urana area were from table drains on the sides of roads.
The ACT record was from a subalpine grassy plain.
This species is probably ephemeral (especially in the drier parts of its range), appearing when soils are moistened by rain.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Drainage of swamps.
Roadside populations may be threatened by roadworks.
Easily overlooked and difficult to survey for because of seasonal constraints - survey for this species would need to be done when soils are moist but not inundated.
Still only two known extant population locations recorded for this species, but likely to be more common and widespread.
Rye grass and other grasses outcompeting the species.
Stock is a possible threat to the Gilgai habitat, particularly in wet periods [need to confirm stock are still present].

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 8 priority actions to help recover the Austral Pillwort in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Avoid changing land-use and hydrology where Austral Pillwort persists.
Erect on-site markers to alert road maintenance staff to the presence of this species.
Conduct regional surveys of roadsides and other suitable habitat when edaphic conditions are suitable.
Mark Austral Pillwort sites and potential habitat onto maps used for planning road maintenance work.

Information sources

Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2000) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 1. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.J. (1994) Flora of Victoria. Volume 2, Ferns and Allied Plants, Conifers and Monocotyledons. (Inkata Press, Melbourne)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW South Western Slopes	Inland Slopes	Predicted	South of Wagga Wagga
NSW South Western Slopes	Lower Slopes	Known	None
Other State	SA	Known	None
Riverina	Murray Fans	Predicted	None
Riverina	Murrumbidgee	Known	East of Deniliquin
South Eastern Highlands	Bondo	Predicted	None
Sydney Basin	Cumberland	Predicted	None
Sydney Basin	Yengo	Predicted	None