Somersby Mintbush - 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: Prostanthera junonis

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Profile last updated: 12 Aug 2019

Description

Low spreading shrub 0.1 - 0.3 m and up to 1 m diameter. In open sites, branches appear wiry and are often prostrate. Where vegetation is denser, the plants have long spindly branches which weave through other vegetation and can grow up to 1m high. Leaves are oval in shape, dull green above and paler below. Flowers are 8 - 12 mm long and pale mauve to almost white with brown spots in the throat.

Distribution

Has a north-south range of approximately 19 km on the Somersby Plateau in the Gosford and Wyong local government areas.

Habitat and ecology

The species is restricted to the Somersby Plateau. It occurs on both the Somersby and Sydney Town soil landscapes on gently undulating country over weathered Hawkesbury sandstone within open forest/low woodland/open scrub. It occurs in both disturbed and undisturbed sites.
The dominant flowering period for this species is October to mid-December depending on weather/site conditions. The plant is very difficult to identify outside of this time.
While mature plants appear to be incapable of resprouting after fire, it may trigger seed germination.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Sydney Basin

Threats

Habitat loss due to clearing for agriculture, development and bushfire hazard reduction works.
Habitat degradation resulting from weed invasion, stormwater runoff, unrestricted access and inappropriate fire regimes.
Susceptibility to plant pathogens such as root rot (Phytophthora cinnamomi) and root nematodes.
The species is susceptible to extinction via stochastic processes due to its small known population size and restricted distribution.
Maintenance of powerline easement, including opening up and facilitating access by people and vehicles.
Access by people and vehicles, resulting in destruction of habitat and facilitation of weed movement.
Risk of too frequent or too intense fires inhibiting growth or reproduction.
Direct competition with the species from invasive grasses including whisky grass.
Fire frequency is too high for the species and is likely to increase with climate change.
Habitat degradation due to illegal dumping of rubbish.

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

Reinstate an appropriate fire regime (either prevent frequent fire or undertake ecological burns as appropriate).
Undertake targeted searches for the species in known or potential habitat during its flowering period prior to any development or clearing activities.
Install stormwater control mechanisms to prevent runoff from development upslope of populations.
Limit access to populations through fencing/signage.
Undertake weed control as required using removal methods that will not impact on the species (hand pull or cut and paint weeds).
Protect and actively manage populations on private land through covenants, fencing and the preparation of site-specific vegetation management plans.
Improve vegetative connectivity within and between areas of known and potential habitat through revegetation/regeneration programs.
Monitor population health and numbers for any changes.

Information sources

Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1992) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 3. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2000) Somersby Mintbush Prostanthera junonis Recovery Plan. NPWS, Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Sydney Basin	Pittwater	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Wyong	Predicted	None

Images

Flowers, Somersby Mintbush Image 1 of 2.
View slideshow.

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