Nature conservation

Threatened species

Pointed Trefoil - 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: Rhynchosia acuminatissima
Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable
Commonwealth status: Not listed
Gazetted date: 02 Apr 2004
Profile last updated: 11 Oct 2022

Description

Pointed Trefoil is a climbing herb with hairy stems. The leaves are divided into three leaflets which are broadly egg-shaped or diamond-shaped, 5-15 cm long and 5-7.5 cm wide, with a pointed tip. Both leaf surfaces are more or less softly hairy, with the upper surface often becoming hairless. The leaf stem is 3-10 cm long. The flower spikes are 5-15 cm long, and have 20-50 yellowish-green flowers which are 10-12mm long. These occur in spring-summer. The fruit is a 20-30 mm long oblong pod, and is densely covered with short, velvety, greenish-yellow hairs. There are two rounded, blue-black seeds in each fruit that are around 5mm long.

Distribution

It occurs in Queensland and NSW and is known from only nine locations north of Lismore, six of which occur within National Parks and Nature Reserves, and three in State Forests. Populations are generally small, comprising few individuals scattered over a wide area.

Habitat and ecology

  • Pointed Trefoil is found in or near dry rainforest dominated by Hoop Pine.
  • Other species with which Pointed Trefoil is associated include Brush Box Lophostemon confertus, Grey Ironbark Eucalyptus siderophloia, Rough-leaved Elm Ahananthe philipinensis and Native Holly Alchornea ilicifolia.

Regional distribution and habitat

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


Threats

Recovery strategies

Activities to assist this species

Information sources

IBRA Bioregion IBRA Subregion Known or predicted Geographic restrictions region
South Eastern QueenslandBurringbar-Conondale Ranges Known None
South Eastern QueenslandScenic Rim Known None
South Eastern QueenslandSunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands Predicted None
South Eastern QueenslandWoodenbong Known None