Feldmark Grass - 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: Rytidosperma pumilum

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 21 Sep 2021

Description

Feldmark Grass is an inconspicuous tufted grass. Its leaves grow to only about 3 cm tall, and its flowering stems to about 7 cm tall. The leaves have broad, papery sheaths and are often curved or spirally twisted. The two to four spikelets, which are held against the flowering stem, each contain two to four flowers.

Distribution

Felmark Grass is limited to a tiny area - about 3ha - of the Main Range of Kosciuszko National Park between Mt Northcote and Mt Lee. This species also occurs in alpine parts of New Zealand.

Habitat and ecology

Feldmark Grass is found only in the feldmark - the sparse low vegetation of the bare rocky alpine slopes and ridges, one of the harshest environments in Australia. There is little snow cover in winter because the prevailing westerly winds blow it off into lee snow patches. The absence of snow cover means that extremely low temperatures and strong winds are experienced for long periods during winter. Surface soil temperatures are high in summer and soil moisture levels are often limiting at that time.
Judging from its habit and habitat, distribution and preferred habitat, this species presumably resprouts following disturbance, is remarkably tolerant of low temperature and has a limited capacity for dispersal of seeds to other areas of similar habitat nearby.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Australian Alps

Threats

Trampling by bushwalkers may have a direct effect by killing plants and an indirect effect on the species by causing changes to the feldmark community.
Encroachment of native grasses and shrubs that compete with the species for space (threat will intensify with warmer temperatures caused by climate change).

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 4 priority actions to help recover the Feldmark Grass in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Investigate ways to mitigate trampling impacts (e.g. raised walkways, re-routing of track).
Search for further populations in suitable habitat.

Information sources

Costin A.B., Gary M., Totterdell C.J. and Wimbush D.J. (1982) Kosciusko Alpine Flora. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne.
Linder, H. P. (1997) Nomenclatural corrections in the Rytidosperma complex (Danthonieae, Poaceae). Telopea 7, 269-274.
Mark, A.F. and Adams, N.M. (1973) New Zealand Alpine Plants. A.H. & A.W. Reed, Wellington.
McDougall, K.L. and Wright G.T. (2004) The impact of trampling on feldmark vegetation in Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales. Australian Journal of Botany 52, 315-320.