Brush Sophora - 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: Sophora fraseri

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 02 Nov 2023

Description

Brush Sophora is a small sparsely branched shrub growing 1 - 2 m tall, which belongs to the pea family. The whole plant is covered in soft short hairs. Its leaves are 6 - 15 cm long, and consist of 21 - 35 leaflets. The pale yellow flowers have the shape of a typical pea flower, and are arranged in groups at the ends of branches. The seed pods are 3 - 10 cm long and contain two to six seeds.

Distribution

Bush Sophora occurs north from the Casino district in north-east NSW, where it is very rare. Also in south-east Queensland where it is widespread but not common.

Habitat and ecology

Brush Sophora is usually found in wet situations in wet sclerophyll forest or vine forest, often near rainforest.
The roots of Brush Sophora contain a number of fungal/mycorrhizal species.
Resprouts from fire.
Flowers from April until November, fruit occurs from January to November.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

South Eastern Queensland

Threats

Loss of habitat through clearing for agriculture.
Timber harvesting activities.
Weed infestation, especially by Lantana.
Inappropriate fire regimes: regeneration from seed is stimulated by fire, but plants may be killed by fire before producing seed.
Loss of individuals from road/track works or maintenance
Grazing by domestic stock.
Loss of habitat through clearing for development.
Risk of local extinction because population are small.

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

Protect known and potential habitat from clearing and development.
Control weeds in and near habitat.
Protect areas of habitat from frequent fire.
Protect areas of habitat during timber harvesting activities.
Support local Landcare groups and bush regeneration teams raise the profile of the species and undertake on ground works.
Exclude stock from areas of known habitat.
Maintain viable ex-situ seedbank and/or living collection.
Report new records of Brush Sophora to the OEH.
Expand and connect areas of known habitat.
Monitor the population dynamics and threats at known populations.
Undertake research into the biology and ecological requirements of the species.

Information sources

Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Predicted	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	North of Richmond River
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Sandstones	Predicted	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Predicted	None
South Eastern Queensland	Woodenbong	Known	None

Images

Scan of flowers and foliage. <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/orkology" class="linkBlack100" target="_blank">Greg Steenbeeke, Orkology</a>

Scan of flowers and foliage. Greg Steenbeeke, Orkology Image 1 of 4.
View slideshow.

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