Broad-leaved Pepperbush - 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: Tasmannia purpurascens

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 21 Aug 2019

Description

Broad-leaved Pepperbush is a medium to tall shrub with purplish buds and stems. The leathery leaves are aromatic, broad and waxy, 8 - 18 cm long and 3 - 5 cm wide. Male and female flowers are borne on different plants and are followed by oblong purple-black fruits, 10 - 15 mm long, on the female plants.

Distribution

Restricted to Barrington Tops, Gloucester Tops and Ben Halls Gap in NSW.

Habitat and ecology

Broad-leaved Pepperbush grows in tall, moist eucalypt forest, sub-alpine woodland and cool temperate rainforest.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Invasion of introduced weeds, particularly Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) and blackberry.
Disturbance of habitat by feral pigs.
Logging operations.
Road construction and maintenance.
Clearing of habitat.
Highly susceptible to infection by the root pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi, which may threaten the local persistence of the species. Phytophthora is present in the Barrington Tops area.
Feral horses disperse weeds and diseases (like Phytophthora), leave manure piles, browse, and trample on plants.
Hybridisation between T. stipitata and T. purpurascens

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 0 priority actions to help recover the Broad-leaved Pepperbush in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Stay on established walking tracks when visiting national parks.
Observe hygiene protocols and track closure signs in national parks.
Assist with the control of feral pigs.
Limit the importation of soil to sites supporting this species.
Assist with the control and removal of English Broom.
Help protect habitat areas from logging, road construction and clearing.
Notify the DEC of any new occurrences of Broad-leaved Pepperbush.

Information sources

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Lower North Coast of New South Wales. (NSW NPWS, Hurstville)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

New England Tablelands	Walcha Plateau	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Barrington	Known	None

Images

Broad-leaved Pepperbush, Murray Fagg <a href="http://www.anbg.gov.au" class="linkBlack100" target="_blank">Australian National Botanic Gardens</a>

Broad-leaved Pepperbush, Murray Fagg Australian National Botanic Gardens Image 1 of 5.
View slideshow.

Related information

NSW Flora Online - Tasmannia purpurascens

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Nature conservation

Threatened species