Black-eyed Susan - 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: Tetratheca juncea

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 16 Aug 2021

Description

A low shrub that grows in clumps of single or multiple stems. Flowers face downwards and usually have 4 petals which range from white to pink to dark purple in colour. They are borne singly or in twos along the stem. Stems are 30 to 60 cm long, usually leafless with 2 to 3 narrow wings that give them an angular appearance. Plants are usually sprawling and can be difficult to detect amongst other vegetation when not flowering. It may be readily distinguished from other Tetratheca species with which its grows by its distinct winged stem and reduced leaves.

Distribution

Confined to the northern portion of the Sydney Basin bioregion and the southern portion of the North Coast bioregion in the local government areas of Wyong, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Great Lakes and Cessnock.

Habitat and ecology

It is usually found in low open forest/woodland with a mixed shrub understorey and grassy groundcover. However, it has also been recorded in heathland and moist forest.
The majority of populations occur on low nutrient soils associated with the Awaba Soil Landscape.
While some studies show the species has a preference for cooler southerly aspects, it has been found on slopes with a variety of aspects.
It generally prefers well-drained sites below 200m elevation and annual rainfall between 1000 - 1200mm. The preferred substrates are sandy skeletal soil on sandstone, sandy-loam soils, low nutrients; and clayey soil from conglomerates, pH neutral.
It usually spreads via underground stems which can be up to 50 cm long. Consequently, individual plants may be difficult to identify. It also reproduces sexually but this requires insect pollination.
Large populations of this species are particularly important.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Habitat loss due to clearing for urban development.
Habitat degradation resulting from frequent fire, weed invasion and stormwater runoff. The primary invasive species are Braken Fern and Blady Grass.
Impacts from inappropriate fire regimes including inappropriate fire frequency, intensity, seasonality, and scale.
Increases in invasive species such as lantana and bitou bush, (that change the microclimate and soil composition over time) decrease the ability of Tetratheca juncea populations to persist in these areas. Once weeds have been established for a too long a period Tetratheca juncea is unlikely to return or regenerate of its own accord.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Reinstate an appropriate fire regime which protects the species from frequent fire.
Install stormwater control mechanisms to prevent off-site impacts from development upslope of populations.
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 large populations and those at the limit of the species range through conservation mechanisms such as covenanting and the preparation/implementation of site-specific vegetation management plans.
Improve vegetative connectivity within and between populations through revegetation/regeneration programs.
Monitor population health and numbers for any changes (refer to counting method in the references).
Undertake targeted searches for the species in known or potential habitat during its flowering period prior to any clearing or development.

Information sources

Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1992) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 3. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
Payne, R.J. (2000) Lake Macquarie Tetratheca juncea conservation management plan. Final report. November 2000. Unpublished report to Lake Macquarie City Council, NPWS and BHP Pty Ltd
Payne, R.J., Stevenson D.A. and Wellington R. (2002) A standardised method for counting Black-Eyed Susan populations. Unpublished technical note.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW North Coast	Karuah Manning	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Upper Hunter	Known	None
Ocean	Hawkesbury Shelf	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Hunter	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Wyong	Known	None

Images

Flower, foliage and form, Black-eyed Susan
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