Indicative distribution
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: Uromyrtus australis
Profile last updated:
21 Aug 2018
Description
Peach Myrtle is a shrub or small tree growing up to 12 m tall, the trunk often crooked and covered in brown scaly or flaky bark. It often forms clumps of plants as it grows from root suckers and coppice shoots. Its paired leaves are 2.5 – 4.5 cm long, gradually tapering to drawn-out tips. The upper surface of the leaf is shiny. Young leaves are at first reddish and covered in white silky hairs. Flowers are small and white, maturing to deep pink, and are followed by round black berries, 5 – 8 mm in diameter, containing two to four seeds.
Distribution
Found only in the far north-east of NSW in Nightcap and Mount Jerusalem National Parks and Whian Whian State Conservation Area, west of Mullumbimby.
Habitat and ecology
- Warm temperate rainforest on less fertile soils derived from rhyolite rock. Often associated with Coachwood (Ceratopetalum apetalum).
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Fire.
- Risk of local extinction because distribution is restricted.
- Suseptible to Myrtle rust
- Risk of local extinction because numbers are low.
- Road maintenance.
- Possible mining activities.
- Low recruitment.
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 populations from fire.
- Protect populations from activities associated with mining.
- Identify roadside populations and protect during road-works.
- Ensure hygiene protocols are observed to prevent introduction of Myrtle rust.
- Report new records of Peach Myrtle to the OEH.
- Maintain ex-situ seed bank and investigate why viable seeds produced do not germinate in-situ.
Information sources
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Draft Recovery Plan for Peach Myrtle Uromyrtus australis. NPWS, Coffs Harbour.
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IBRA Bioregion
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IBRA Subregion
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Known or predicted
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Geographic restrictions region
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| South Eastern Queensland | Scenic Rim |
Known
| Within 2 km of Whian Whian State Conservation Area, or the Goonengerry, Nightcap, or Mt Jerusalem National Parks |