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.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Wahlenbergia multicaulis - endangered population
Gazetted date:
07 Nov 2003
Profile last updated:
04 Mar 2024
Description
A perennial, tufted herb, typically few-stemmed, 10 - 75 cm high. Hairless or sometimes with few hairs. Leaves are mostly long and thin, smooth edged or with small serrations. The flowers are blue, with the petals 2 - 10 mm long and forming a tube, with a corolla. The styles are deeply constricted less than a third of the way down.
Distribution
There are 13 known sites, two of which are in northern Sydney (Thornleigh and Mt Ku-Ring-Gai) with the remainder in western Sydney (Rookwood, Chullora, Bass Hill, Bankstown, Georges Hall, Campsie, South Granville and Greenacre). There are likely to be more sites than those listed here.
Habitat and ecology
- In Western Sydney most sites are closely aligned with the Villawood Soil Series, which is a poorly drained, yellow podsolic extensively permeated with fine, concretionary ironstone (laterite). However, the sites in Hornsby LGA are on the 'Hawkesbury' soil landscape.
- Found in disturbed sites and grows in a variety of habitats including forest, woodland, scrub, grassland and the edges of watercourses and wetlands. Typically occurs in damp, disturbed sites (with natural or human disturbance of various forms), typically amongst other herbs rather than in the open.
- In Hornsby LGA it occurs in or adjacent to sandstone gully forest. In Western Sydney it is found in remnants of Cooks River/ Castlereagh Ironbark Forest.
- Usually flowers throughout the year, although a late spring/early summer peak has been observed at some locations Creek.
- Usually a perennial, particularly in protected situations which provide greater protection during the summer months. However, in more exposed situations, the species may be more annual in its life cycle due to exposure and/or lack of soil moisture.
- Responds favourably to disturbance of soil in some situations with high exposure to sunlight. However, too much disturbance can eventually exhaust the seedbank and lead to local extinctions.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Uncertainty of future land management practices across population.
- Habitat degradation due to altered disturbance regime resulting in limited germination conditions.
- Competition with exotic weeds blocking light and preventing germination.
- habitat clearing.
- Small population (isolated and low number of recorded locations).
- Lack of knowledge of genetics and the potential for genetic swamping through hybridisation with W. gracilis and W. littoricola.
- intrusive ballast dumping.
- deposition of industrial refuse and excavated material.
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
- Prevent further loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat.
- Removal of hybrids is not recommended at this stage as they contain genetic material of W. multicaulis. Sites with hybrids should be closely monitored and DEC should be consulted prior to undertaking any actions to remove hybrids.
- Prepare and implement Plans of Management or similar.
Information sources
- Benson, D.H., Ondinea, D. and Bear, V. (1999) Missing jigsaw pieces – the bushplants of the Cooks River valley. Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney.
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1992) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 3. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
- Kinhill Connell Wagner (1997) Species impact statement for the development of Sydney Freight Terminal, Chullora. Prepared by Kinhill Connell Wagner Joint Venture, Kent St Sydney for National Rail Corporation Ltd.
- Mather & Associates Pty Ltd & Ian Perkins Consultancy Services (1999) Bushland Restoration and Management Plan, for the redevelopment of the Intermodal Freight Terminal and Operational Sidings Muir Road, Chullora. Prepared for National Rail Corporation L
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Native Vegetation of the Cumberland Plain - Final Edition. (NSW NPWS, Sydney)
- NSW Scientific Committee (1997) Wahlenbergia multicaulis (Tadgell's Bluebell) population, Auburn, Bankstown, Strathfield and Canterbury local government areas - Endangered population determination - final
- NSW Scientific Committee (2003) Wahlenbergia multicaulis population, Auburn, Bankstown, Baulkham Hills, Canterbury, Hornsby, Parramatta and Strathfield local government areas - Endangered population determination - final
- Smith, P.J. (1992) A revision of the genus Wahlenbergia (Campanulaceae) in Australia. Telopea 5(1), 91-177.
- Tozer, M.G. (2003) The native vegetation of the Cumberland Plain, Western Sydney: systematic classification and field identification of communities. Cunninghamia 8(1): 1-75
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