Xanthosia scopulicola - 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: Xanthosia scopulicola

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 07 Nov 2003

Profile last updated: 04 Mar 2024

Description

A recently described small compact shrub to 20 cm tall with a grey woolly appearance and flaking outer bark on older stems. Leaves are grey-green above with star shaped hairs, and white dense hairs below. Juvenile leaves are trifoliolate with unequal segments, each segment with broad rounded teeth. Adult leaves simple, to 15 mm x 10 mm, with rounded teeth. Flowers are yellow and occur mostly in threes in a compound umbel, surrounded by three petal-like bracteoles to 5 mm long. Prior to its recent description, X. scopulicola was part of the X. pilosa species complex.

Distribution

Known only from scattered locations between Kings Tableland (Wentworth Falls) and Boars Head rock (west of Katoomba) in the Blue Mountains. Most populations are within Blue Mountains National Park, though only near the boundary of the reserve.

Habitat and ecology

Grows in cracks and crevices of sandstone cliff faces or on rocky outcrops above the cliffs.
Flowers November to January.
Has a woody taproot and may therefore be able to resprout following fire. The closely related Xanthosia pilosa has been found to have a variable response to fire with some plants resprouting and others being killed by fire.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Sydney Basin

Threats

Habitat degradation due to track maintenance and disturbance by walkers.
Urban runoff and weed encroachment.
Insufficient understanding of distribution.

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

Ensure personnel undertaking track maintenance are able to identify the species and are aware of its habitat.
Undertake appropriate weed control activities when necessary.
Continued habitat protection.
Survey of known populations, and potential habitat, to provide greater insight into the current status of the species, threats to its persistence and management actions required.

Information sources

Fairley, A. (2004) Seldom seen: rare plants of greater Sydney. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
Hart, J.M. and Henwood, M.J. (2000) Systematics of the Xanthosia pilosa Complex (Apiaceae: Hydrocotyloideae). Australian Systematic Botany 13, 245-266.
NSW Scientific Committee (2003) Xanthosia scopulicola (a herb) - Vulnerable species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.