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: Zieria formosa
Gazetted date:
31 Jul 2009
Profile last updated:
30 Aug 2021
Description
The Shapely Zieria is a dense, rounded shrub that grows up to 2 m tall. Its clover-like (trifoliate) leaves are in opposite pairs along the branchlets. Both surfaces of the leaves are covered in a dense, velvety layer of hair, giving the leaves a silvery appearance. The flowers are pale pink, 6-9 mm across and are arranged in large clusters of 26 - 45 flowers. Each flower has four petals 3.5 - 4 mm long and 2 mm wide. The fruit is a 4-chambered warty capsule, with each chamber splitting at the top to release a single ovoid seed about 2 mm in length. Flowering occurs from September to October.
Distribution
Only a single population of Shapely Zieria is known. It occupies an area of about 1 hectare on private land located about 5 km west of Pambula on the NSW far south coast.
Habitat and ecology
- The population of Shapely Zieria occurs on the north-east aspect of an upper, moderately steep slope of a 'break-away' area above a small valley.
- The soil is skeletal, grey sandy loam and there is much exposed surface rock.
- Associated vegetation includes Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii), Blackfellows' Hemp (Commersonia fraseri), Large-leaf Hop-bush (Dodonea triquetra), Snowy Mint-bush (Prostanthera nivea), Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum), White Kunzea (Kunzea ambigua), and Yellow Tea-tree (Leptospermum flavescens).
- The species is almost certainly insect pollinated and native bees, hover flies and blow flies have been observed visiting the flowers.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- The main threats to the survival of this species are 1) the small total population size, 2) the shortage of large, reproductively-mature plants, and 3) the extremely small area occupied by the species. These threats make this species highly susceptible to extinction through events such as wildfire, drought and severe browsing by native and non-native animals.
- More than two-thirds of the mature population died as a result of the 1997-98 drought. The large number of seedlings at the site is encouraging, but survival rates may depend on continued favourable conditions and continuing low levels of browsing by wallabies and rabbits.
- In 2017 many of the smaller plants were observed to have been browsed and/or damaged by native herbivores, most probably wallabies. In the past, browsing had not been observed to be a serious threat but the impact of this browsing has now become significant, particularly as the number of plants has declined.
- Potential for landholders to inadvertently trample seedlings and damage adult plants in proximity to house and garden footprint.
- The site is on private land. The current owners of the largest portion of the population are highly supportive of protecting this species, however future owners of the property may not be as sympathetic to the protection of the species.
- Nutrients and sediment carried downstream from adjoining farmland have caused localised infections of mixed herbaceous weeds and exotic grasses.
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
- Collections of the species have been propagated at Botanic Gardens in Canberra and Mount Annan. These should be maintained for potential ex-situ cultivation.
- Current landowners are aware of the presence of the species. Actions to ensure future property owners are aware of the species presence should be undertaken.
- Construct wallaby and rabbit-proof fencing if required.
- Monitor population for impacts of stochastic events.
Information sources
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Zieria formosa (a shrub) Recovery Plan. NSW NPWS, Hurstville NSW.
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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 East Corner | South East Coastal Ranges |
Known
| West of the Princes Highway and within 20 km of Pambula |