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: Zieria granulata
Profile last updated:
21 Mar 2022
Description
A tall bushy shrub that grows to 6 m. The entire plant is densely covered with glandular tubercles (small wart-like outgrowths) that give a strong aroma when crushed. Its leaves consist of three narrow leaflets that are dull green above, pale green below, 19.5 to 42.5 mm long, and have downward curved margins. Its small white flowers grow in dense many-flowered clusters. The fruit is a dry, light brown capsule containing dark reddish brown seeds to 2 mm long.
Distribution
Restricted to the Illawarra region where it is recorded from a number of sites. The species primarily occupies the coastal lowlands between Oak Flats and Toolijooa, in the local government areas of Shellharbour and Kiama. This is a range of approximately 22 kilometres.
Habitat and ecology
- The typical habitat is dry ridge tops and rocky outcrops on shallow volcanic soils, usually on Bumbo Latite. Less frequently found on the moist slopes of the Illawarra escarpment and in low-lying areas on Quaternary sediments.
- Associated vegetation includes Bracelet Honey-myrtle Melaleuca armillaris scrub, Forest Red Gum Eucalyptus tereticornis woodland and rainforest margins, although the species has been recorded from a number of other vegetation types. Most vegetation types are also listed as Endangered Ecological Communities.
- Much of the natural habitat for the species has been removed and many sites now occupy road verges and paddock edges.
- Flowering occurs between early spring and summer.
- Seed dispersal is initially through forcible ejection from the mature fruit, and it is suspected that secondary dispersal by ants also occurs. Mass germination of seeds has been observed following soil disturbance.
- Observed to coppice from damaged stems in response to physical disturbance including grazing and slashing, although the age at which the species is capable of this is not known.
- Response to fire not known.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Further loss and fragmentation of habitat, particularly through clearing for agriculture, quarrying, road construction and residential development.
- Habitat damage associated with rubbish dumping.
- Frequent fire.
- Competition from weeds including African olive, Lantana, and exotic grasses.
- Habitat damage associated with grazing by domestic stock.
- Habitat damage associated with herbicide spraying and slashing to maintain paddocks and road verges.
Recovery strategies
Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological
community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified
23 priority actions
to help recover the Illawarra Zieria in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Protect known sites from fire. Ensure that personnel planning and undertaking hazard reduction burns are able to identify the species and are aware of its habitat.
- Determine and apply appropriate fire management practices.
- Consider off-site impacts in the assessment of nearby developments.
- Install fencing/signage to exclude livestock and machinery.
- Limit vehicle access to sites to deter rubbish dumping.
- On-site markers can alert maintenance staff to the presence of a threatened species.
- Control threatening weeds where necessary. Avoid spraying weeds close to Zieria plants to ensure they are not impacted by poison.
- Protect areas of known and potential habitat from clearing and further fragmentation
- Negotiate with landholders for protection of populations on private land.
- Restore degraded habitat using bush regeneration techniques.
- Prepare and implement site specific plans of management for sites on public land.
- Map known sites and conduct searches of potential habitat for new sites.
- Mark sites and potential habitat onto maps used for planning road maintenance work.
Information sources
- Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) (2005) Zieria granulata (Illawarra zieria) Recovery Plan. DEC (NSW), Hurstville NSW.
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
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