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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The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Zieria smithii - endangered population
Gazetted date:
18 Sep 1998
Profile last updated:
13 Sep 2021
Description
Diggers Head Zieria is a sprawling shrub, up to 1 m tall and 2 m wide. The branches are smooth, and the young parts are covered with fine hairs. The paired leaves are divided into three, narrow-oval leaflets, all with blunt ends, and the central one is longer than the others. The upper surface of the leaf is darker than the lower and both are dotted with oil-glands. The flowers are small, pink with four petals. The egg-shaped fruit capsules are green, and contain one seed. Diggers Head Zieria is distinct from other forms of Zieria smithii.
Distribution
Known only from Diggers Head at Coffs Harbour. Closely related forms occur on eight to ten headlands north to Byron Bay.
Habitat and ecology
- Occurs in low heath with Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis) on a coastal headland.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss of habitat through urban expansion.
- Illegal collection of plants or flowers.
- Invasion and competition from weeds including lantana, bitou bush, asparagus weed, ipomea, solanum and exotic grasses.
- Disturbance from residential areas surrounding the population, including mowing, plant removal and recreational users walking off track.
- The population is susceptible to extirpation via stochastic processes due to its small population size and restricted distribution.
- Loss of individuals as a result of fire leading to population extinction.
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
- Stay on established tracks on coastal headlands to avoid trampling fragile plants or causing erosion.
- View or photograph wildflowers but do not pick or collect plants or flowers.
- Stay on formed tracks and walkways.
- Control introduced weeds in coastal grassy heath areas.
- Prevent ornamental plants and weeds from escaping from gardens into nearby native coastal grassy heath areas.
- Protect coastal grassy heath habitat from clearing or development.
Information sources
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
- NSW Scientific Committee (1998) Zieria smithii population, Diggers Head - Endangered population determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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