Leionema lamprophyllum subsp. fractum - profile

Indicative distribution

Loading map...

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: Leionema lamprophyllum subsp. fractum

Conservation status in NSW: Critically Endangered

Commonwealth status: Critically Endangered

Gazetted date: 01 Dec 2007

Profile last updated: 22 May 2024

Description

Leionema lamprophyllum subsp. fractum is a shrub growing to 1.5m tall. Fresh flower buds are yellow to yellowish-green,occasionally with rusty infusions. Indumentum has calyx and branchlets moderately to densely minutely stellate. Leaf length 6–9mm and leaf shape rhomboidal or obtrullate. Leaf margin, irregularly crenate to bluntly dentate in the distal half with an obtuse leaf apex (adapted from Table 1 in Bell and Walsh, 2015). Lamina strongly and pleasantly aromatic when crushed.

The plants have been observed to commence budding in early May with flowers fully open during September. Mature fruit have been collected in December. Seed ovoid, 2.0–2.2 mm long, glossy black, aril cream-coloured (Bell and Walsh, 2015).

For the detailed taxonomy please refer to Bell and Walsh (2015). You will find a link to this paper under the ‘Related Information’ tab on right hand side of the screen.

Distribution

Currently known only from the Broken Back Range near Cessnock, with a historical collection from Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve near Wollar.

Habitat and ecology

Leionema lamprophyllum subsp. fractum occurs in sparse heathland or very open low woodland in skeletal sandy soils on exposed rocky terrain.
Common associates include Corymbia maculata, Eucalyptus sparsifolia, Pultenaea spinosa, Leptospermum trinervium, Acacia parvipinnula, Dillwynia sieberi, Persoonia linearis, Leucopogon muticus, Astrotricha sp. Quorrobolong (S. Lewer 40), Correa reflexa var. reflexa, Patersonia sericea, Entolasia stricta, Cleistochloa rigida, Pomax umbellata, Lepidosperma gunnii and Lomandra confertifolia subsp. rubiginosa.
The threatened Eucalyptus fracta and Prostanthera cineolifera are also present in this habitat or nearby.
The total number of mature individuals of Leionema lamprophyllum subsp. fractum are considered to be very low with only 38 individuals currently known.
Plants have been found on skeletal sandy soils on a rocky northerly to north-westerly facing outcrop at 515 m above sea level.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Sydney Basin

Threats

The extremely low number of plants in the Hunter Catchment population predisposes it to threats associated with chance environmental and demographic disturbances.
Damage to plants from recreational and commercial climbers.
Damage to plants and habitat from forestry operations.
Road and track maintenance activities impacting on the plants and their habitat.
Fire retardant chemicals impact the species.
Mining blasting could cause cliff collapse.

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

Apply appropriate fire management practices. As an obligate seeder Leionema lamprophyllum subsp. obovatum would probably be suited by a fire interval of approximately 5 to 25 years.
Continue to monitor the population to observe any fluctuations.
Ensure individual plants are not damaged by human activities.

Information sources

Harden, G.J. (ed.) (2002) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 2, Revised Edition. UNSW, Sydney.
NSW Scientific Committee (2007) Leionema lamprophyllum subsp. obovatum in the Hunter Catchment - endangered population listing. Final Determination. NSW Scientific Committee, Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Sydney Basin	Hunter	Predicted	None
Sydney Basin	Kerrabee	Predicted	None
Sydney Basin	Wollemi	Predicted	None
Sydney Basin	Yengo	Known	None

Images

Drawings taken from Bell. Stephen, E and Walsh, Neville, G (2015)
Enlarge image

Related information

Get involved

Report a sighting

Nature conservation

Threatened species