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: Dracophyllum macranthum
Gazetted date:
19 Nov 2021
Profile last updated:
07 Jun 2022
Description
This species has been delisted from the Biodiversity Conservation Act and is no longer classified as Vulnerable. Dracophyllum macranthum is a weakly woody shrub 0.6-2 (rarely 3) metres tall, often branching near the base, initially erect to spreading but the longer branches frequently pendent. The branches are often reddish brown towards the tips. The leaves are light- to mid-green, erect to spreading, often gently down-curved, linear or narrowly triangular, 9-20 mm long, 6-9 mm wide, flat to concave, with a finely toothed margin. The leaves are often concentrated within 20-30 cm of the end of the stem. The inflorescence is narrow, terminal, and spike-like, 5-15 cm long, with about 10-40 tubular flowers with 1-3 flowers at each node. The flowers have a rose-coloured calyx and a pink corolla (becoming red with age) with five white apical lobes, the corolla tube is 16-25 mm long and 3-4 mm diameter, the lobes ovate and spreading and 2.5-4 mm long; the anthers are held within the throat of the corolla tube. The style is slightly longer than and emergent from the corolla tube. The fruit is reddish brown, shorter than the calyx tube and the seeds are minute. Flowering occurs in August-September (possibly also October).
Distribution
Occurs in a mountainous area about 20 km north east of Taree in the New South Wales North Coast Bioregion. The species is only known from Coorabakh National Park and adjacent parts of Lansdowne State Forest and Comboyne State Forest.
Habitat and ecology
- Dracophyllum macranthum generally occurs on moderate to steep slopes with southerly aspects often associated with gaps in the forest canopy. The associated vegetation is usually regrowth eucalypt forest dominated by Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt).
- The most common habitat is with dense banks of ferns (Gleichenia dicarpa and Sticherus species) on steep shady slopes and roadside cuttings, possibly associated with seepage areas.
- Also frequently occurs on edges of roadside bluffs or on conglomerate outcrops,
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Inappropriate burning regimes.
- Introduction of soil- or water-borne pathogens such as Phytophthora cinnamomi.
- Road and track maintainance.
- Weed invasion by species such as Lantana camara, Ageratina adenophora (crofton weed) and possibly Ageratina riparia (mist flower).
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
4 priority actions
to help recover the Dracophyllum macranthum in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Ensure personnel undertaking road and track maintenance are familiar with Dracophyllum macranthum and its habitat.
- Monitor known populations for evidence of presence of infection by Phytophthora cinnamomi.
- Monitor, and control where needed, invasion by species such as Lantana camara (Lantana), Ageratina adenophora (Crofton Weed) and possibly Ageratina riparia (Mist Flower).
- Apply appropriate fire management practices. As an obligate seeder Dracophyllum macranthum would probably be suited by a fire interval of approximately 5 to 25 years.
Information sources
- NSW Scientific Committee (2008) Dracophyllum macranthum - vulnerable species listing. Final Determination. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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