Nature conservation

Threatened species

Calomnion complanatum - profile

Indicative distribution


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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: Calomnion complanatum
Conservation status in NSW: Endangered
Commonwealth status: Not listed
Gazetted date: 19 Dec 2008
Profile last updated: 14 Oct 2024

Description

Calomnion complanatum is a small moss to 10 mm long belonging to the family Calomniaceae, which contains one genus with nine species. It typically grows on the trunks of tree ferns, most commonly those of Soft Tree-fern (Dicksonia antarctica), yet has also been found on Cyathea species. Individuals are small, easily overlooked and the species is easily mistaken for other moss species that grow on tree ferns, such as Hymenodon pilifer, Rhizogonium distichum and R. novaehollandiae, and young stems of Lopidium concinnum. C. complanatum can be distinguished from Rhizogonium because the leaves of the latter are in two lateral rows with the stem clearly visible between them whereas in C. complanatum a third row of leaves masks the stem. C. complanatum can be distinguished from H. pilifer because the leaves of H. pilifer are very pale and usually arranged all around the stem.

Distribution

C. complanatum occurs only in south-eastern Australia (including Tasmania and Victoria) and New Zealand. In NSW, C. complanatum has been recorded from only three locations: Cambewarra Mountain (near Nowra), Rocky Creek Canyon (Newnes Plateau), and two sites at Mount Wilson (Waterfall Reserve and Zircon Creek). Each record is of only a few plants.

Habitat and ecology

  • C. complanatum grows on the trunks of tree ferns, and occasionally on sandstone rock. Records are from moist, shaded gullies within closed forests in mountainous areas with relatively high rainfall. At both Mount Wilson and Cambewarra Mountain, the closed forests are associated with basalt soils, overlying shales and/or sandstone. The closed forest on Cambewarra Mountain is quite diverse, with many genera and many species of rainforest trees, vines and ferns. The closed forest at Mount Wilson is dominated by Coachwood (Ceratopetalum apetalum) and Sassafras (Doryphora sassafras). The Rocky Creek Canyon site is cut into sandstone with underlying shales on the Newnes Plateau.

Regional distribution and habitat

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


Threats

Recovery strategies

Activities to assist this species

Information sources

IBRA Bioregion IBRA Subregion Known or predicted Geographic restrictions region
Sydney BasinIllawarra Predicted None
Sydney BasinWollemi Predicted None