Helichrysum calvertianum - 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: Helichrysum calvertianum

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Gazetted date: 31 May 2019

Profile last updated: 25 Feb 2024

Description

Helichrysum calvertianum is a perennial paper daisy flowering from winter to summer. It is a twiggy subshrub to 30cm high and the flowers are white, often tinged with pink at the tips, and are solitary on branches.

Distribution

Helichrysum calvertianum is endemic to New South Wales where it is currently only known from the Wingecarribee Shire. There are seven known populations. Only one population occurs within the reserve estate, in the northern part of Morton National Park.

Habitat and ecology

It occurs in dry sclerophyll forest and heathland with rock outcrops, predominantly on Hawkesbury sandstone soils
At altitudes between approximately 650 and 855 m
Rainfall ranges from 850 mm per annum at the western-most sites, to over 1500 mm at the eastern-mostt site
It is likely the seeds are wind dispersed
The fire response of H. calvertianum is unknown.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Many of the populations are close to tracks and prone to disturbance from vehicle usage and from track maintenance activities. Plant death and damage as a result of crushing by vehicles (trail bikes, 4WDs and potentially mountain bikes) has been observed. Vehicle disturbance leads to disturbance of highly erodible and skeletal soils, and increased weed invasion through weed propagules introduced from vehicles. Other examples of disturbance to the habitat include dumped soil and rubble, and clearing associated with power line maintenance, firebreaks and road construction
Inappropriate fire regime, including lack of fire, leading to overgrowth of the native Pittosporum undulatum (Native Daphne) and affecting recruitment.
Weeds (e.g. garden escapes, sea-side daisy) and overgrowth of natives outcompeting and shading the species, particularly in the absence of fire
Feral animals, particularly rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), are likely to adversely affect mature plants and recruitment by browsing, grazing, and digging (followed by erosion)
Recreational bikes including illegal trail use and creation directly damaging plants and their habitat (e.g. through erosion and sedimentation)
Lack of knowledge of the species response to fire, including associated threats from fire operations (e.g. erosion of habitat) and the interacting threat of drought.
Disturbance from vehicles, runoff, and recreational walkers directly damaging plants and their habitat (e.g. through erosion and sedimentation)

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 0 priority actions to help recover the Helichrysum calvertianum in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Identify and Implement appropriate fire management practices
Protect known habitat areas from clearing and disturbance.
Undertake ecological research into the life history and species ecology of this species.
Restrict access by fencing.
Control rabbit browsing in areas where it is negatively impacting populations
Restore degraded habitat using bush regeneration techniques.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Related information

Helichrysum calvertianum, a shrub - vulnerable species listing

Get involved

Report a sighting

Nature conservation

Threatened species