Sannantha whitei - profile

Indicative distribution

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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: Sannantha whitei

Conservation status in NSW: Critically Endangered

Commonwealth status: Critically Endangered

Gazetted date: 29 Nov 2024

Profile last updated: 03 Dec 2025

Description

Spreading shrub to c. 1 m high; young stem somewhat quadrangular; margins entire.

Leaves narrowly elliptical to narrowly obovate, 2.7–4 mm long, 0.7–1.1 mm wide, apex shortly acuminate, base acute; oil glands prominent on lower surface; petiole 0.5–0.6 mm long.

Flowers in 1- to 3-flowered inflorescences; common peduncle 1–3.5 mm long; pedicels 1.2–3 mm long, bracteoles caducous. Hypanthium smooth, glandular. Sepals obtuse to rounded, sometimes with a thickened, central rib. Corolla 6–8 mm diam.; petals suborbicular, 2.2–3 mm long. Stamens mostly 6–8. Style short, set into a pit on the ovary summit.

Capsule 1–1.8 mm diam.; seeds D-shaped.

Distribution

Inverell district.

Habitat and ecology

Sannantha whitei habitat consists of largely damp areas near drainage lines or creeks. It is found in sandy alluvial soils derived from granite, often associated with large granite boulders and rocky outcrops (Wilson and Heslewood 2014). DPE 2023) and have high sand and gravel content, low fertility, are erodible and have a low water holding capacity (NSW NPWS 2020). The vegetation is described as woodland dominated by Eucalyptus prava and Callitris endlicheri (Wilson and Heslewood 2014), with other associated species including E. dealbata, Angophora sp. and Acacia sp. with a grassy understory

Threats

Weeds can invade, establish in, and outcompete native vegetation, particularly following disturbance events such as fires (Brown et al. 2016), reducing recruitment success. Exotic perennial grasses are a noted threat in the SCA, particularly Coolatai grass (Hyparrhenia hirta) (NSW NPWS 2020) which was observed across the population during post-fire surveys (Croft 2021). Other weeds that may adversely affect the species and which are known to occur in Goonoowigall SCA include blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.), mother-of-millions (Bryophyllum sp.), prickly pear (Opuntia sp.) and tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) (NSW NPWS 2020).
Increased frequency and severity of fires due to climate change is inferred to be contributing to continuing decline in the extent, area and quality of habitat for Sannantha whitei.
Disturbance by invasive herbivores is inferred to be contributing to continuing decline in the area, extent and quality of habitat of Sannantha whitei. Browsing and habitat degradation by goats (Capra hircus) is a known threat to other plant species in the region and may adversely affect S. whitei (NSW NPWS 2020). Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculusi) also occur in the SCA, and may threaten the species through habitat degradation and disturbance (NSW NPWS 2020). No browsing was observed during recent surveys (Croft 2021)
Changes in precipitation patterns due to climate change are expected to increase the risk of flooding and soil erosion across the region where Sannantha whitei occurs, contributing to continued declines in the extent, area and quality of habitat.

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.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

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