Dracophyllum macranthum

Dracophyllum macranthum is a small shrub in the family Ericaceae. Plants grow to 0.6–2.0 metres tall, and produce rose-to-pink coloured flowers between August and October.[2] It is endemic to the northern coast of New South Wales, Australia.

Dracophyllum macranthum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Dracophyllum
Species:
D. macranthum
Binomial name
Dracophyllum macranthum
E.A.Br. & N.Streiber[1]

Etymology

The specific epithet, macranthum, is derived from two Greek words: μακρός (macros, meaning large) and ἄνθος (anthos, meaning flower).[2]

Distribution and habitat

Dracophyllum macranthum has a restricted range in the forests north of Taree, New South Wales. The species is known to be found in the Lansdowne and Comboyne State Forests, and in Coorabakh National Park.[3][4]

Plants are typically found on rocky outcrops, such as those found in stream gullies, or on roadside cuttings.[2]

Status and conservation

Estimates of the population of Dracophyllum macranthum have ranged widely. One study from 2007 estimated the population to be around 2,500–5,000,[5] while a 2018 study estimated it to be at least 100,000.[6]

Threats to Dracophyllum macranthum include invasive weeds such as Lantana camara and Ageratina riparia, as well as road and track maintenance.[4][5] The pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi is also thought to be a potential threat, though whether the plant is susceptible is yet to be tested.[5]

In 2008, the NSW Scientific Committee listed Dracophyllum macranthum as a 'Vulnerable Species' under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, due to its restricted range and small population.[5] The species continues to be listed as such under the later Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, which repealed the former Act.[7] However, subsequent research has suggested that the population may be large enough to warrant being de-listed from this category.[6]

References
  1. "Dracophyllum macranthum". APNI. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  2. Brown, Elizabeth A; Streiber, Nikola (1999). "Systematic studies in Dracophyllum (Epacridaceae) 2. New species of Dracophyllum in New South Wales". Telopea. 8 (3): 393–401.
  3. Brown, Elizabeth A. "Dracophyllum macranthum E.A.Br. & N.Streiber". PlantNET. Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  4. "Dracophyllum macranthum – profile". NSW Office of Environment & Heritage. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  5. NSW Scientific Committee (2008). Dracophyllum macranthum – vulnerable species listing. Final Determination (Report). Sydney, NSW. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  6. Bell, Stephen; Sims, Ryan (2018). "Extensive populations of Dracophyllum macranthum (Ericaceae) in Coorabakh National Park suggest a review of threat status". Australasian Plant Conservation. 27 (2): 11–14.
  7. "Biodiversity Conservation Act". Act of 2016. NSW Government.
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