Homoranthus croftianus (a shrub) - endangered species listing
The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, has made a Final Determination to list the shrub Homoranthus croftianus J.T. Hunter as an ENDANGERED SPECIES on Part 1 of Schedule 1 of that Act. Listing is provided for by Part 2 of the Act.
NSW Scientific Committee - final determination
This final determination has been superseded by the April 2024 final determination for Homoranthus croftianus J. T. Hunter
The Scientific Committee has found that:
1. Homoranthus croftianus J.T. Hunter was described by Hunter 1998 [Two new rare species of Homoranthus (Myrtaceae: Chamelaucieae) from the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. Telopea 8(1): 35-40].
2. Homoranthus croftianus as described by J.T. Hunter is an erect shrub to 2 m tall by 1.5 m wide. Stems yellow to orange when young, turning brown with age. Leaves opposite, decussate, 2.5 - 8 mm long, 0.4 - 0.7 mm wide, 0.6 - 0.9 mm thick; blade incurved or rarely straight or recurved, linear, in transverse section subobtriangular, abaxially flat or concave, dark green to pale green; apex curved or straight, acuminate to cuspidate; petiole 0.1 - 0.5 mm long. Flowers solitary in axils on undifferentiated branchlets, greenish to cream. Peduncles 0.7 - 1.4 mm long, crowned between bracteoles; bracteoles caducous, gland dotted, 3.5 - 4.5 mm long, red-brown. Hypanthium 5-costate, with multicellular trichomes between the rounded costae on the ovary region, 1.5 - 3 mm long, 1 - 1.5 mm wide. Sepals 2 -3 mm long, 0.3 - 0.6 mm wide, margins variously divided on individual flowers from undivided to 3-laciniate, gland-dotted. Petals orbicular to widely ovate, 1 - 1.2 mm long, 1 - 1.4 mm wide, margins entire. Stamens 10; filaments 0.1 - 0.3 mm long; anthers 0.3 - 0.5 mm long; staminodes 20, free, 0.3 - 0.5 mm long. Style 1.5 - 2.5 mm long, swollen basally, with long trichomes on the top third; stigma papillate. Fruit simple, dry indehiscent nut, 3.5 - 4 mm long, 1.2 - 1.5 mm wide, caducous after seed set, orange brown. Flowering sporadically June to August.
3. Homoranthus croftianus is restricted to the Bolivia Range south of Tenterfield. Despite numerous searches of surrounding areas, it has not been found elsewhere.
4. It is found in open exposed situations in shrubland and low woodland on granitic outcrops.
5. The geographic range is only a few kilometres and the population is probably less than 500 individuals. It is not represented in any conservation reserve.
6. The species is threatened by grazing by goats and rabbits. The risk of extinction of this species is high due to low population numbers.
7. In view of 3, 4, 5 & 6 above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion Homoranthus croftianus J.T. Hunter is likely to become extinct in nature in New South Wales unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate.
Proposed Gazettal date: 23/7/99
Exhibition period: 23/7/99 - 27/8/99