Lasiopetalum joyceae (a shrub) - vulnerable species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list the shrub Lasiopetalum joyceae Blakely (Sterculiaceae) as a Vulnerable species on Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act. Listing is provided for by Part 2 of the Act.

NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. The shrub Lasiopetalum joyceae was originally collected by Joyce Blakely in 1915 from the Mt. Colah-Bobbin Head area and first described by W.F. Blakely in 1929.

2. The following brief description is taken from Harden (1990), Flora of NSW, Volume 1: Lasiopetalum joyceae is an erect shrub to 2m high. Leaves linear, 3-9cm long, mostly 3-6mm, rarely to 10mm wide, margins revolute; upper surface dark green and glaborous and with veins visible but not prominent, lower surface whitish to rusty-tomentose and veins not visible. Cymes few-flowered; peduncle usually longer than petiole; bracteoles 5-8mm long, c. 1mm wide, close to calyx. Calyx lobes 8-12mm long, undulate, pinkish to reddish brown, tomentose outside and within except for thickened margins. Capsule 3-5mm diameter, tomentose. Flowers spring. Grows in heath on sandstone; Hornsby Plateau.

3. The species has a restricted range occurring on lateritic to shaley ridgetops on the Hornsby Plateau south of the Hawkesbury River. It is currently known from 34 sites between Berrilee and Duffys Forest. Seventeen of these are reserved, though many are situated at the reserve edge and subject to subsequent edge effects such as nutrient enrichment and weed encroachment.

4. Total population is estimated to be less than 3000 and is highly fragmented. Only five sites have greater than 200 plants, the remainder have 100 or less.

5. Several unreserved sites are threatened by proposed development. Many sites, both reserved and unreserved are subject to ongoing threats because of their proximity to residential areas, park boundaries, tracks and fire trails. Frequent hazard reduction burns on these boundaries could deplete the seedbank, whilst general degradation could result from close proximity to residential areas. A number of sites with small numbers of individuals could be prone to catastrophic events.

6. In view of 3, 4 & 5 above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that the species is likely to become endangered in nature in New South Wales unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival cease to operate.

Proposed Gazettal date: 26/2/99
Exhibition period: 26/2/99 - 2/4/99