Myrsine richmondensis (a shrub/small tree) - endangered species listing

The Scientific Committee, established under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, has made a Final Determination to list Rapaneasp. A Richmond River (J.H. Maiden & J.L. Boorman NSW 26751), a shrub/small tree (Myrsinaceae) as an ENDANGERED SPECIES on Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Act and as a consequence omit reference to Rapanea sp. A Richmond River (J.H. Maiden & J.L. Boorman NSW 26751 as a species presumed extinct on Part 4 of Schedule 1 of the Act. Listing of endangered species is provided for by Part 2 of the Act.

This species is now known as Myrsine richmondensis Jackes [NSW Government Gazette No. 87, 12 June 2009, Page 3030].

NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. Rapanea sp. A Richmond River (J.H. Maiden & J.L. Boorman NSW 26751) (Myrsinaceae) was presumed extinct in New South Wales and has been recently rediscovered.

2. It is an understorey shrub/small tree recorded from subtropical coastal areas on the north coast of NSW. This species is described in the Flora of New South Wales (Volume 1, Harden 1990) under the name of Rapanea sp. A as: "Shrub or small tree. Leaves elliptic to oblanceolate, 5-14 cm long, 1.5-3 cm wide, strongly tapered to base and apex, the apex ± pointed or rarely slightly notched, margins entire, lateral veins faint and dots often raised on dried material; petiole 4-7 mm long, grooved. Flowers 5-merous, calyx and corolla prominently glandular. Fruit 3-4 mm diam., blue; pedicel 2-4 mm, glabrous. Grows in subtropical rainforest in coastal areas, from Coraki on the Richmond R. north to Mt. Warning; very rare, possibly extinct."

3. The species is currently known from only 4 individual plants.

4. The species is threatened by disturbance from grazing/ trampling by cattle, weed invasion, loss of habitat from clearing and fire.

5. In view of 1, 3 & 4 above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that the species is likely to become extinct in nature in New South Wales unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival cease to operate.

Proposed gazettal date: 4/9/98
Exhibition Period: 4/9/98 to 9/10/98
Provisionally listed as an endangered species on 19 December 1997.