Cyperus rupicola (a sedge) - vulnerable species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list the sedge Cyperus rupicola S.T. Blake as a VULNERABLE species in Schedule 2 of the Act. Listing of vulnerable species is provided for by Part 2 of the Act.

NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. Cyperus rupicola S.T. Blake (family Cyperaceae) is described by Wilson in Harden, G.J. (1993, Flora of New South Wales, Vol. 4, page 340. UNSW Press, Kensington) as a: Tussock-forming perennial with very short thick rhizome. Culms triquetrous, often scabrous above 60-100 cm high, 2.5-5 mm diam. Leaves not septate-nodulose, 6-9 mm wide, some longer than the culms. Inflorescence compound with 6-10 primary branches to 18 cm long; digitate clusters to 10 mm diam; involucral bracts leaf-like, 5-8 exceeding the inflorescence. Spikelets flattened, 3-9 per cluster, 7-10 mm long, 2.5-3.5 mm wide in side view, 7-12-flowered; rachilla not winged, persistent. Glumes obtuse, mucronate, with sides irregularly 2-4-nerved, 3-3.5 mm long, red-brown. Stamens 3. Style 3-fid. Nut triquetrous, ovoid, about two-thirds as long as glume, 1.5-1.7 mm long, c. 0.7 mm diam. yellow-brown. Grows amongst rocks or on exposed cliff faces near forest.

2. Cyperus rupicola occurs in southern Queensland and north-eastern NSW. In NSW, it is known from two locations, near Mt Warning and within Nightcap National Park. The habitat of the species is shady cliff faces, or at the base of cliffs. This habitat is very restricted in northern NSW.

3. The small number of known locations and the restricted habitat of the species may make the species threatened by stochastic events.

In view the above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Cyperus rupicola S.T. Blake is likely to become endangered unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate.

Proposed Gazettal date: 01/11/02
Exhibition period: 01/11/02 - 05/12/02