Cyperus semifertilis (a sedge) - endangered species listing
The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list the sedge Cyperus semifertilis S.T. Blake as an ENDANGERED SPECIES on Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Act. Listing of Endangered Species is provided for by Part 2 of the Act.
NSW Scientific Committee - final determination
The Scientific Committee has found that:
1. Cyperus semifertilis (CYPERACEAE), is a slender sedge first described in 1949 from a collection from Queensland. The following description is taken from the Flora of south-eastern Queensland Vol.3, by Stanley & Ross:
"Perennial with horizontally creeping rhizome; stems slender, erect, triquetrous, scabrous, 30-55 cm tall, ca 1 mm thick. Leaves longer than stem, flat or revolute, 1.5-4 mm wide. Inflorescences simple, with 1-3 unequal rays each up to 5 cm long or rarely reduced to single spike, involucral bracts 2 or 3, lower longer than inflorescences; spikes ovoid with 1-6 digitate spreading spikelets; spikelets linear in outline, acuminate, 0.6-1.4(-2) cm X 0.12-0.25 cm, rachilla straight, wingless; glumes 1.6-1.7 mm long, lower glumes green, upper pale brown; stamens 3; stigmas 3. Nuts brown, ellipsoid, trigonous, sides flat or convex, somewhat longer than glume".
2. Cyperus semifertilis occurs on the north coast of NSW (Wilson pers. comm.) and in south east Queensland. In NSW it is currently known from only one location in the Mullumbimby area where it was growing in open forest of Eucalyptus acmenoides with an open understorey.
3. The number of known plants of Cyperus semifertilis is low and is estimated to be about 50 individuals.
4. The known population is on freehold land. Threats at this location are unknown. Cyperus semifertilis is at risk of extinction due to its restricted distribution and very low population numbers.
5. In view of 2, 3 and 4 above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Cyperus semifertilis is likely to become extinct in nature in NSW unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate.
Proposed Gazettal date: 13/07/01
Exhibition period: 13/07/01 - 17/08/01