Darwinia glaucophylla (a prostrate shrub) - vulnerable species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list the prostrate shrub Darwinia glaucophylla B.G. Briggs 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. Darwinia glaucophylla B.G. Briggs (family Myrtaceae) is described by P. G. Wilson in Harden, G. (ed.) 2002, Flora of New South Wales Vol. 2. Revised edition, University of NSW Press Sydney, page 222, as: Spreading, prostrate shrub with ascending branchlets to 15 cm high. Leaves laterally compressed, 8-17 mm long, glabrous, glaucous and often tinged red-purple. Flowers mostly in clusters of 2-4; peduncles 1-1.5 mm long; bracts leaf-like, 8-12 mm long; bracteoles oblong, 4-6 mm long, red-brown. Hypanthium 7-8 mm long, 0.5-1.5 mm diam., with prominent ribs. Sepals triangular, ≤ 0.5 mm long, entire or toothed; much shorter than petals. Style straight, 12-16 mm long, white. Flowers winter and spring.

2. Darwinia glaucophylla is a NSW endemic that is confined to the Gosford area, where it is currently known from some 15 sites. Several sites occur within or near Brisbane Water National Park and one site is just within the boundary of Popran National Park. It occurs in heaths and woodlands often in association with sandstone rock platforms. Hybrids with  D. fascicularis are readily identifiable by their erect habit (Wilson 2002, cited above).

3. There is little detailed information on population abundance as individual plants are prostrate and may spread over several metres. The species is killed by fire and population numbers may fluctuate in relation to time since the last fire.

4. Threats to Darwinia glaucophylla include trail and track maintenance, weed invasion, increased sedimentation of sites, damage by recreational vehicle use and possibly too frequent fire.

In view of the above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Darwinia glaucophylla B.G. Briggs is likely to become endangered unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate.

Proposed Gazettal date: 13/12/02
Exhibition period: 13/12/02 - 31/01/03