Distichlis distichophylla (a grass) - endangered species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list the grass, Distichlis distichophylla (Labill.) Fassett, as an ENDANGERED SPECIES on Part 1 of Schedule 1 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. Distichlis distichophylla (Labill.) Fassett is a dioecious perennial halophytic grass. It is described in the Flora of New South Wales (Harden, 1990) as: "Dioecious perennial to 0.3 m high, with creeping rhizomes to >1 m long, and ascending or decumbent culms. Leaves distichous; sheath glabrous; ligule a ciliate rim with hairs to 0.5 mm long; auricles often pilose with hairs to 1 mm long; blade flat or rolled, to 4 mm wide, almost pungent-pointed, glabrous, margins scabrous. Inflorescence 2.5 - 5 cm long, 1 - 2 cm wide. Spikelets 1 - 2 cm long, 0.3 - 0.5 cm wide, laterally flattened, florets 6 - 14; pedicel 1 - 4 mm long. Glumes keeled, glabrous; lower 3 - 4.5 mm long, 3 - 5 nerved; upper 3.5 - 5 mm long, 7 - 9 nerved. Lemmas 5 - 6.5 mm long, c. 12-nerved, glabrous, slightly wider on female plants. Palea slightly shorter than lemma. Stigmas conspicuous on female plants; anthers to 3 mm long and conspicuous on male plants."

2. In New South Wales Distichlis distichophylla is known from only three sites, two on the coast at Murrah Lagoon (near Bermagui) and Wowly Gully (Jervis Bay), and from one inland site at Lake Cargelligo.

3. Distichlis distichophylla is a common species in saltmarshes in Victoria and Tasmania, but despite intensive searches has not been found at other sites on the NSW coast.

4. All known populations in New South Wales are small; the Wowly Gully population appears to consist of female plants only.

5. The Wowly Gully population has been extensively disturbed by off-road vehicles.

6. In view of 2, 3, 4 and 5 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 or evolutionary development cease to operate.

Proposed Gazettal date: 15/9/00
Exhibition period: 15/9/00 - 20/10/00