Melicope vitiflora (a small tree) - endangered species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list the small tree Melicope vitiflora (F. Muell.) T. G. Hartley as an ENDANGERED SPECIES in 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. Melicope vitiflora (family Rutaceae) is described in  Flora of New South Wales, Volume 2 2nd edition p 316 (ed by G. J. Harden 2002) as: a small tree to 14 m high, glabrous or with downy petioles. Leaves 3-foliate; leaflets 4.5-20 cm long, 2-7 cm wide, apex acuminate, base cuneate, glabrous, oil dots numerous and obvious; petiole 2-14 cm long; lateral petiolules 3-12 mm long, terminal petiolule 7-25 mm long and jointed near apex. Panicles more or less terminal, dense, to 10 cm long. Sepals c. 1 mm long, hairy. Petals c. 2.5 mm long, white to cream, glabrous. Stamens 4, shorter than the petals. Cocci usually 1 or 2, thin-walled, 5-7 mm long, brown; seeds shiny, black. Flowers late spring to early summer.

2. The species occurs in Queensland and reaches its southern limit in NSW, where it is restricted to the far north east corner of the State, in coastal areas around the Brunswick Heads and Broken Head.

3. In New South Wales, Melicope vitiflora is known to be extant from five locations. All locations are thought to contain only a small number of individuals. Two locations are within conservation reserves.

4. Melicope vitiflora grows in subtropical and littoral rainforest. Much of the former habitat of this species has been cleared. It is further threatened due to small population size and possible continued clearing.

In view of the above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Melicope vitiflora (F. Muell.) T. G. Hartley   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: 06/12/02
Exhibition period: 06/12/02 - 24/01/03