Mitrasacme pygmaea (an annual herb) - endangered species listing
The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list the annual herb, Mitrasacme pygmaea R.Br., 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. Mitrasacme pygmaea R.Br. (family Loganiaceae) is described by Dunlop (1996) in Flora of Australia Vol. 28 p. 37 as: Annual herb, erect to 20 cm high. Stem scapose or scapiform; foliose part hispidulous or squamulose; bracteate part glabrous. Leaves elliptic, ovate or lanceolate, 3.5-15 mm long, 2-5.9 mm wide, hispidulous. Flowers in terminal and axillary compound umbellate clusters; pedicels to 32 mm long. Calyx campanulate, glabrous; tube 1-1.5 mm long; lobes 0.8-1.5 mm long. Corolla white; tube 2.5-7.5 mm long; lobes 0.5-1.5 mm long. Stamens 1.5-5.1 mm long; anthers obtuse or minutely apiculate; dehiscence extrorse. Capsule ellipsoidal, 2-3 mm long; fruiting style 0.5-5 mm long.
2. Mitrasacme pygmaea is found in Queensland and NSW. In NSW, the species reaches the southern limit of its range, and is known from only one location in the far north-east of the state.
3. The species is found on rocky outcrops. Recent surveys of this habitat type, around Grafton and in the New England area, have failed to reveal further locations.
4. The only known location of Mitrasacme pygmaea in New South Wales is included within Mount Warning National Park. A population of about 20 plants was recorded in 1995, but the species has not been found there since, despite a subsequent search of the locality (A Benwell, 2003 pers. com.). Given the short life cycle of the species its population size is likely to fluctuate from year to year.
5. Given the restricted area, the small known population, the rapid turnover of individuals and the concentration of individuals within a single location in NSW, Mitrasacme pygmaea is potentially threatened by environmental stochasticity.
6. In view of the above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Mitrasacme pygmaea R.Br. 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.
Associate Professor Paul Adam
Chairperson
Scientific Committee
Proposed Gazettal date: 02/04/04
Exhibition period: 02/04/04 - 14/05/04