Part Lake Muir-
Byenup wetland system
CLM 24
Neeranup Rd 1
DON
NR
20
8/12/1997
As above
CLM 25
Neeranup Rd 2
DON
NR
150
8/12/1997
As above
33
Pop. No.
Location
District
Land
status
No. of
plants
Last survey
Comments/condition
CLM 26
Byenup Lagoon
DON
NR
200
17/12/1997
As above
CLM 27
Yarnup NR
DON
NR
50
28/11/1997
Response to Disturbance
Plants are likely to be killed by fire when in active growth (May-November). However, they are not
affected by fire once their new tubers are fully formed and flowering appears to be stimulated by
summer wildfires, with most populations “disappearing” between fire events.
Response to soil disturbance is unknown.
As the occurrence of the species is linked to wet sites, with plants often found with their base in
standing water, changes to water tables over time may impact on their long-term viability.
Response to weed invasion is unknown but the species is probably vulnerable to weedy annuals that
are able to occupy sites following fire or soil disturbance.
Susceptibility to Phytophthora Dieback
Unknown.
Management Requirements
Monitor populations prior to proposed burns and for two years following, or every second year in
intervening periods.
Exclude late autumn, winter and spring fuel reduction burns from all populations and if possible all
fire from populations growing in peat that has the potential to ignite and kill tubers.
Search areas of suitable habitat for further populations.
Research Requirements
Determine susceptibility to Phytophthora spp.
References
Brown et al (1998); Hoffman and Brown (1992, 1998)
Diuris drummondii
34
Drakaea micrantha Hopper & A.P. Br. ms
ORCHIDACEAE
Dwarf Hammer Orchid
WAR F4/9
Drakaea micrantha was first collected from the Porongurups area by Goadby in 1930 and, although
noted as being unusual by the taxonomist Richard Rogers, was placed in Drakaea elastica. It was not
collected again until the 1970s, when Alex George found it in the southern suburbs of Perth and
Andrew Brown collected it at Yarloop, both these collections being placed in D. thynniphila. In the
1980’s, further collections and work on specificity of pollinators by Stephen Hopper and Andrew
Brown resulted in the recognition of D. micrantha as a distinct species.
Description
Growing to 30 cm tall, Dwarf Hammer Orchid has a diminutive flower 12-25 mm long and a small
heart shaped, ground hugging leaf to 15 mm wide. The leaf is distinctive in that it has prominent white
and pale green veins.
The species often grows with, and can be mistaken for, other hammer orchids, in particular the similar
D. glyptodon which has a more robust labellum and lacks a prominent erect terminal spike-like
appendage on the column and D. thynniphila which has a less tapered labellum and a larger, less
prominently veined, often hairy leaf.
Flowering period: September-October
Distribution and Habitat
The species has a wide distribution from Perth to the Porongurups, in the south being recorded in
areas near Nannup, Mount Barker, Denmark, Walpole and Granite Peak. Plants occur on depauperate
grey leached sands in stunted Allocasuarina fraseriana, Eucalyptus marginata woodland and forest,
usually on old firebreaks and open disturbed areas where competition has been removed.
Conservation Status
Current: DRF-Endangered
Known Populations in the Warren Region
Pop. No.
Location
District
Land
status
No. of
plants
Last survey
Comments/condition
CLM 3
Thompson Rd. 1
FRA
SF
3
13/10/1998
CLM 6
Thompson Rd 2
FRA
SF
4
27/10/2001
CLM 9
Mount Lindsey
FRA
NP
100
15/11/1998
CLM 10
Dingo Flat Rd
FRA
PP
117
26/10/1999
CLM 12
Granite Rd
FRA
SF
14
27/8/1997
CLM 13
Stan Road
FRA
NP
8
8/10/2002
Two sub-populations
CLM 19
Weld Rd
FRA
NP
7
29/9/2001
CLM 23
Vermullen Rd
FRA
SHRes?
?
3/10/1997
Response to Disturbance
Plants are killed by fire when in active growth (May-October). However, they are not affected by fire
once their new tubers are fully formed and dormant (November-April).
Response to mechanical disturbance is unknown but is probably the same as the response to fire if the
above ground parts are removed before the new tuber is fully formed in early summer. Observation of
known populations indicates that plants are able to quickly recolonise areas that have been disturbed.
Susceptibility to weeds is unknown, but plants are probably vulnerable to displacement by weed
species.
Response to changes in soil moisture is unknown.
Susceptibility to Phytophthora Dieback
Unknown.
Management Requirements
Monitor populations annually.
All populations need to be reassessed to review their conservation status.
Conduct further surveys for new population in the region.
Install rare flora markers on all populations found along road reserves.
Research Requirements
Determine susceptibility to Phytophthora spp.
References
Brown et al (1998); Hoffman and Brown (1992, 1998); Robinson and Coates (1995); Hopper, et al.
(1990)
Drakaea micrantha
35
36
Kennedia glabrata Lindley
PAPILIONACEAE
Northcliffe Kennedia
WAR F4/12
Kennedia glabrata is a rarely seen species that was described by Lindley in 1836 as Kennedya
glabrata from material grown in a greenhouse, the material’s origins described as ‘...a New Holland
plant, probably from the South coast....’, this species was shuffled taxonomically out of and back into
Kennedia by Bentham, and later into Caulinia by Mueller. Until recently, it was known only from
populations near Northcliffe, hence its common name. However, it has now been collected from the
Albany area (housed at the Albany Herbarium) with one collection made from the Youngs Siding area
between Denmark and Albany and the other from about 30 km North of Albany immediately east of
the Porongurups. This extension of the known distribution would be consistent with material being
grown in horticulture in England in 1835, material probably originating from King George Sound.
More recently it has also been found in the Esperance area.
Recruitment and persistence of individuals in populations is not known, complicating ranking
assessment of the taxon’s conservation status. Observations by Brenda Hammersley on William Bay
populations indicate seedling mortality is high where plants have not reached sufficient maturity to
survive short dry periods in spring. Plants in one of the Weld populations lost above ground parts
when drought conditions were experienced, followed by signs of resprouting following more
favourable conditions.
Description
Kennedia glabrata is a prostrate perennial creeper to 3 m diameter with hairy stems and divided,
trifoliate, leaves with each leaflet obovate to very broadly obovate, cuneate or emarginate, 10-25 mm
long, 7-27 mm wide, the margins undulate, sparsely hairy. Flowers are in simple umbel like racemes
of 3-7 on erect peduncles to 15 cm. The bracts shed early. The calyx is 4-6 mm long, with white hairs,
lobes 1.5-2.5 mm long. The standard is scarlet red and the eye yellow. The pod is 15-25 mm long and
narrowly cylindric.
Kennedia glabrata is identifiably different from Kennedia prostrata with K. prostrata having an
inflorescence consisting of a solitary flower or pair of flowers and usually larger leaflets. K. coccinea
differs from K. glabrata in having smaller stipules 1-4 mm long and usually larger leaves, an
inflorescence of 5-20 flowers, a calyx 5-8 mm long with lobes 2-4 mm long with brown silky hairs
and a compressed pod 40-60 mm long.
Flowering period: September-November
Distribution and Habitat
The species is recorded from thirteen populations between Northcliffe and Albany with an outlier east
of Esperance. It is known from granite outcrops (including islands) where it grows in shallow skeletal
soils in swales and cracks on the rock surface with a suite of other species similarly adapted to these
extreme sites, and one atypical occurrence in a peaty swamp area on an old fence line / firebreak.
Conservation Status
Current: DRF-Vulnerable
Known Populations in the Warren Region
Pop. No.
Location
District
Land
status
No. of
plants
Last survey
Comments /condition
CLM 1
Chudalup
DON
NP
10
14/9/1994
CLM 2
Muirillup
DON
SF
250
12/10/1998
CLM 3
Weld 1
FRA
SF
0
29/8/1997
CLM 4a
Woolbale Hills 1
FRA
NP
150+
14/3/1989
Area not usually
accessible in spring.
CLM 4b
Woolbales Hills 2 FRA
NP
5
26/8/1997
CLM 5
Broke Inlet 1
FRA
VCL
12
29/11/1991
CLM 6
Broke Inlet 2
FRA
VCL
2
29/11/1991
CLM 7a
William Bay
FRA
NP
10
11/11/2000
CLM 7b
William Bay
FRA
NP
1
13/11/1997
CLM 8
Maringup
DON
NP
30
29/8/1997
CLM 9
Burnett SF
FRA
SF
12
21/9/1997
37
Pop. No.
Location
District
Land
status
No. of
plants
Last survey
Comments /condition
CLM 10
Pingerup Rd
FRA
NP
1
12/12/1997
CLM 11
Moores Track
DON
NP
4
21/9/1997
CLM 12
Break Rd
FRA
SF
7
22/10/1998
CLM 13
Railway Parade
FRA
SF
7
10/10/1998
Response to Disturbance
Although some resprouting has been observed, most plants are presumed to be killed by fire.
However, recruitment from seed is likely to be stimulated by fire.
The long-term response to change in soil moisture is unknown, but seedling mortality is high during
dry periods and some plants appear able to resprout when conditions are more favourable.
Response to soil disturbance is unknown for most populations, but an atypical population in William
Bay is probably sustained by disturbance and fire.
Susceptibility to Phytophthora Dieback
Unknown.
Management Requirements
Monitor populations annually if possible.
Search areas of suitable habitat for additional populations.
Collect seed from a range of populations.
Research Requirements
For selected populations, monitor individual plants over multiple years in order to gather data on the
species regenerative, reproductive and conservation biology.
Determine susceptibility to Phytophthora spp.
References
Bentham (1864); Brown et al (1998); Hopper et al. (1990); Robinson and Coates (1995); Rye and
Hopper(1981); Wheeler et al. (2001)
Kennedia glabrata
38
39
Laxmannia jamesii Keighery
ANTHERICACEAE
James’s Paper-lily
WAR F4/14
Laxmannia jamesii was first collected near Albany in 1972 by Greg Keighery who, following
cytological studies and revision of the genus in 1987, described the species in honour of the late Dr.
Sid James. The species was considered for deletion from the declared rare flora list in 1996, but was
not removed due to some doubts over the accuracy of identification of plants in some populations and
lack of recent data on others, particularly responses to recent disturbance such as fires.
Description
James’s Paper-lily is a tufted, stilted, rambling herb with slender wiry stems to 20 cm long. Leaves are
narrow linear, 9-20 mm long and scattered singly along the stem with leaves clustered at the end. The
sheath is translucent 4-7 mm and coarsely fimbriate. Flowering inflorescences are both sessile and
axillary, 3-4 flowered along the stems and 4-8 flowered terminally. Terminal flowers are on a
peduncle 12-30 mm long. The five red-brown outer inflorescence bracts are 3-4 mm long. The
translucent, fimbriate inner bracts are one per flower and 2-3 mm long. Sepals are red-brown and
petals are white, both about 4 mm long.
Laxmannia jamesii is distinct from L. minor which has short crowded stems and only terminal
pedunculate inflorescences and L. sessiflora subsp. australis which has sessile inflorescences.
Flowering period: May-July
Distribution and Habitat
The species is known from Two Peoples Bay to Busselton, growing in seasonally damp grey sandy
soils in low closed heath over sedges or seasonally moist grey sandy laterite in jarrah woodland.
Conservation Status
Current: DRF -Vulnerable
Known Populations in the Warren Region
Pop. No.
Location
District
Land
status
No. of
plants
Last
survey
Comments/condition
CLM 4
South Coast Hwy
FRA
RR
50+
26/5/2004
Consists of several sub-
populations that require
reassessment as they
appear to have diminished
in size
CLM 8
Sheepwash SF 1
FRA
SF
1000
25/4/1998 Many
sub-populations
that
require reassessment
CLM 12
Sheepwash SF 2
FRA
SF
50
2/7/1994
CLM 13
Gumlink Rd
FRA
NR
0
21/10/1998 Possible
misidentification.
Not relocated
CLM 19
Pratt Road
FRA
UCL
100
26/5/2004
CLM 20
Mitchell River Rd 1
FRA
SF
1000
27/5/1998
CLM 21
Mitchell River Rd 2
FRA SF 1000 29/4/1998
Two
sub-populations
CLM 22
Sand Track 1
FRA
SF
200
15/8/1999
CLM 24
Sheepwash SF 3
FRA
SF
1000
27/4/1999
WAR 100
Sand Track 2
FRA
SF
na
27/7/1995
Response to Disturbance
Fire appears to kill adult plants, with, populations re-establishing from seed. Flowering has been
recorded within two years of Autumn and Spring burning.
The occurrence of the species in disturbed areas in ‘Sheepwash’, on Gum Link Road and the South
Coast Highway indicates it is able to re-establish following soil disturbance. However, the ideal
frequency of disturbance is unknown.
Response to change in soil moisture is unknown.
Response to weed invasion is unknown.
Susceptibility to Phytophthora Dieback
Unknown.
Management Requirements
Monitor populations annually.
Search for additional populations in areas of suitable habitat.
With South Coast Region staff, arrange for all populations to be visited over a one year period to
confirm identifications and status with a view of nominating the species for removal from the
Declared Rare Flora list.
Research Requirements
Determine susceptibility to Phytophthora spp.
References
Brown et al (1998); Keighery (1987); Robinson and Coates (1995)
Laxmannia jamesii
40
41
Meziella trifida (Nees) Schindl.
HALORAGACEAE
WAR
F4/204
Meziella trifida was collected by Preiss in 1840 and described by Nees in 1844 under the name
Gonocarpus trifidus (as ‘ Goniocarpus’). It was moved to Haloragis trifida by Walpers in 1846 and
then to Meziella trifida by Schindler in 1905. The species was then not seen again and was presumed
to be extinct until a population was located by Greg Keighery on the edge of the Scott Plains east of
Augusta in 1992. This population consisted of mature plants, enabling confirmation of its generic
status. The species is currently known from three populations, one of which was found in the Warren
Region by Ray Cranfield during the summer of 1997.
Description
Meziella trifida is a decumbent, glabrous, annual or perennial semi-aquatic herb with mainly reddish
stems and leaves. The main stems are prostrate, freely branching, rooting at nodes. The lateral stems
ascending, fertile. Leaves are alternate, entire, linear after water recedes and 3.5-5 mm long, sessile,
acute, or, when immersed or submerged, trifid with two linear lobes at or above the middle and no
longer than it. The inflorescence is an indeterminate spike of single flowers, each subtended by a leaf
like bract and two short red bracteoles. Individual flowers are four-merous, bisexual, sessile with four
red, subulate sepals 1.7 mm long, which are entire, smooth, erect, persistent and increasing in size as a
corona on the fruit. The four petals are red, narrowly hooded, 1.7 mm long and shed immediately after
anthesis. Each flower has four stamens and four styles. The ovary is small, four-locular, expanding
rapidly in fruit. Fruit is about 2.7 mm long, 2.7 mm wide, red, indehiscent with one seeded pyrenes
contained within a dry exocarp, (not splitting into separate mericarps at maturity as in Myriophyllum),
and with clusters of 6-7 soft spreading spines to 1.3 mm long on the lower half of the torus below each
sepal.
Flowering period: November-February
Distribution and Habitat
The species is found between Albany and Scott River, growing in winter wet depressions and
watercourses.
Conservation Status
Current: DRF -Vulnerable
Known Populations in the Warren Region
Pop. No.
Location
District
Land
status
No. of
plants
Last
survey
Comments/condition
CLM 2
South West Hwy
FRA
NP
na
25/2/1998
CLM 4
South West Hwy –
Beardmore Rd
FRA NP/SF
/RR
na 5/5/2000
Three
sub-populations
CLM 5
Woolbale Rd
FRA
NP
100
15/4/1998
CLM 6
Dixie Rd
FRA/
DON
SF na 15/4/1998
CLM 7
South Western Hwy
– Inlet River Bridge
FRA RR 100
22/1/1999
CLM 8
Bandicoot Rd
FRA
SF
100+
18/1/2004
CLM 9
Chesapeake Rd 1
DON
NP
1000
18/1/2001
CLM 10
Circus Beach Walk
Trail
FRA NP 1000
17/3/2001
CLM 11
Boggy Lake
FRA
NP
100
26/2/2001
WAR 100
Cheasapeake Rd 2
DON
NP
na
18/2/2004
WAR 101
Gardner Rd
DON
NP
na
3/3/2004
WAR 102
Chesapeake Rd 3
DON
NP
na
3/3/2004
WAR 103
Gardner Rd 2
DON
NP
na
3/3/2004
WAR 104
Gardner Rd 3
DON
NP
na
3/3/2004
WAR 105
Windy Harbour
DON
NP
na
12/220/04
Response to Disturbance
As Meziella trifida is an aquatic plant, fire is presumed to have little impact unless the areas in which
it grows dry out. It is possible that seeds may then be killed. This may affect recruitment as the species
is an annual seed obligate.
Response to soil disturbance is unknown.
Being an aquatic, the species will be affected by any changes to in soil moisture through drainage and
climate change.
Response to weed invasion is unknown.
Susceptibility to Phytophthora Dieback
Unknown.
Management Requirements
Locate populations in the Frankland district and assess their conservation status.
Search areas of suitable habitat for further populations.
Monitor populations to determine the impact of disturbance.
Liaise with Main Roads WA to protect a population on their land.
Research Requirements
Determine susceptibility to Phytophthora spp.
Determine response to disturbance.
References
Brown et al (1998); Orchard (1990); Orchard and Keighery (1993); Robinson and Coates (1995)
Meziella trifida
42
43
Microtis globula R. Bates
ORCHIDACEAE
Globular Mignonette Orchid
WAR F4/15
This elusive orchid was described in 1984 by Robert Bates from material he collected near Walpole. It
flowers following summer fire. Three known locations have been burnt in the Warren Region in
recent years but the species has not been relocated.
Field observation indicates that the species is restricted to organic soil communities and may be
vulnerable to regimes that impact on the substrate. The failure of each of the known populations to
respond to recent fire may be related to the nature of fire events to which they have been subject. One
population that was burnt in very early summer may have been burnt too early and the fire may have
been too cool. Two other populations were burnt in a hot fire in late autumn. This fire may have been
too late in the season or, alternatively, being such a hot fire, underground tubers may have been
destroyed as the peat substrate burnt. Urgent work is required to locate populations of this taxon and
resolve issues related to the species conservation biology.
Description
An herbaceous perennial with a single terete leaf, 2-4 mm wide by 8-25 cm long and flowering stems
up to 35 cm with up to forty pale yellow-green flowers to 2 mm wide and long that are crowded along
its upper part. The lateral sepals are prominently incurved.
Although superficially simular to other Microtis spp., M. globula is readily distinguished by its
prominently incurved lateral sepals, a feature that gives the flowers their globular appearance and
leads to both the scientific and common names. It is one of the last Microtis spp. to flower each year.
Flowering period: December-January
Distribution and Habitat
The species has been recorded from Albany to west of Walpole, growing in seasonally wet peat
swamps some nine to twelve months following summer fire.
Conservation Status
Current: DRF-Vulnerable
Known Populations in the Warren Region
Pop. No.
Location
District
Land
status
No. of
plants
Last survey
Comments /
condition
CLM 1
Railway Parade
FRA
NP
0
Spring 2003
CLM 2
Keystone 2 Rd
FRA
NP
0
Spring 2003
CLM 3
Cemetery Rd
FRA
SHRes
0
Spring 2003
Burnt 2002 (Golf
Course)
CLM 5
William Bay
FRA
NP
200
1/1/1975
Need to relocate
Response to Disturbance
The occurrence of this species in peat makes it vulnerable to fires that burn into and remove the
substrate. However, as it has only been recorded following hot summer fires this is likely to be a
minor threat. In order to promote flowering, a fire regime is required that is restricted to periods when
actively growing above ground parts are not present but the organic soil substrate is sufficiently wet to
remain unburnt.
Response to soil disturbance is unknown.
Response to changes in soil moisture through drainage and changing climate is unknown.
Response to weed invasion is unknown.
Susceptibility to Phytophthora Dieback
Unknown.
Management Requirements
Monitor known populations annually.
Search areas of suitable habitat for further populations.
Amend fire management practices in the area of previously known populations to favour a summer
regime.
Research Requirements
If populations are found, urgent studies into the species’ biology are needed.
If populations are located, liaise with Botanic Garden and Parks Authority staff to initiate seed and
mycelium collection for storage and possible propagation of plants for future translocations.
Determine susceptibility to Phytophthora spp.
References
Bates (1984); Brown et al (1998); Robinson and Coates (1995); Hoffman and Brown (1992, 1998);
Hopper et al. (1990)
Microtis globula
44
45
Rhacocarpus rehmannianus (Muell. Hall.) Wijk & Margad. var. webbianus
(Muell. Hall.) J.-P. Frahm
HEDWIGIACEAE
WAR
F4/99
Rhacocarpus rehmannianus var. webbianus is one of only four Western Australian mosses presumed
to be endemic. The taxon was described in 1897 under the name Harrisonia webbiana and moved into
Rhacocarpus in 1900. More recently, Frahm (1996) reduced it to a variety of rehmannianus. For
many years the taxon was known from one population near Northcliffe (type locality Mount
Lindesay). However, following extensive searches a second small population was located by B.
Jackson and T. Middleton in a namma hole on a granite outcrop North of Walpole.
Description
Rhacocarpus rehmannianus var. webbianus has a fine textured appearance and irregularly branched,
decumbent red stems, which are matted into strands to 10 cm long. Older parts of stems (lower parts)
are bare of leaves. Leaves are deep green, glossy, spirally arranged, scattered along the stems,
procumbent, overlapping but not stem clasping, obovate, 1-1.5 mm long by 0.5 mm wide. Margins are
concave, entire and inrolled below the apex which is narrowly acute with a short (0.25 mm) hairpoint.
Costa are absent. The alar cells are bronzed orange.
Distribution and Habitat
The variety is currently known from two populations, growing in flowing water and a waterhole, on
granite outcrops. No other populations have been found, despite extensive searches in similar habitat
across the Region.
Conservation Status
Current: DRF – Critically Endangered
A major threat to this taxon is the use of its habitat by tourists and recreationists as a footpath. A
population near Northcliffe is under immediate threat as it is growing in a gully that tourists and
recreationists use as a shortcut to the base of the granite dome. Urgent work is required to modify
pathways and barriers in the area to provide protection to the taxon.
Known Populations in the Warren Region
Pop. No.
Location
District
Land
status
No. of
plants
Last
survey
Comments/condition
CLM1 Mt.
Chudalup Donnelly NP *
23/3/2004
* Area of 20 square metres
recovering after fencing
CLM 2
Mitchell Road
Frankland SF
na
7/11/1998
Assess recreational impact
Response to Disturbance
Response to fire is unknown.
The taxon may be susceptible to walkers who could damage the sods that fix it to the substrate.
It is unlikely to be affected by small short-term changes in soil moisture as it grows in seasonally
wet/dry areas and can withstand limited summer drought. However, there is a potential threat of it
being replaced with other mosses if sites dry out for long periods.
Response to weed invasion is unknown. Mechanical removal of weeds may cause physical damage to
the substrate and should be avoided.
Susceptibility to Phytophthora Dieback
Unknown, possibly irrelevant.
Management Requirements
Protect known population from disturbance by using barriers and redesigned boardwalks. Additional
fencing is required.
Continue searches in areas of suitable habitat for additional populations.
Research Requirements
None
References
Brian Best (personal communication); Frahm (1996); Stoneburner and Wyatt (1996)
Rhacocarpus rehmannianus var.
webbianus
46
47
Sphenotoma drummondii (Benth.) F. Muell.
EPACRIDACEAE
Mountain Paper Heath
WAR F4/134
This taxon was gazetted as DRF in 1996 as a result of work being done by Sarah Barrett of CALM’s
South Coast Region who found that it was under immediate threat in the Stirling Ranges from
Phytophthora. Despite searches over three years, a population on Mt. Frankland had not been
relocated. More recently, verbal advice from botanist Arthur Weston indicated the taxon was in fact
still present in the latter area and a recent survey confirmed the presence of at least eight living plants
and two dead plants.
Description
Sphenotoma drummondii is an erect robust shrub to 0.5 m high with densely crowded, erect to
spreading, long-acute, pungent leaves 40-80 mm long by 8-10 mm wide. Leaves are ciliate in the
lower half and appressed to the stem below the inflorescence which is a compact, cylindrical to ovoid
spike of up to 40 flowers. Flowers are white, each subtended by a broadly acuminate, pungent brown
leaf-like bract 8-15 mm long with ciliate margins. Sepals are elliptic, acute, about 10 mm long. The
corolla, which is 14-17 mm long, has a constricted throat and lobes 5-7 mm long.
Flowering period: October-December
Distribution and Habitat
The species grows in rock crevices on high granite peaks, principally in the Stirling Range
(five populations) in the South Coast Region. A single population is recorded at Mt. Frankland within
the Warren Region with another possible population on a granite outcrop in the Denbarker area (not
relocated despite searches in 1997).
Conservation Status
Current: DRF-Endangered
The Mt. Frankland population that was recently relocated may be at risk if a proposal to put the area
on the Rock Climbers atlas of places to climb succeeds.
Known Populations in the Warren Region
Pop. No.
Location
District
Land
status
No. of
plants
Last
survey
Comments/condition
CLM 12
Mt. Frankland
Frankland NP
5
5/3/1998
Response to Disturbance
Response to fire is unknown.
Response to soil disturbance is unknown.
Response to weed invasion is unknown.
The location of plants in fissures, cracks and on ledges would indicate plants are vulnerable to damage
from rock climbers.
Susceptibility to Phytophthora Dieback
Research conducted on Stirling Range populations indicates that the species is highly susceptible.
Management Requirements
Search for new populations in areas of suitable habitat.
Resurvey Mt. Frankland and possibly also the Denbarker area when the species is in flower.
Monitor the known population annually, specifically for possible impacts of Phytophthora spp. and
treat with phosphite if required.
If suitable material is available, liaise with the Threatened Flora Seed Centre regarding seed collection
and storage.
Research Requirements
None.
References
Brown et al (1998); Bentham (1869); Robinson and Coates (1995); Sarah Barrett (personal
communication)
Sphenotoma drummondii
48
49
Verticordia apecta E.A. George & A.S. George
MYRTACEAE
WAR F4/127
Verticordia apecta was first collected by Elizabeth George and Tony Annels while visiting a
V. endlicheriana var. angustifolia population in 1993 and was described by Elizabeth and Alex
George the following year. Despite searches of the known location and other similar sites in and
adjacent to the area, the species was not seen again until 1999. After not being seen for six years
fourteen flowering plants and a possible twenty non flowering plants were located at the type locality
in 1999. All were growing within a small area of about 10 square meters. A fire in 2004 completely
burnt this site and no extant plants are currently known.
Description
A lignotuberous slender shrub to 45 cm tall with linear lower stem leaves 3-9 mm long and upper
narrow elliptic stem leaves about 7 mm long. Floral leaves are elliptic to obovate. Flowers are scarce
in the upper axils and have peduncles 9-19 mm long. Sepals and petals are deep pink with white fine
fringe segments.
Its general appearance the species is superficially like that of Verticordia habrantha which occurs at
the same location, however it is readily distinguished from that species by its generally scruffy flower,
its fimbriate pink petals and its shortly bearded style.
Flowering period: November
Distribution and Habitat
The species is known only from the type locality on the Hay River where it grows on shallow sandy
clay/loam soils surrounding a granite outcrop. Surrounding habitat is low open Wandoo
woodland/scrubland.
Conservation Status
Current: DRF – Critically Endangered
Known Populations in the Warren Region
Pop. No.
Location
District
Land
status
No. of
plants
Last survey
Comments/condition
WAR 1
The Pass
FRA
SF
14
17/11/1999
Fire mid May 2004,
completely burnt the site
Response to Disturbance
The type collection was made two years after a fire indicating that it has the ability to resprout.
Response to soil disturbance is unknown.
Response to change in soil moisture is unknown.
Response to weed invasion is unknown.
Response to changes in canopy cover is unknown.
Susceptibility to Phytophthora Dieback
Unknown, but, given susceptibility of other species in the genus, it should be assumed to be
susceptible until shown otherwise.
Management Requirements
The population urgently needs post-fire assessment for regeneration, either from rootstock or seed.
Continue to monitor the population annually.
Search areas of suitable habitat for further populations.
Protect the known site from the introduction of Phytophthora spp.
If plants regenerate from fire, conduct seed collection or germ plasm collection for storage and
possible future translocation.
Research Requirements
If the population does not recover within 3 years, investigate use of disturbance or smoked water to
stimulate germination.
Determine response to disturbance.
Liaise with Botanic Garden and Parks Authority staff with respect to clonal propagation.
References
George and George (1994)
Verticordia apecta
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51
Verticordia densiflora Lindl. var. pedunculata A.S. George
MYRTACEAE
SFR F4/159
Verticordia densiflora was described by Lindley in 1839 with the variety pedunculata described by
Alex George in 1991. Its distribution is centred on Ruabon and Tutunup (south and east of Busselton)
with an outlier at Perup that, although morphologically distinct, has been tentatively included. While
this population has not been relocated, a collection from the Muir Highway, west of Lake Muir
matches it in morphology. Other populations have been located in the Lake Muir area that match the
Perup collection and all appear to represent a new taxon distinct from var. pedunculata and var.
caespitosa.
Description
A shrub to 60 cm tall (Perup). Leaves are often crowded, opposite and decussate, linear to semi-terete,
3-10 mm long by 1.0-2.5 mm wide. Flowers are pink or white in dense corymbs at ends of branchlets.
Floral leaves are lanceolate, 3-4 mm long by (0.8) 1.0-1.5 mm wide. Peduncles are 5-9 mm long. The
calyx is hemispherical, not ribbed, with a ring of long hairs at base, free above the floral tube and 2-4
mm long, divided below the middle into 2-5 ciliate, digitate lobes. Petals are free above the floral
tube, 0.8-2 mm long, orbicular, fringed with numerous cilia. Each flower has ten stamens alternating
with ten staminodes, joined towards base. Staminodes are linear and glandular. The style is curved,
exserted, 5-6 mm long and bearded towards the end.
Perup/Lake Muir populations tend to be at the shortest end of all dimensions noted above, or just
outside. These populations are disjunct from other Verticordia densiflora populations and are
sufficiently different (though consistent within themselves) to possibly represent a new taxon at the
varietal level.
Flowering period: December-January (for Perup)
Distribution and Habitat
Known mainly from Busselton area with a outlier in the Perup-Lake Muir area, growing on shallow
sandy soils over exposed outcrops of gneissic rock or in winter wet swamps.
Conservation Status
Current: DRF – Endangered
Known Populations in the Warren Region
Pop. No.
Location
District
Land
status
No. of
plants
Last survey
Comments / condition
CLM 6
Lake View Road
DON
NR
na
6/11/1995
Unable to relocate
WAR 100
Swamp Road
DON
NR
na
Location to be checked
Response to Disturbance
Response to fire is unknown.
Response to soil disturbance is unknown.
Response to change in soil moisture is unknown.
Response to weed invasion is unknown.
Susceptibility to Phytophthora Dieback
Unknown, but given susceptibility of other members of the genus, should be presumed susceptible.
Management Requirements
Relocate historically known populations and asses their conservation status.
Monitor populations and asses their response to disturbance.
Survey areas of suitable habitat for further populations.
Research Requirements
Determine taxonomic and conservation status.
Determine susceptibility to Phytophthora spp.
Determine response to disturbance.
References
Bentham (1866); Brown et al (1998); George (1991)
Verticordia densiflora var.
pedunculata
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53
Verticordia fimbrilepis Turcz. subsp. australis A.S. George
MYRTACEAE
Shy Feather flower
WAR F4/18
Verticordia fimbrilepis subsp. australis is a poorly known taxon that was described by Turczaninow in
1847 from a Drummond collection made in 1840. No further collections were made until it was
rediscovered in 1983 near Woodanilling. It was also collected from the Kent River by Tony Annels in
1983 but at that time was thought to be an undescribed taxon. A second population was located on
Willyung Hill but only a single plant was found. The subspecies is not known from reserved land or
proposed reserved land. The Willyung population (single plant) is in a quarry and has not been
relocated, the Kent River population is on land targeted for damming.
Description
Shy Feather flower is a small erect shrub to 40 cm with slender branches, the upper stems red. Leaves
are linear terete to 18 mm long, murcronulate, mostly opposite or in small clusters, though generally
sparse on the stem. Flowers are bright pink. Peduncles are 5-15 mm long. The calyx tube is almost
hemispherical, ten ribbed, glabrous, with five spreading primary lobes to about 5 mm, each digitally
divided into 5-7 linear lobes. Petals are 0.9-1.0 mm wide, ovate, deeply fringed, nearly as long as the
calyx lobes. Stamens are free, incurved, filaments pink, anthers deep red.
Near the Kent River the taxon is growing in association with Verticordia plumosa which has purple-
pink flowers and denser foliage that extends up to the flowers.
Flowering period: October-November
Distribution and Habitat
This subspecies is known from two populations, one near Woodanilling, the other on the Kent River
where it grows in low heath in brown sandy loam around outcropping granite. The typical subspecies
(subsp. fimbrilepis) occurs near Pingelly.
Despite extensive survey of suitable habitat no further populations have been located in the Warren
Region.
Conservation Status
Current: DRF-Endangered
Known Populations in the Warren Region
Pop.
No.
Location
District
Land
status
No. of
plants
Last
survey
Comments/condition
Kent
River
Frankland
VCL*
2 000+
31/10/1998
* In 1987 and 1992 the area was
recommended for inclusion as a
reserve. In 1994 the proposed
reservation was dropped at request of
the then WA Water Authority and the
area recommended for a future dam
site. There is ongoing discussion with
Walpole Wilderness Advisory
Committee
Response to Disturbance
Regenerates from lignotuber and seed after fire.
Response to soil disturbance is unknown.
Response to change in soil moisture is unknown.
Response to weed invasion is unknown.
Susceptibility to Phytophthora Dieback
Presumed susceptible (low to moderate).
Management Requirements
Conduct detailed searches for additional populations upstream and downstream from the known
population.
Conduct further searches for the species in areas of suitable habitat.
With Threatened Flora Seed Centre staff, arrange to collect and store seed against possible loss of this
taxon from the wild.
Liaise with the WA Water Authority in developing long term protective measures for this taxon.
Research Requirements
Determine susceptibility to Phytophthora spp.
References
Bentham (1866); Brown et al (1998); George (1991)
Verticordia fimbrilepis subsp.
australis
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