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A Guide to Threatened, Near
Threatened and Data Deficient
Plants in the Litchfield Shire of
the Northern Territory
Jarrad Holmes, Deborah Bisa, Audrey Hill and Beth Crase
© WWF-Australia. All rights reserved.
ISBN: 1 875941 85 1
Authors: Jarrad Holmes, Deborah Bisa, Audrey Hill, Beth Crase
WWF-Australia
Head office
Level 13, 235 Jones St
Ultimo NSW 2007
Tel: +612 9281 5515
Fax: +612 9281 1060
www.wwf.org.au
First published May 2005 by WWF-Australia. Reprinted with minor edits by WWF-Australia in 2007.
Any reproduction in full or in part of this publication must mention the title and credit the above-mentioned
publisher as the copyright owner.
For bibliographic purposes this report should be cited as: Holmes, J., Bisa, D., Hill, A, and Crase, B. 2005. A
Guide to Threatened, Near Threatened and Data Deficient Plants in the Litchfield Shire of the Northern
Territory. WWF-Australia,Sydney.
The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views
of WWF.
Editorial comments: Raelee Kerrigan, Judy Egan and Ian Cowie
Reprinted by Uniprint NT, Darwin, on FSC-certified paper.
Cover images: Landscape — Jacinda Brown, Commelina flower — NT Herbarium
Ptychosperma macarthurii — S M Taylor, Byblis aquatica — Jacinda Brown.
For copies of this book please contact WWF-Australia at [email protected] or call 1800 032 551.
WWF-Australia ABN: 57 001 594 074
A Guide to Threatened, Near
Threatened and Data Deficient
Plants in the Litchfield Shire of
the Northern Territory
Jarrad Holmes, Deborah Bisa, Audrey Hill and Beth Crase
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This publication was produced by the Threatened Species Network, a community-based
program of the Australian Government and WWF-Australia. The authors would like to thank the
Top End Native Plant Society for their continual interest, support and the financial contribution
to help with printing costs. We would also like to thank the Northern Territory Department of
Natural Resources, Environment and The Arts Herbarium for access to plant specimens,
literature and information regarding conservation status. In particular we would like to thank
Raelee Kerrigan, Ian Cowie and Judy Egan for all of their help in bringing this book together.
We would like to thank Karen Cook and Charles Stevens (WWF), and our printers Uniprint NT
(reprint) for assisting with the production process. Thanks also to Dr David Liddle for reading
an earlier draft of this book and providing valuable input. We are also grateful for the continual
interest and support from the Northern Territory Field Naturalists Club and the Environment
Centre of the Northern Territory.
The descriptive information used in this book was mainly drawn from the following: Northern
Territory Parks and Wildlife Commission Threatened Species Fact Sheet Series, The Northern
Territory Herbarium electronic database (Holtze), Cowie (2003), Dunlop (1995), Jones (1993),
Taylor (1989) and numerous volumes of the Flora of Australia Series produced by the
Australian Biological Resources Study, Department of the Environment and Water Resources.
Texts are cited in full in the reference section.
Thank you to all of the following individuals who offered photographs and sketches of plants for
this publication: Deborah Bisa, John Bolger, Kym Brennan, Jacinda Brown, Greg Calvert, Tony
Camilleri, Russell Dempster, Clyde Dunlop, Lesley Elkan, Don Fortescue, Don Franklin, Bruce
Gray, Laurie Jessup, David Jones, Bill Lavarack, Allen Lowrie, Barbara McKaige, Hans
Nooteboom, Monica Osterkamp Madsen, Joyce Stobo, Steve Taylor and Glenn Wightman.
Thank you also to the NT Herbarium, Qld Herbarium, WA Herbarium, NSW Herbarium, Royal
Botanic Gardens, Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian National Herbarium and
the journals Telopea, Nuytsia, Flora Malesiana, Austrobaileya, and the Australian Plant Society
NSW for providing images, figures and assistance in general.
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CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
Foreword
Introduction
Who this publication is for
i
iii
1
2
The Litchfield Shire
3
Identifying plants using this book
4
Plant descriptions
5
Management issues within the Litchfield Shire
62
Land clearing for horticulture, rural and urban development
63
Mining
64
Introduction of weeds and feral animals
64
Changing fire regimes
65
Changing groundwater resources
66
Community involvement
67
How conservation status is assigned to a species
68
Collecting and preserving plant specimens
70
Glossary
73
Habitat photos
73
Botanical terms
74
Illustrations of botanical terms
78
References
81
Useful contacts
84
Field notes
86
Index of plant names
93
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FOREWORD
The Litchfield Shire is endowed with a surprisingly rich mosaic of vegetation communities. At
first glance the landscape appears cloaked in a homogenous savanna woodland of Woolybutt,
Stringbark and Spear Grass. On closer inspection the variety in the country becomes
apparent; from rocky outcrops and low hills through rainforest to seasonally inundated herbfields, coastal floodplains fringed with patches of paperbarks and mangroves. Adding to this
patchwork, the vegetation reflects a variety of fire histories, along with seasonal variation from
the wet to dry.
For the interested observer the extreme seasonal variation means there is a continually
changing parade of annual plants. On top of this seasonal cycle there are permanent changes
wrought by people through expanding rural development in the Shire. Along with the obvious
fragmentation of native vegetation that comes with land clearing, there are changes that are
less obvious to the casual observer. The uncontrolled spread of exotic pasture grasses is
producing fires hotter than would occur with fuel composed of native species. These hot fires
pose a significant threat to the over-storey trees.
Situated on the coast in a region that receives the highest rainfall of the Northern Territory
mainland, the Shire supports a regionally significant mosaic of rainforests that illustrate the
interconnected nature of the landscape. Plant populations in these small patches are
dependent upon fruit eating birds and bats to transport seeds and pollen. Conversely, the
birds and bats are dependent upon the rainforests for food. The perennially moist rainforests
are also dependent upon the adjacent savanna uplands. The surrounding savanna allows wet
season rains to permeate the soil and replenish the groundwater supplies that feed permanent
springs, which in turn support the rainforests. There are numerous connections in the
landscape that can be inadvertently broken with inappropriate and often irreversible decisions
about land use.
Wise land use decisions need to be underpinned by both good knowledge and a society that
cares about the landscape. This book addresses both of those needs. For the first time we
have a comprehensive statement of current knowledge in a convenient, well presented format
that will undoubtedly inspire land owners and others to take note of these floral gems in our
local landscape. The challenge for all of us now is to build on the excellent work contained
herein to improve our collective knowledge and manage the landscape for today and for the
future.
Dr David Liddle
Ptychosperma macarthurii Recovery Team Member
Former President of the Top End Native Plant Society
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INTRODUCTION
Increasingly, people are becoming interested in learning more about the plants that occur in
their local area. For a surprising number of species occurring in the Litchfield Shire there is
currently little accessible information. This publication is intended to encourage, educate and
help the community to contribute valuable information on the status of our lesser known and
threatened plants by assisting in identifying and recording plant species.
This publication does not attempt to provide descriptions of all the plants of conservation
concern found in the region, and it is not intended to replace more comprehensive guides such
as those listed in the reference section of this publication.
The Northern Territory is rich in plant diversity, with 4,213 native species and 380 introduced
species recorded on the NT Herbarium database as of February 2004. Of these, 1,259 species
(including 128 introduced species) are recorded as occurring within the boundaries of the
Litchfield Shire. Three species described in this book (Typhonium taylori, Cynanchum
leibianum and Utricularia sp. red ) are believed to be endemic to the Shire, which means they
are found nowhere else in the world. Two threatened species, Ptychosperma macarthurii and
Cycas armstrongii, although not endemic to the Shire, have a considerable portion of their
range within the Shire. A further 117 species known from the Shire are either endemic to the
NT or, within Australia, do not occur outside of the NT.
There are eight plant species that are found within the Shire that are listed as Threatened
under NT legislation, seven of which are described in this book (Freycinetia excelsa is not
included as it is a recent addition). A further five threatened species with known populations
slightly beyond the Shire’s boundaries have also been included. The habitat that these five
species occupy suggests that they may occur in the Shire but to date have not been recorded
there. This book also includes a selection of species that are of ‘conservation concern’,
referring to plants for which limited information is available (formally listed as Data Deficient) or
plants that have been formally listed as Near Threatened. There are currently 75 species
considered to be Data Deficient in the Litchfield Shire of which 19 are described in this book,
and Indigofera schultziana, a Data Deficient species found slightly beyond the Shire’s
boundaries, has also been included (a notable species that may occur in the Shire that was
delisted from Threatened to Data Deficient in 2007). There are 27 species considered to be
Near Threatened found in the Shire, 18 of which are described in this book. Five species in the
book are listed as Least Concern, these species all occur in the Shire and had been listed as
Near Threatened in 2005 but were downgraded in 2007.
An interesting comparison:
The Greater Blue Mountains Area of NSW was inscribed onto the World Heritage List in
December 2000 partly in recognition of its outstanding levels of plant diversity at different
taxonomic levels. The Greater Blue Mountains Area consists of 1.03 million hectares and
has approximately 1,500 plant species, 152 families and 484 genera present (information
taken from the Department of Environment and Heritage website 7/12/2004).
The Litchfield Shire consists of approximately 0.31 million hectares and has 1,131 known
native species, 158 families and 499 genera present. Whilst we are not suggesting that the
Litchfield Shire be nominated for World Heritage listing, the comparison offers some insight
into the diversity of plants within the region (figures taken from NT Herbarium Holtze
database 06/2004).
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The species featured in this book were selected according to various criteria including their
distinctive characteristics, attractiveness, the likelihood of people encountering them and the
importance of the Litchfield Shire to their conservation.
The concept for this book grew as a result of the increasing pressures on the natural
environment from urban expansion and associated industry within the Litchfield Shire as well
as a local demand for identification resources. This book strives to illustrate the importance of
the region for biodiversity conservation and the valuable input the community can make in
helping to guide conservation and development decisions.
The term ‘threatened species’ is used to describe all species that are listed as either Extinct
in the Wild, Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable under International, National
or State/Territory legislation.
This book describes all of the threatened plant species found within (and very near to) the
Litchfield Shire, as well as a selection of Near Threatened and Data Deficient species
known to occur in the Shire.
Who this publication is for
This book is intended to be both an easy-to-use identification guide and an educational
resource for:
l
local residents and landholders
l
naturalists and other community groups
l
local plant enthusiasts
l
natural resource management extension officers
l
local schools
l
local government
l
environmental organisations
l
government agencies
This publication is a guide to assist the community in identifying and recording plant species
of conservation concern within the Litchfield Shire. By contributing information, the public
has an opportunity to assist the relevant authorities in making informed decisions relating to
development, and potentially helping define and preserve areas of high conservation value
within the Litchfield Shire.
This publication aims to assist the development process in an ecologically sustainable way.
It is hoped that this resource will enhance cooperation between government, developers,
conservationists and the community in general.
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THE LITCHFIELD SHIRE
ABOVE: Map showing the Litchfield Shire
within the Top End of the NT
LEFT: Map of the Litchfield Shire showing
localities
The Litchfield Shire occupies approximately 3,100 km2. It is bordered to the east by the
Adelaide River and extends south where it is bounded by the locations of Darwin River, Fly
Creek, Acacia Hills and Manton. The Shire adjoins the cities of Darwin and Palmerston to its
north-west, and the boundary to the north is defined by an expanse of coast. The mean annual
rainfall for the region is approximately 1,600 mm.
The Shire contains a range of unique coastal and riverine features including feeding grounds
for endangered turtles and dugongs, extensive saltwater and freshwater fishing grounds,
mangrove forests, coral reefs, and the environmentally significant and unique Vernon Islands
to the north.
As well as the savanna forests and woodlands of the Litchfield Shire, other features include
spring-fed rainforest patches, vine forests, ephemeral and perennial lagoons, broad drainage
channels, sand sheets, rivers and floodplains.
There are a number of rainforest patches within the Litchfield Shire and research has shown
that these scattered remnants are important links in the preservation of flora and fauna
biodiversity across the Top End. Despite their scattered and small nature, these patches
include 13 per cent of the Northern Territory’s known plant species (Liddle et al. 1994).
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IDENTIFYING PLANTS USING THIS BOOK
An attempt has been made to keep the language used to describe plant species as simple as
possible. However the nature of describing plants has meant that many botanical terms have
been used. It is recommended that prior to reading the plant description section you familiarise
yourself with the botanical terms by reading through the glossary. Further information (e.g. how
conservation status is assigned to a species) can also be found following the plant description
section.
Every attempt has been made to provide photographs for all species in their natural habitat.
However for some species only an illustration or a photograph of a pressed specimen lodged
at the NT Herbarium were available. For three species appropriate material was not available.
The plants are listed in alphabetical order according to their family. In this way, similar plants,
for example those within the same genus, are readily found in the same part of the book.
Descriptions of each plant are separated under the following headings:
Family: The taxonomic family to which the species belongs (capital letters top of page).
Species name: The accepted scientific species name (italicised, second from top). The person
or persons who first described the plant to science are also written. If a plant’s name is
changed, the name of the person who first described it is written in brackets, followed by the
name of the person who has re-named the plant.
Category: Describes the species conservation status according to NT legislation. Where a
species is also listed nationally under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999, this is also noted.
Common name: Provided when a common name is known.
Habit: Describes the form of the plant (e.g. tree, shrub, vine).
Flowers, fruit and leaves: Describes these features of the plant including months of the year
in which distinctive characteristics like flowers and fruit can be observed. As descriptions are
general, a plant may also flower or fruit at other times.
Habitat: Indicates the type of habitat in which a plant will most likely be found and also lists
some plant species with which it is known to cohabit. Refer to the glossary for photos of the
habitat types used in this book.
Distinguishing feature: Has also been provided where possible to assist with positive
identification.
Distribution: Provides information on the known distribution range of a species, predominantly
within the Litchfield Shire and the Northern Territory, but also indicates other locations as well.
Conservation notes: Includes current information on the conservation status and
management of a species where this is available.
References: Identifies where information for the description was sourced. The numbers given
here refer to the reference section.
If a heading has been omitted from a plant’s description, it is due to lack of information
available or it is not considered important in the identification process. Only features
distinguishable to the naked eye have been included in descriptions. Features that require the
use of microscopes are best viewed by experienced botanists.
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Plant Descriptions
The following section describes 49 of the Shire’s Threatened,
Near Threatened and Data Deficient plant species and six
additional species currently known from just beyond the Shire’s
boundaries. Nineteen of these 55 species are endemic to the
Northern Territory.
A complete checklist of all known plants in the Shire
and their conservation status is available from the
Threatened Species Network.
All species had information sourced from the NT Department of
Natural Resources, Environment and The Arts data sources,
predominantly the NT Herbarium Electronic Database (Holtze).
Only ten of the 55 species featured in this book have a common name. This is because
they are relatively unknown and rarely seen. To act as an incentive to the community to look
for these plants, the Threatened Species Network (TSN) is proposing the following: The
person who locates a plant featured in this book has the opportunity to assign a common
name to a species if no common name currently exists. The TSN will record this name and
publish it in future editions and publications on the proviso that the species’ identification
has been confirmed by the NT Herbarium.
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5
ARACEAE
Typhonium johnsonianum
A.Hay & S.Taylor
Category: Data Deficient
Habit: Deciduous perennial geophyte to 9 cm high;
corm cream, hemispherical, 1.5 cm wide.
Leaves: Usually 5, light green, lightly leathery, more
or less elliptic with a short pointed tip; blade of first
leaf is small, 1 cm long, others 3.5 cm long, 1.7 cm
wide; midrib not prominent except towards the base
on the undersurface; 3 main lateral veins on either
side of midrib, finely grooved on undersurface and
raised above; petiole 4 cm long, mostly sheathing,
membranous, subterranean.
Flowers: Solitary inflorescence arising from amongst
leaves; spathe erect, lanceolate, c. 5 cm long, folded
inwards along upper margins, light green outside,
deep purple-brown inside, lower part white with
vertical purple strips and a grey-purple ring above;
spadix shorter than spathe c. 4 cm long, 2.5 mm wide; a) Entire plant approx. ½X actual size
b) Spadix — female zone at base
sterile tip of spadix 3 cm long, dark brown, wrinkled;
male zone 6 mm long, flowers minute; naked zone 1.7
cm long; female zone 3 mm long with female and
sterile flowers; recorded Nov - Feb.
© Lesley Elkan, Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Telopea
This species was named after L.A.S. Johnson, an
Australian botanist, following his 70th birthday.
Special note on typhoniums
Fruit: Unseen; likely to be a small berry.
Habitat: Open woodland, on sandy, well-drained soils
around the wet season inundation line. Associated
with Acacia auriculiformis, Lophostemon lactifluus and
Melaleuca spp.
Distinguishing feature: This is the only species of
this genus that has sterile flowers included in the
female zone. The inflorescence emerges amongst the
new season’s leaves.
Distribution: Endemic to the NT. Only two localities
known: the north end of Black Jungle Conservation
Reserve and the Mundogie hills in Kakadu National
Park.
Conservation notes: There is insufficient data to
assign a conservation status to this species. The
paucity of fertile collections may be a reflection of the
species’ seasonality rather than its distribution and
abundance.
References: 33
The NT Typhonium species are
typically small herbaceous
geophytes. Geophytes are seasonally
dormant plants which emerge
annually from underground tubers,
bulbs or corms. In the Top End this is
typically during the wet season. The
reproductive organs consist of
unisexual flowers arranged in a
spike-like unbranched inflorescence
called a spadix which is enclosed or
subtended by a leaf-like spathe. The
spadix consists of distinct rows of
male and female flowers, variously
separated. Diagnostic characters
include the arrangement of flowers
along the spadix and the timing of
emergent leaf parts relative to the
emergent inflorescence. Fruit is a
berry, usually 1- or 2-seeded. As the
leaves are commonly polymorphic,
Typhonium species are difficult to
positively identify without reproductive
material.
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ARACEAE
Typhonium praetermissum
A.Hay
Category: Data Deficient
Habit: Deciduous perennial geophyte to 4 cm high; corm pale
brown, bulbous, 2.5 cm wide.
Flowers: The solitary inflorescence may appear either with or
before the leaves and arises next to, rather than amongst them;
spathe erect, lanceolate, 4 cm long, marginally shorter than
spadix, margins irregular and folded inwards, maroon to black
inside, dull grey-brown and wrinkled on outside, base tubular,
subterranean part creamy speckled brick-red, unpleasant odour
before and after opening of spathe; spadix succulent, spike-like
c. 4.5 cm exposed, sterile tip of spadix 3.5 cm long, blackish
purple, wrinkled; male zone 9 mm long, 5 mm wide, brick red;
naked zone (deep purple) c. 9 mm long, sterile zone (organs
pale brick red) c. 3 mm long, and female zone (organs pale
greenish ivory) c. 3 mm long, 6 mm wide.
© NT Herbarium
Leaves: 1-5, appear following flowering, generally flat against
the ground; blade blue-green slightly leathery, very variable from
pointedly elliptic to deeply divided and pedate, margins simple or
occasionally crenate; simple leaves 4.5 cm long, 3 cm wide;
divided leaves to 5.5 cm wide; midrib prominent on the
undersurface and indented above; 2-3 main lateral veins on
either side of midrib; petiole 5.5 cm long, mostly sheathing and
subterranean.
Cross-section through spathe to
show complete spadix; approx.
1X actual size
Fruit: Occurring at ground level, one collector noted fruits were
found partially underground; recorded in Nov and Dec.
Habitat: Open woodland; on lateritic or red-brown clay soils; will
tolerate open unshaded situations.
© Lesly Elkan, Edinburgh Journal of Botany
Distinguishing feature: This species is similar to
T. johnsonianum but is distinguished by the constriction of the
spathe around the naked zone of the spadix where it meets the
ground and the distribution of sterile organs above the female
flowers. The inflorescence is apparently foul smelling before and
after opening.
Distribution: Endemic to the NT. Recorded from four locations
all within the Darwin-Litchfield Shire region being Virginia,
Karama, the Palmerston escarpment and Mandorah.
Conservation notes: The known populations are precariously
located and under threat from building pressure. Lack of
targeted surveys and the extent of potentially suitable habitat in
the region underpin the uncertainty regarding the conservation
status of this species. The paucity of fertile collections may be a
reflection of the species’ seasonality rather than its distribution
and abundance.
References: 32
WWF-Australia
Entire plant approx. ½ X actual
size
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7
ARACEAE
Typhonium taylori
A.Hay
Named after Steve Taylor, a significant
collector of the NT flora who collected type
material for this and other Typhonium spp.
Habit: Very small, deciduous perennial
geophyte to 7 cm high; corm rounded,
1 cm diam.
b.
a.
Leaves: c. 4 together, blade very variable
from elliptic to narrowly lanceolate, 9 mm
wide to 4.5 cm long; section of petiole above
a) Schematic cross-section through spathe. The more
ground 1 cm long; subterranean section
or less horizontal and opposite orientations of the
presumed to be sheathing as in other species
spadix appendage at the top of the spathe, and the
of Typhonium.
twisted position of the spathe mouth are
© Lesly Elkan, Edinburgh Journal of Botany
Category: Endangered (also listed as
Nationally Endangered)
characteristic of this species; approx. ¾X
Flowers: Solitary spike-like inflorescence to
actual size
b) Male zone
7.5 cm long, arises accompanied by a leaf
with other leaves most likely occurring later;
stalk entirely underground; spathe narrowly lanceolate, 6.5 cm long, lower 1.5 cm
subterranean, 5 mm at widest section and 2-chambered, neck of spathe tube reflexed so that
tube opening is orientated horizontally rather than vertically; spadix appendix thread-like,
tapering, 5.5 cm long and 1mm diam. at its base, projects more or less horizontally from
spathe tube opening; male zone 3.5 mm long; naked zone c.1 mm long, sterile zone with
neuter organs c. 6 mm long; female zone 1.5 mm long; recorded in Jan.
Fruit: Unknown.
Habitat: Seasonally saturated, nutrient-poor sandy soils of grassland and sedgeland.
Associated with Melaleuca viridiflora and M. nervosa.
Distinguishing feature: An inconspicuous plant; characterised by a tubular spathe separated
into two basal compartments. The spathe is strongly reflexed to an almost horizontal position
with the long thread-like appendix of the spadix projecting from the spathe mouth. This species
is similar to Typhonium mirabile but distinguishing features include the reflexed nature of the
spathe and the presence of a leaf with the emerging inflorescence in T. taylori.
Distribution: Endemic to the NT. Recorded only from the edge of the Howard River floodplain.
Conservation notes: This species is recorded from two localities in the Howard Springs sand
sheet area. Extensive survey over several seasons has been undertaken in the vicinity and
habitat of this species during its fruiting period and no additional collections have been made.
The paucity of collections appear to reflect the restricted distribution and abundance of this
species. Potential threats include sandmining, clearing for subdivision and changes to
hydrology.
References: 31, 70
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ARECACEAE
Ptychosperma macarthurii
(H.Wendl. ex Veitch) H.Wendl. ex Hook.f
Habit: Slender, clumping, feather-leaved palm
to 7 m; stems 4-7 cm in diam.; variously
covered with brown scales and matted hairs.
Leaves: 8-10, curved; leaf sheath 30-60 cm;
petiole 13-58 cm long, scaly; rachis 100200 cm; pinnae 23-28 on each side; pinnae
dense and short near base; central pinnae 3.55.7 cm at broadest part, 27-56 cm long.
Flowers: Branched inflorescence 25-45 cm
long, 45-60 cm wide; inflorescence stalk 2.5Typical growth habit of young Ptychosperma
6.5 cm long; each ‘branch’ (rachilla) bearing
macarthurii in spring-fed rainforest understorey
c. 45-80 whitish flower clusters; male flowers
6-8 mm long, 2.5-3.5 mm wide; female flowers 3-3.5 mm high and wide; recorded from
May-Dec.
© Steve Taylor, NT Herbarium
Category: Endangered (listed as nationally
Endangered as P. bleeseri)
Fruit: 1-seeded red fleshy drupe, 1.2-1.6 cm long, 8 mm diam; recorded Aug-Sept & Nov-Dec.
Habitat: Dense rainforests associated with lowland springs and margins of riverine floodplains;
on deep organic clay loams without humus development; within rainforest patches will tolerate
a wide range of light conditions.
Distinguishing feature: Currently there are no reliable characters that can adequately be
used to separate P. macarthurii, P. bleeseri and P. propinquum as they clearly overlap and
may be synonymous (Dixon et al. 2003).
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from eight populations all within the Litchfield Shire. Also
found in Qld and New Guinea.
Conservation notes: There has been some debate in the past as to whether P. bleeseri and
P. macarthurii are different species, however, all published evidence on P. macarthurii does not
allow for adequate definition of P. bleeseri. Therefore, material from the NT will be treated as
P. macarthurii in the forthcoming edition of Flora of Australia. As an outcome of this treatment,
it is expected that there will be a review of the species status under the EPBC Act. Under NT
legislation the listing of this species as Endangered will continue due to its restricted
occurrence and ongoing threats to the NT populations. In the NT P. macarthurii is restricted to
wet rainforest patches with an area of occupancy of less than 1 km2 and an extent of
occurrence estimated at 200 km2.
A management plan for P. bleeseri that was approved in 1998 remains relevant for
P. macarthurii. Fire and feral animals have been the primary threats impinging on the
populations in the 1990s. There was substantial mortality following wildfires at the Whitewood
Road population in 1990 and 1993, and at Black Creek in 1992. Disturbance from feral buffalo,
cattle and pigs declined in the 1990s as an indirect result of the Brucellosis and Tuberculosis
Eradication Campaign, and fencing of four of the eight populations has assisted in maintaining
extant populations. However, other threats include changed fire regimes due to increased fuel
loads from introduced grasses, changes in land use in the catchment that could lead to a
reduction in the water supply to the springs on which the rainforests depend, and changes in
surface water quantity and quality. Clearing proposals and any other action that could remove
or damage individual rainforest patches that form an interconnected mosaic essential for the
flow of genetic material would also affect this species.
References: 8, 19, 24, 44, 45, 46, 58, 69, 77
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9
ASCLEPIADACEAE
Cynanchum leibianum
(F.Muell.) P.I.Forst.
Category: Data Deficient
Habit: Erect, slender perennial herb to 1 m high.
Leaves: Linear or narrow 4-5 cm long, 1 mm wide,
gradually tapering towards base; no obvious petiole.
© Joyce Stobbo (main and inset)
Flowers: Loose inflorescence of 1-5 flowers borne
towards top of plant; inflorescence stalk 5-8 mm long,
1 mm diam.; flower stalks 1-1.2 cm long, 0.5 mm
diam.; open flowers are circular and flattened, 22.2 cm diam.; petals 5, 1-1.1 cm long, 1.5 mm wide,
twisting in bud to form a cone, reddish purple to
cream; collection notes record that petal tips, once
opened, are thread-like and hairy; sepals broad
triangles; recorded in Nov-Apr.
Fruit: Dry, cylindrical to spindle-shaped, 6 cm long,
1 cm wide, opening on one side when mature; seed
1.5 cm long, 1cm wide, light brown with tufts of hair on
one end; recorded from Apr-June.
Habitat: Seasonally inundated swampy areas; on
sandy loams or black soils. Associated with Pandanus
spp., Sorghum spp. and Melaleuca spp.
Cream-red buds open spirally, the long
petals often twisting at the tips; approx. 2X
actual size. Inset: Open flower
Distinguishing feature: Distinctive flowers; stems
without milky sap and no tuft of mucus-secreting hairs
near base of leaves as is common with other species
in this genus.
Distribution: Endemic to the NT. Recorded from three
locations: Humpty Doo, Gunn Point and Palmerston.
© Laurie Jessup, Qld Herbarium, Austrobaileya
Conservation notes: This species has been collected
from several areas that have been well surveyed
botanically yet very few collections have been made.
As most of the areas from which it is known are
subject to future development it may meet some
threatened criteria. However, the potential to overlook
or misidentify this species when sterile may explain the
paucity of collections in the Herbarium, alternatively it
may be genuinely scarce. Currently this species is
considered Data Deficient.
References: 26, 27
A) Growth habit
B) Buds
C) Open flower
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ASTERACEAE
Diodontium filifolium
F.Muell
Category: Near Threatened
Habit: Dense multi-stemmed shrub to 80 cm high;
strongly aromatic.
Leaves: Clustered at base of branches, opposite;
blade simple, narrow, 8 cm long, less than 1 cm wide.
Flowers: Loose flat-topped terminal cluster; flowers
small, numerous, classic daisy shape, white or yellow,
7 mm diam.; sepals 5, petals 10, stamens 15; buds
yellow-green; recorded in Mar, Apr and Aug.
© Jacinda Brown
Fruit: Dry, smooth, shiny, concave, 1-seeded,
yellowish brown with broad wings when mature and
2 bristles; present in Aug.
Habitat: Varied; in open woodland, grassland
associated with watercourses or in quartz, granite or
sandstone country.
Distinguishing feature: Superficially similar to
Glossocardia bidens except the fruit has wings and is
not ribbed. The leaves of G. bidens are alternate and
mainly basal rather than opposite as in Diodontium
filifolium. Collectors note that this species has strong
smelling flowers.
Habit of Diodontium filifolium (pressed
specimen); approx. 1/10X actual size
Distribution: Collected from three highly disjunct
populations in the NT: Noonamah (1972), Helen
Springs (1948) and Mountain Valley (1962), and one
collection in WA. Type material was collected by
Mueller from the Victoria River and published in 1857.
Conservation notes: Given that this species is
perennial and collected with reproductive material in
August, it is surprising that no other collections have
been made. There is not enough information available
to assign a conservation status to this species and
targeted survey at appropriate times of the year is
required.
© Jacinda Brown
References: 86
‘Daisy’ flowers are white or yellow (pressed
specimen); plant is strongly aromatic;
approx. 1X actual size
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11
BYBLIDACEAE
Byblis aquatica
Lowrie & Conran
Category: Near Threatened
Habit: Delicate annual herb with stems trailing or
floating, 15-45 cm long; growing in shallow water to
15 cm deep.
Leaves: Scattered on main axis; blade cylindrical,
2-4 cm long, tapering towards a bulbous apex, greenmaroon, covered with many sticky, insectivorous,
gland-tipped hairs.
Flowers: Solitary, arising from axils, many present but
few open together; pedicels 1.5-3 cm long; petals
purple to violet, 5-7 mm long, 2.5-4.5 mm wide, apex
irregular; recorded from Feb-May.
Habitat: Seasonally inundated shallow depressions
around freshwater lagoons, in grassland and
sedgeland; on moist sandy loams. Associated with
Pandanus spp., Melaleuca spp. and Grevillea
pteridifolia.
© Jacinda Brown
Fruit: Capsule oval, thicker at one end, 3-4 mm long,
2.5-4 mm wide; seeds black, 1-1.3 mm long with
smooth longitudinal ridges.
Solitary purple-mauve flowers arise from
axils; leaves sticky with gland-tipped hairs
Distinguishing feature: Similar to Byblis liniflora that
has pinkish mauve or white flowers and smaller seeds
with shallow transverse ridges. Both species are often
found within the same area but with B. liniflora tending
to occupy ground on higher well-drained soils, and
B. aquatica favouring shallow water.
© Allen Lowrie, WA Herbarium, Nuytsia
Distribution: Endemic to the NT. Within the Litchfield
Shire recorded from Girraween Road, Noonamah,
Howard River, Gunn Point and Humpty Doo. It
extends from Darwin to Edith Falls and is recorded
from Bathurst Island.
Conservation notes: Compared to B. liniflora and
B. filifolia the distribution of this species is quite
restricted. Extensively surveyed by Lowrie and
Conran. The paucity of collections reflects the
restricted distribution and abundance of this species.
Although on current data this species appears
naturally rare and may qualify for a threatened status
it is not considered under threat.
Growth habit of Byblis aquatica
References: 47
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COMMELINACEAE
Commelina sp. sandstone
Category: Least Concern (formerly Near Threatened)
Habit: Weak, slightly succulent annual herb; stems
lying or trailing on the ground, to 1.5 m long; pale
green, sometimes rooting at nodes.
Leaves: Alternating on stem; blade variable in size
and shape, lanceolate to ovate, generally 5.6-7.0 cm
long, can be 1.3-8.5 cm long, 0.4-1.5 cm wide; petiole
sheaths stem.
© NT Herbarium
Flowers: Solitary, 2 cm diam., azure blue with 3 petals
in a whorl; anthers obvious, golden yellow in the
centre; spathe less than 2 cm long, encloses flower
and opens on one side upon maturity, venation
distinct, apex more or less acute; recorded in Mar, Apr,
May and Dec.
Fruit: Capsules oval, flattened; recorded in Mar
and Apr.
Habitat: Open forest or woodland, at the base of
sandstone slopes or outcrops, also on sandstone
plateaus; in deep sandy or occasionally skeletal soils.
Associated with Eucalyptus tetrodonta, E. phoenicea,
Corymbia kombolgiensis, Grevillea pteridifolia,
Melaleuca nervosa, Acacia difficilis, Hibiscus symonii,
Fimbristylis composita and Sorghum intrans.
Brilliant blue, 3-petalled flowers are approx.
2 cm across
Distinguishing feature: Differs from the similar
species Commelina ciliata which generally has slightly
smaller flowers, a long-tailed spathe, smaller
subcylindrical to kidney-shaped seeds and prefers
cracking clay soil habitats.
Distribution: Endemic to the NT. Recorded from
sandstone areas of Litchfield National Park, western
Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park.
© Jacinda Brown
Conservation notes: This species has a relatively
restricted range and is known from comparatively few
records, suggesting a low level of abundance. It is not
considered threatened but populations may require
monitoring or further survey.
References: Cowie, ID (2003) pers. comm.
Growth habit (pressed specimen)
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CONVOLVULACEAE
Operculina turpethum
(Linnaeus) Silva Manso
Category: Near Threatened
Common name: Onion vine
Habit: Large, robust, twinning perennial vine to 4 m;
stems furrowed or angular, green to purple or reddish
with 3-5 narrow wings along length, stems mostly smooth
or with soft hairs at nodes, younger stems sometimes
covered with hairs.
Flowers: Solitary or a cymose inflorescence where each
new flower is born on a flower stalk that has branched
from under an older terminal flower; flower broadly
funnel-shaped, mostly smooth, 3-4.5 cm long, white,
sometimes yellowing at base; peduncle 2-18 cm long,
cylindrical, occasionally winged; pedicels angular, hairy,
12-15(35) mm long, extending with fruit development;
calyx in fruit broadly cup-shaped with oval sepals
elongating to 3-3.5 cm long; recorded in July.
© Jacinda Brown (main and inset)
Leaves: Variable from oval, narrow to heart-shaped;
leaves 5.5-15 cm long, 1-14 cm wide; margins
sometimes toothed or slightly lobed; veins prominent
below, especially midrib and 8-11 primary veins,
secondary venation is parallel; hairy below and
sometimes above.
Terminal portion of twining vine; approx.
1/10X actual size; (pressed specimen).
Inset: Close-up of capsule and seeds;
approx. 2X actual size
Fruit: Capsule, 1.5 cm diam., a fleshy lid opens upon
maturity to release up to 4 smooth black seeds, 6 mm
diam.; recorded in July.
Habitat: Seasonally inundated areas of open forest and
woodland, also in vegetation behind coastal dunes.
Associated with Pandanus spp., Hibiscus tiliaceus,
Melaleuca dealbata and Passiflora foetida.
Distinguishing feature: White flowers; hairs present on
most parts, including outer sepals; stems are winged.
© Hans Nooteboom, Flora Malesiana
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from two disjunct
populations: Shoal Bay and Maria Island in the Gulf of
Carpentaria. Also found in Qld and from East Africa to
New Guinea.
Conservation notes: This species is uncommon in the
NT but is a widespread tropical taxa and is at the
southern range of its distribution in the NT. The paucity
of collections indicate a low level of abundance. It is not
considered to be currently under threat.
References: 55, 82
a) Flowering branch
b) Infructescence (cluster of fruit)
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CYCADACEAE
Cycas armstrongii
Miq.
Category: Vulnerable
Common name: Cycad, zamia palm
Leaves: Compound, 55-90 cm long, mid to dark green
above, glossy at maturity, lighter green below; leaf
stalk 10-25 cm long, usually thorny; opposing leaflets
inset on stem at an angle, 50-110 pairs; midrib
prominent above and below; cataphylls 6-9 cm long,
covered with matted orange hairs.
Flowers/Fruit: Separate male and female plants with
reproductive structures called sporophylls. Male:
microsporophylls small, numerous, wedge-shaped,
borne in an orange pollen-producing cone at apex of
trunk, 12-21 cm high, 8-12 cm wide; recorded in Aug.
Female: megasporophylls leaf-like and terminating
with a spine, bear 2-6 ovules; mature fruits hang in a
pendulous ring around the apex of the trunk; each fruit New bright green fronds produced after a dry
is 4 cm long, 3 cm wide, and has a fleshy outer
season fire. Inset: Developing male ‘cone’ at
coating that is orange, yellow or brownish, and a thick apex of trunk
inner woody coat; recorded from Mar-Nov.
© Don Franklin. Inset: Deborah Bisa
Habit: A mostly deciduous perennial cycad with an
obliquely erect to spreading crown; generally 3-4 m
high at maturity, occasionally to 6 m; stem 5-20 cm
diam., from which branching and suckering can occur.
Habitat: Predominantly open woodlands with a grassy understorey, in a variety of soils
including loamy, sandy and skeletal soils. Common in mixed eucalypt woodland in region.
Distinguishing feature: In stature, C. armstrongii is one of the smallest Cycas species in the
NT. Newly emerging leaves are light orange-brown tomentose, becoming green and glabrousglabrescent. Hybrids between C. armstrongii and C. conferta, and C. armstrongii and
C. maconochiei have been recorded where their ranges overlap (Hill & Osborne 2001).
Individuals of C. armstrongii are often left as remnant plants on recently subdivided land.
Distribution: Endemic to the NT. Recorded from Darwin to the Mary River catchment area in
the east, west to the Finniss River and south to the Adelaide River; also on the Tiwi Islands
and Cobourg Peninsula.
Conservation notes: These living fossils are locally abundant but less than 1% of the
population is included in conservation reserves. Many areas of cycad habitat with deep loamy
soil have been identified for horticulture, agriculture, forestry and residential subdivisions.
Therefore the species is extremely vulnerable to land clearing. Current fire regimes also
appear to threaten this species. Mortality in excess of 50% of adult stems per fire event has
been recorded when subject to fuel loads of 20 tonnes per hectare. The introduced gamba
grass, Andropogon gayanus, can provide fuel loads up to 20 tonnes per hectare (Barrow 1995)
and perennial mission grass, Pennisetum polystachyon, provides fuel loads up to
27 tonnes per hectare (Panton 1993). Preliminary investigation of the data indicates that this
species, applying the precautionary principle, will experience >30% reduction in population size
over a 100-year period (D. Liddle).
References: 6, 18, 34, 35, 36, 43, 56, 57, 60
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15
EUPHORBIACEAE
Endospermum medullosum
L.S.Sm.
Category: Near Threatened
Habit: Tall tree, can exceed 30 m; trunk buttressed,
smooth, light grey to yellowish cream.
Leaves: Arranged spirally; adult leaves with 1-7
prominent veins, shape variable from oval to heartshaped, 6.5-16.5 cm long, 6-14.5 cm wide; juvenile
leaves much larger, 31 cm long, 25 cm wide and with
simple hairs on both surfaces; margins regular with
pointed or rounded apex; petioles stellate hairy, petiole
length variable, 31.5 cm long in juveniles, 15 cm in
adults, 2 yellow-brown glands at petiole-lamina
junction in adults; stipules deciduous.
© NT Herbarium
Flowers: Mostly separate male and female flowers
with occasional bisexual flowers; inflorescence arising
from leaf axils, 10-19 cm long, with branches to 4 cm
long; covered in stellate hairs; calyx 4-lobed, 1.5 mm
long in males, 1 mm in females; petals absent;
recorded in Nov and Jan.
Buttressed trunk base of Endospermum
Fruit: Fleshy drupe, white, less than 1 cm diam.;
stigma, calyx and (in bisexual flowers) anthers persist; medullosum
recorded in Oct and Nov.
Habitat: Wet rainforests; requires a permanent water
supply.
Distinguishing feature: Young shoots, branchlets,
petioles and undersurface of adult leaves covered with
dense stellate hairs; juvenile leaves lightly hairy on
both sides.
Conservation notes: This species is uncommon in
the NT. The paucity of collections indicate a relatively
low level of abundance. It is not considered to be
currently under threat but is apparently naturally rare.
In other parts of the world the wood of this species is
used for canoe making and young leaves are
occasionally eaten as a vegetable.
© Monica Osterkamp Madsen, NT Herbarium
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from Black
Jungle Conservation Reserve, Channel Point,
Reynolds River and Melville Island. Also on Cape York
in Qld and from New Guinea to the Solomon Islands.
Only two species of this genus (12 worldwide) occur in
Australia with only one of those species,
Endospermum medullosum, occurring in the NT.
Characteristics of adult and juvenile leaves
References: 8, 22, 45, 76, 79
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FABACEAE
Aphyllodium stylosanthoides
Pedley
Category: Data Deficient
Habit: Leafy herb or subshrub, to around 1 m high;
re-shoots annually from perennial rootstock; stems
more or less erect, reddish, covered in 2 mm long
appressed hairs.
Flowers: Raceme of pea flowers to 12.5 cm long;
calyx with sparse short hooked hairs, 3.3-4 mm long;
petals white, pink or pinkish mauve; standard rounded,
6.5 mm long, 3.3-4 mm wide; wings rectangular, 4-5.2
mm long, 0.5-1.2 mm wide; claw 1.5-2 mm long; keel
± equal to wings; recorded in June, Oct and Nov.
© Jacinda Brown
Leaves: Compound; leaflets 3, very variable from
linear through to elliptic or obovate; terminal leaflet
much longer than wide, usually 1.5-3.5 cm long,
3-6 mm wide; lateral leaflets smaller; leaflets
predominantly glabrous above; sparsely hairy below,
densely hairy on margins and midrib; cushion-like
swelling (pulvinus) at base of leaf, 1-2 mm long,
densely hairy; petioles 1-1.6 cm long; stipules
1-2 cm long.
Habit of Aphyllodium stylosanthoides, stems
and inflorescence bracts red-brown, flowers
white, pink or pinkish mauve (pressed
specimen)
Fruit: Pods with 1 or usually 2 segments, each 3.55 mm long, 2.5-4 mm wide; sparsely hairy at maturity;
seeds 3 mm long, 1.5-2 mm wide.
Distinguishing feature: Within the Darwin region
Aphyllodium stylosanthoides is differentiated from
other visually similar species by its pod that has only
1 or 2 segments and its small pinkish flowers.
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from Noonamah,
Batchelor, Nitmiluk National Park, Wagait Aboriginal
Reserve, Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Also found in
north-west WA.
Conservation notes: This species is uncommon in
the NT and the paucity of collections indicate a low
level of abundance. It is not considered to be
currently under threat but is apparently naturally
rare.
References: 75
© Jacinda Brown
Habitat: Varied; in open forest and woodland, fringing
swamps and at the base of sandstone outcrops; on
reddish to grey sandy or skeletal soils. Associated with
mixed eucalypt woodland.
Flattened disc-like seed pods; (pressed
specimen) approx. 1X actual size
Special note on Fabaceae family
The Fabaceae flower consists of five
petals; the back petal often stands
erect and is called the standard, the
two lowest petals join to form the
keel, and the two side petals are
called the wings. Please refer to the
Glossary section to see an
illustration of a typical Fabaceae
flower (Fig 16, pg. 80).
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FABACEAE
Crotalaria quinquefolia
Linnaeus
Category: Near Threatened
Common name: Annual birdflower
Habit: Erect annual herb to c. 1 m; stems
longitudinally ridged; vegetative parts, excluding upper
leaf surfaces, with white appressed hairs.
Flowers: Loose raceme to 28 cm long; pedicels 614 mm long; large pea flowers, yellow with fine redbrown stripes; standard smooth, 1.4-1.9 cm long;
lower half of keel fringed with curly white hairs, keel
apex twisted; recorded in Feb and Mar.
Fruit: Pods smooth, swollen, slightly curved, 56.5 cm long, 2 cm wide, straw-coloured to grey when
mature; seeds numerous, heart-shaped, 4.5 mm long,
Flower buds and developing ‘rattlepod’;
3.5 mm wide; recorded in Feb and Mar.
Habitat: Moist grassland, sedgeland and floodplains;
often in shallow water; on clay soils including black
soil floodplains; thrives in wet environments.
Associated with Fimbristylis spp. and Eleocharis spp.
© Jacinda Brown
Leaves: Digitate; leaflets 5, narrow, unequal, 2.59.5 cm long, 3-8 mm wide, upper surface with small
vesicular glands; leaflets almost sessile; leaf stalk
1.5-6.5 cm long; stipules persistent, 3-5 mm long.
(pressed specimen); approx.1/3 X actual
size
Distinguishing feature: The ‘rattlepod’ and leaves
with 5 narrow leaflets.
© Monica Osterkamp Madsen, NT Herbarium
Distribution: Within the NT occurs at a few localities
from the Finniss River to the South Alligator River;
recorded from Holmes Jungle and near the Adelaide
River. Also found in the Old World tropics from India
to Australia (NT, Qld).
Conservation notes: This species is apparently
naturally rare in the NT and the paucity of collections
indicate a low level of abundance. It is not considered
to be currently under threat.
References: 22, 51
Compound leaf of 5 long, narrow, unequal
leaflets
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WWF-Australia
FABACEAE
Flemingia involucrata
Benth.
Category: Least Concern (formerly Near Threatened)
Habit: Erect perennial herb, sometimes twining, or
subshrub to 1.3 m; covered with long white hairs,
yellow glandular hairs and red bladder-like glands, the
latter more dense on the underside of the leaves and
calyx; aerial parts die off during the dry season.
Leaves: Digitate; leaflets 3, elliptic with a pointed tip,
4-11.5 cm long, 1.5-7.5 cm wide, slightly darker on
upper surface; petiole 1.2-4.5 cm long; stipules brown,
1-1.8 cm long, 3-6 mm wide, fall off early leaving a
prominent scar.
Fruit: Pod dark brown, inflated, 5.5 mm long, 3.5 mm
wide, covered with a few short hairs; seed 1, black,
4 mm long, 3.5 mm wide; pods persistent, recorded
from Mar-Aug.
© Jacinda Brown
Flowers: Dense terminal cluster to 6 cm long; bracts
prominent, persistent, brown, 1-1.5 cm long; calyx 11.7 cm long, densely covered with coarse hairs; pea
flowers mauve-pink; standard rounded, 9-12 mm long,
hairy, glandular on back; wings also glandular and
occasionally hairy on back; keel glabrous; recorded
from Feb-July.
Leaflets are lighter below, darker above
(pressed specimen)
Habitat: Depressions, drainage lines or fringing
watercourses in grassland, open forest or woodland;
on sandy or clay soils. Associated with Eucalyptus
tetradonta, Corymbia bleeseri and C. nesophila.
Distinguishing feature: This species is distinguished
by its dense flower heads subtended by bracts.
© Monica Osterkamp Madsen, NT Herbarium
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from 11
scattered records including Noonamah, Old Litchfield
Road, East Arnhem Land and Melville Island. Also
found in WA and Qld and in the Old World tropics from
India to Australia.
Conservation notes: This species is uncommon in
the NT and the paucity of collections indicate a low
level of abundance. It is not considered to be currently
under threat but is apparently naturally rare. Aboriginal
people in central Arnhem Land are recorded as having
eaten the lateral roots (Dunlop et al. 1995).
References: 22
Pink-purple flowers in dense clusters with
prominent brown bracts; the hairy calyces
give an overall ‘woolly’ appearance to the
inflorescence
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19
FABACEAE
Indigofera schultziana
F.Muell.
Category: Data Deficient (formerly Vulnerable)
Habit: Erect, multi-stemmed perennial subshrub to
60 cm high; covered with translucent to brown
T-shaped hairs pressed close to the surface; aerial
parts die off annually.
Leaves: Compound, 1-foliolate, 4-11.5 cm long,
opposite; blade ovate to orbicular, 2.5-10.3 cm long,
2-6 cm wide, glabrous or sparsely hairy; cushion-like
swelling (pulvinus) at base of leaflet; dense hairs at
the base of leaflet stalks; main leaf axis furrowed.
© Jacinda Brown
Flowers: Inflorescence 3.5-11.5 cm long, arising from
leaf axils and longer than leaves; calyx 1.5-2.3 mm
long, 5-lobed; standard rounded, lavender-pink;
recorded from Aug-Jan.
Fruit: Pods brown, with dense appressed hairs
cylindrical, 2.1-4 cm long, 2.5-3mm wide; apex with
short beak; seeds 6-8.
Habitat: Ecology poorly known; recorded in open
woodland and on hills or rocky slopes. Associated
with Eucalyptus miniata and E. tetrodonta.
Broadly rounded leaflets each with slender
inflorescence arising from axil; (pressed
specimen) approx. ¼X actual size, note
some leaves are folded under specimen
Distribution: Endemic to the NT. Recorded positively
from only one locality in the Finniss River area. The
habitat that this species occupies suggests that it may
occur in the Shire but to date it has not been recorded
there.
Conservation notes: This taxon has been classified
A
as Vulnerable based on 1) an extent of occurrence to
be less than 20 000 km2, known to exist at no more
than 10 locations and a inferred decline in area, extent
and/or quality of habitat, and 2) A restricted area of
occupancy estimated to be <20 km2. Although the
plant is locally abundant at the Wangi Rd population,
with probably many thousands present in that area, it
is recommended that the species continue to be
regarded as Vulnerable, on the basis that the entire
B
range of the species lies in a region that is undergoing
subdivision, clearing and development for rural
residential, horticulture and cattle grazing. In addition,
A) Close-up of inflorescence, ¾X actual size
the species is not represented on any form of
B) Developing seed pods
conservation reserve. Note:: As a result of recent
survey work, issues regarding the taxonomy of this species have been raised. These issues
are unresolved at the time of publishing.
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20
References: 22, 64
© A) Jacinda Brown, B) Monica Osterkamp Madsen, NT Herbarium
Distinguishing feature: Unusual among Indigofera
species in having a single, broad leaflet.
WWF-Australia
LENTIBULARIACEAE
Utricularia sp. red
Category: Data Deficient
Common name: All species in the genus are commonly known as ‘Bladderworts’
Habit: Extremely small, annual aquatic bladderwort, with only 1 cm of plant exposed above
sand; all exposed parts of plant deep red except for new stems.
Leaves: Inconspicuous.
Traps: Inconspicuous.
Flowers: Deep red in colour; recorded in May.
Habitat: Margins of seasonal swamps, seepage areas and near streams; in wet sandy soil
recently exposed by receding water levels. Associated with Eriocaulon cinereum and
Centrolepis exserta.
Distinguishing feature: This entity is distinguished by its extremely small size and deep red
flower colour.
Distribution: Apparently endemic to the NT. Recorded from only one location near Girraween
Road in Humpty Doo.
Conservation notes: There is insufficient information to assign a conservation code to this
species. This taxon was first collected in 1996. One further collection was made during an
extensive Utricularia survey undertaken in 2000 and 2001 around the Howard River. It is
extremely cryptic and difficult to detect.
References: 14
Note: No photographs or drawings are available for this entity.
Special note on the Lentibulariaceae family, the bladderworts
These small aquatic or terrestrial herbs are widespread and found in nearly every country
in the world. They prefer wet or moist places, growing in or near water, either anchored in
the substrate or free-floating. Most of the annual species in this booklet are only present for
a short period during the late wet and early dry seasons. They are known as ‘plants of prey’
because they capture small insects in specialised bladder-like traps—hence their common
name of bladderworts. Traps are extremely small with a trapdoor entrance, and can be
located at various positions on the plants. Within this family it is often difficult to distinguish
vegetative parts like stems and leaves. Roots are always absent. However, organs that
resemble and function as roots (rhizoids) are usually present. Although flowers are typically
small they are particularly showy, with colour ranging from white, yellow, violet, blue, red,
brown, or combinations thereof. Flower structure varies widely between species but in
essence, they are comprised of two lips (upper and lower), that may or may not be of equal
sizes and can be variously lobed. The lower lip is always spurred and in many species, is
larger than the upper lip. Flower stalks are fine and delicate and often brittle or hollow. Fruit
is a capsule with tiny seeds. Calyx structure can be a useful tool in identification,
particularly in species exhibiting extensive variation in their flower characteristics.
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21
LENTIBULARIACEAE
Utricularia dunstaniae
F.E.Lloyd
Category: Vulnerable
Habit: Small, annual terrestrial bladderwort to
15 cm high.
Leaves: 1-2, arising from the base of the
inflorescence stalk; blade 2-12 mm long with a broadly
rounded apex and a single vein.
Traps: Few, 0.8-1.2 mm long, borne on very fine
stolons.
© Jacinda Brown
Flowers: Inflorescence erect, solitary, 6-15 cm long;
peduncle 0.3 mm diam.; flowers apparently always
solitary, 3.5-4 mm long (excluding appendages),
usually flesh-coloured but sometimes darker (e.g.
yellow, orange, red or brown); lower lip 3-5-lobed with
2 antennae-like appendages, 15-40 mm long, that
project upwards from lateral lobes; recorded in Mar,
Apr and May.
Fruit: Not seen.
The antennae-like appendages of
Habitat: Sedgeland and in depressions or swampy
Utricularia dunstaniae help to narrow its
areas in open woodland or shrubland; often in shallow identification to one of three (in NT) visually
water to 3 cm deep; on moist sandy soils. Associated similar species
with Melaleuca nervosa, Grevillea pteridifolia,
Verticordia spp., Dapsilanthus spathaceus, Eriocaulon spp. and Eriachne burkittii.
Distinguishing feature: Similar to several Utricularia species with a pair of upward-pointing
appendages. It has only one downward pointing lobe and two upward pointing lobes on the
lower lip. The two similar species have upward pointing lobes arising from the upper lip and
either 3 or 5 downward-pointing lobes arising from the lower lip. It occurs in slightly wetter
micro-habitats than the two (in NT) other visually similar species of Utricularia.
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from McMinns Lagoon, Howard River floodplain,
Adelaide River floodplain and Kakadu National Park. Also on the Mitchell Plateau in WA.
Conservation notes: This species is currently only known from four localities despite
extensive surveys in the Darwin rural area. One population is recorded to have 50 individuals.
The population in the McMinns Lagoon area has not been relocated since the collection of
1965 and is apparently locally extinct. Three of the recorded localities in the NT are susceptible
to disturbance from sandmining, quadbike and motorbike activity, subdivision and potential
changes to hydrology.
References: 14, 71
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22
WWF-Australia
LENTIBULARIACEAE
Utricularia hamiltonii
F.E.Lloyd
Category: Near Threatened
Habit: Small, erect, annual aquatic bladderwort to
12 cm high; usually occurring as scattered individuals.
Leaves: 2-3, arising from the base of the
inflorescence stalk and from stolon nodes; blade
narrow, 5-15 mm long, 0.5-0.8 mm wide with a pointed
apex and a single vein.
Traps: 1 or 2 from base of inflorescence stalk and
from each stolon node; each trap 2-3 mm long.
© NT Herbarium
Flowers: Inflorescence erect, solitary, 5-12 cm long;
stalk delicate, brittle, hollow, to 0.8 mm diam.; flowers
apparently always solitary, 6-12 mm long, bright
purple-mauve to pale blue; lower lip squarish with an
orange-yellow patch at the base, fringed with dark
purple streaks; upper lip with 2 pointed lobes;
recorded from Feb-June.
Fruit: Not seen.
Flowers can vary in colour. This individual
Habitat: Sedgeland and grassland of floodplains, or in has a bluish flower colour; approx. 1X actual
depressions, drainage lines and swampy areas in
size,
open woodland or shrubland; often in shallow water to
10 cm; predominantly on moist sandy soils but also
recorded on poorly drained clayey soils.
Distinguishing feature: Similar to several other
mauve-flowered Utricularia species. Utricularia
hamiltonii characteristically has solitary flowers with a
4-angled lower lip; leaves with a finely pointed tip and
hairless stems.
Conservation notes: While this species may be more
common then collections indicate, it has a restricted
known distribution of three quite separate areas
across the Top End and occurs almost always as
scattered individuals. The bulk of the collections were
found in an area susceptible to sandmining. It is not
currently considered under threat but qualifies for the
status of Near Threatened.
...while this individual has a purple-mauve
© Jacinda Brown
Distribution: Endemic to the NT. Spread widely
throughout the Litchfield Shire including the Howard
River floodplain, Adelaide River floodplain and
McMinns Lagoon; recorded east to Kakadu and south
to the Fitzmaurice River.
flower colour
References: 14, 84
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23
LENTIBULARIACEAE
Utricularia holtzei F.Muell.
Category: Near Threatened
Habit: Very small annual bladderwort to 6 cm high,
subaquatic or terrestrial; flowers often resting on or
sitting parallel to the water surface.
Leaves: Few, solitary, arising from the base of the
inflorescence stalk and stolon nodes; blade 6-10 mm
long (includes the long petiole) with a broadly rounded
apex and a single vein.
Flowers: Inflorescence erect, solitary or 2 together or
in succession, 2.5-6 cm long; peduncle delicate, pale
green, 0.15-0.25 mm diam.; flowers apparently always
solitary, 4-8 mm long, creamy white above (can be
tinged yellowish or greenish), pale yellow-bronze
below; lower lip deeply 5-lobed with a reddish orange
spot at the base; upper lip erect, notched at apex;
Very distinctive lobed flower of Utricularia
palate hairy with raised marginal rim; recorded from
holtzei, usually growing in shallow water;
Feb-May.
© Jacinda Brown
Traps: 1-3 traps at base of inflorescence stalk and
1-2 traps from each stolon node; each trap 1-1.5 mm
long.
approx. 2X actual size
Fruit: Capsule narrowly elliptic, 2-3 mm long; seeds
minute.
Habitat: Sedgeland and grassland of floodplains, or in depressions, drainage lines and
swampy areas in open woodland or shrubland; often in shallow water to 10 cm; predominantly
on moist sandy soils but also recorded on poorly drained clayey soils. Associated with
Melaleuca nervosa, Grevillea pteridifolia, Banksia dentata, Lophostemon lactifluus, Verticordia
spp., Utricularia spp., Eriachne spp., Sorghum intrans, sedges and sedge-like plants (e.g.
Dapsilanthus spp.).
Distinguishing feature: Has white flowers with a 5-lobed lower lip. Similar to Utricularia
quinquedentata but has much larger flowers. Other similar species have either 3-lobes or are
pink or mauve-flowered.
Distribution: Endemic to the NT. Recorded from the Howard River floodplain, Adelaide River
floodplain, Humpty Doo, Shoal Bay Reserve and Kakadu.
Conservation notes: While this species may be more common than collections indicate, it
has a restricted known distribution of two quite separate areas across the Top End. The bulk of
the collections were found in an area susceptible to sandmining. It is not currently considered
under threat but qualifies for the status of Near Threatened.
References: 14, 84
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WWF-Australia
LENTIBULARIACEAE
Utricularia involvens
Ridl.
Category: Least Concern (formerly Near Threatened)
Habit: Medium-sized terrestrial bladderwort to 60 cm,
annual; often twining onto grass.
Leaves: Numerous, pressed close to the ground,
arising from short rhizoids and capillary-like stolon
nodes; blade pale green, 5-30 mm long and 2-5 mm
wide with a rounded apex and 3 or more veins.
Traps: Few, 0.5-1.2 mm long, borne on stolons and
leaves.
Fruit: Capsule oval, 3-4 mm long; seeds minute.
© NT Herbarium
Flowers: Twining inflorescence to 60 cm long.
Flowers 2-12, widely spaced (often 4 cm or more
apart); pedicels narrowly winged, 8-20 mm long; calyx
pale green; flowers 10-15 mm long, bright yellow with
a deeper orange-yellow swelling on the lower lip;
upper lip rounded, c. 7-10 mm wide; lower lip
shallowly lobed, 10-12 mm wide; palate with a raised
marginal rim fringed with fine hairs; sometimes sweet
smelling; recorded from Feb-May.
This species frequently twines around
grasses and sedges; approx. 1X actual size
Habitat: Sedgeland and grassland of floodplains and
watercourses, or drainage flats and swampy areas in
low open woodland; often in shallow water to 5 cm; on
moist sandy soils, also on damp clayey, lateritic or
gravelly soils. Associated with Corymbia latifolia,
Melaleuca viridiflora, M. nervosa, Grevillea pteridifolia,
Banksia dentata, Germainia spp., Dapsilanthus spp.
and members of the Cyperaceae family.
Distinguishing feature: Similar to several other
yellow-flowered Utricularias, it is characterised by the
twining growth habit and relatively large bright yellow
flowers with a more or less entire lower lip.
© NT Herbarium
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from Darwin
across to the foot of the Arnhem Land escarpment
and on Melville Island. Also found in Burma, Thailand
and Malaysia.
Conservation notes: Although it may be more
common than collections indicate, this species is
coded as Near Threatened as a reflection of its low
known abundance across the NT.
Close-up of flower; approx. 2X actual size
References: 14, 84
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25
LENTIBULARIACEAE
Utricularia quinquedentata
F.Muell. ex P.Taylor
Category : Least Concern (formerly Near Threatened)
Habit: Extremely small, annual terrestrial bladderwort to 5 cm high.
Leaves: Moderately numerous, 2-4 arising from the base of the inflorescence stalk and stolon
nodes; blade 1.5-3 mm long (includes petiole) with a broad rounded apex and a single vein.
Traps: 0.5-1 mm long, variously present on the base of the inflorescence stalk, stolon
nodes/internodes and rhizoids.
Flowers: Inflorescence erect, solitary or 2 arising in succession, 3-5 cm long; inflorescence
stalk to 0.08 mm thick (the thickness of human hair), pale green with a tinge of red; calyx
reddish; flowers always solitary, 2 mm long, white or creamy white above with a pale yellow
spot at the base of the lower lip, pale yellow below; upper lip bilobed; lower lip 5-lobed to half
its length; recorded from Mar-June.
Fruit: Capsule rounded, 1 mm long; seeds minute.
Habitat: Depressions, seepage areas and swamps in open woodland and fringing
watercourses; often associated with sandstone outcrops; on moist sandy or sandy loam soils.
Associated with Melaleuca viridiflora, M. nervosa, Banksia dentata, Lophostemon lactifluus,
Mitrasacme spp., Micraira spp., Dapsilanthus spp. and members of the Cyperaceae family.
Distinguishing feature: Although larger then Utricularia sp. red this species is smaller than all
other bladderworts and is one of the smallest flowering plants in Australia. It is distinguished by
the very small cream-white flower with a distinctly 5-lobed lower lip.
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from Humpty Doo, Koolpinyah Station, Shoal Bay, the
Katherine region and in Arnhem Land. It is found over a wide geographical area from the
Kimberley in WA across to Cape York and Brisbane in Qld.
Conservation notes: This species is coded as Near Threatened within the NT. Although
widespread, populations are apparently very scattered with some known populations occurring
in areas subject to mining. It may be more common than collections indicate.
References: 14, 84
Note: No photographs or drawings were available for this species.
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26
WWF-Australia
LENTIBULARIACEAE
Utricularia singeriana
F.Muell.
Category: Vulnerable
Habit: Small to medium-sized terrestrial bladderwort to
30 cm long, probably annual.
Leaves: Few, solitary, arising from the base of the
inflorescence stalk and stolon nodes; blade 1-1.5 mm
wide, to 12 mm long (including petiole) with a rounded
apex and a single vein.
Flowers: Inflorescence erect, solitary, 7-30 cm long;
peduncle 1-1.5 mm diam.; pedicels flattened, grooved,
to 2 cm long; flowers always solitary, 10-22 mm long,
bright pink, purple, mauve or deep crimson with the
outer surface sometimes glossy reddish brown; upper
lip with a constriction near the base, below which the
surface is finely hairy, lip apex variously notched or
blunt; lower lip rounded, 2 cm wide, with 7-9 slightly
raised ridges extending from palate; palate margin
hairy; recorded from Feb-May.
© NT Herbarium
Traps: Few, 2-3 mm long, borne on the base of the
inflorescence stalk and 1-2 on stolon nodes.
The solitary flower is pink, purple, mauve
or crimson; leaves are few or
inconspicuous
Fruit: Capsule round, 4-5 mm diam.; seeds cylindrical,
0.8-1 mm long.
Distinguishing feature: Similar to several other mauveflowered Utricularia species. Utricularia singeriana has deep
purple solitary flowers, with a rounded lower lip and blunt spur,
the leaves are blunt and the stems are hairless; larger flowers
than most other species of Utricularia. Outer surface of flower
often reddish-brown.
© NT Herbarium
Habitat: Seasonally inundated grassland and low open
woodland; also recorded growing near granite outcrops;
often in shallow water to 2 cm deep; on moist sandy or sandy
loam soils.
A close-up of open flower; approx.
Distribution: Within the NT it was recorded early last century
from ‘4 miles north-east of Port Darwin’ and more recently from 1X actual size
the Edith River area and Marrawal Plateau in Nitmiluk National
Park. The habitat that this species occupies suggests that it may occur in the Shire but to date
it has not been recorded there. Also found in WA.
Conservation notes: This species has only been recorded from three NT localities. The Port
Darwin population is probably extinct due to industrial and commercial developments in the
area. Data from Nitmiluk suggests a population estimate in the low hundreds (200 individuals
counted). Utricularia singeriana was not located in recent surveys of Utricularia-rich areas near
Darwin nor in a number of Utricularia-specific surveys that have been carried out in the NT by
Darwin Herbarium staff and the world authority on the genus, Peter Taylor.
References: 14, 72
WWF-Australia
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27
LENTIBULARIACEAE
Utricularia subulata Linnaeus
Category: Near Threatened (formerly Endangered)
Common name: Zigzag bladderwort
Habit: Small to very small, annual terrestrial
bladderwort, 10-50 cm tall.
Leaves: Can be numerous; blade narrow, 1 mm wide,
2 cm long, tapering to a slightly pointed apex and with
a single vein.
Flowers: Inflorescence erect, solitary, 2-50 cm long,
sometimes branched; peduncle slender, 0.3-0.6 mm
diam., dark red; pedicels upright to 1 cm long; calyx
dark red; flowers 1-25 (or more when branched),
yellowish or (in cleistogamous inflorescences) white
or reddish, open flowers 5-10 mm long; upper lip
rounded; lower lip deeply 3-lobed with a large round
swelling extending across 2 lobes at its base; palate
hairy; recorded in March and May in the NT but
reported elsewhere to flower in all but the driest
months.
© NT Herbarium
Traps: Numerous, 0.2-0.7 mm long, borne on stolons
and leaves.
Pale yellow flowers with 3-lobed lower lip
Fruit: Capsule round, 1-1.5 mm diam.; seeds minute.
Habitat: Sedgeland and drainage flats, depressions and swampy areas of seasonally
inundated grassland and low open woodland; on moist sandy soils. Associated with Melaleuca
nervosa, Banksia dentata, Verticordia spp., Germainia spp., Xyris cheumatophila, Utricularia
spp. and members of the Cyperaceae family.
Distinguishing feature: Similar to several other yellow-flowered Utricularias, however U.
subulata has short stems (<10 cm). Pale yellow flowers with a 3-lobed lower lip, lacks
bracteoles on the stem and the bracts are free at the base. Sometimes produces
cleistogamous inflorescences where the flowers do not open.
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from three localities: McMinns Lagoon, Kakadu National
Park and Bathurst Island. Also found in Qld and other tropical regions of the world.
Conservation notes: Although this is the most widespread of all Utricularia species it is only
known from three localities in the NT — Bathurst Island, McMinns Lagoon and a recently
collected specimen from Kakadu National Park (2003). The McMinns Lagoon population
collected in 1980 has not been successfully relocated. Extensive surveys in the Darwin rural
area in 2000 and 2001, and similar surveys in Kakadu and the Tiwi Islands in recent years,
indicate this species — although widespread — is extremely rare in the NT. Only three plants
are recorded for the Kakadu population with greater abundances recorded for Bathurst Island
localities. The McMinns Lagoon population may no longer exist due to substantial changes in
land use in the area. Using a precautionary approach this species qualifies for Endangered
based on an extent of occurrence <5000 km2, an area of occupancy <500 km2, and a projected
decline as a result of potential sandmining and subdivision activity in the Howard Springs area.
References: 14, 73
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WWF-Australia
LENTIBULARIACEAE
Utricularia triflora P.Taylor
Category: Least Concern (formerly Near Threatened)
Habit: Small, erect, annual terrestrial bladderwort to
14 cm long; often found with 75% of stem submerged
under water.
Leaves: Few, arising from base of inflorescence stalk
and singularly on stolon nodes; blade narrow, 0.30.5 mm wide, 2 cm long (includes petiole) with a
pointed apex and a single vein.
Flowers: Inflorescence erect, solitary, 6-14 cm long;
inflorescence stalk firm, sometimes hollow, smoky
grey, 0.5-1 mm diam.; pedicels grooved, 4-8 mm long;
flowers 2-4, arising together in a terminal whorl,
mauve or lilac with a creamy white or yellowish patch
bordered with an irregular purple margin at the base
of the lower lip; lower lip fan-shaped and occasionally
shallowly 3-lobed, 6-12 mm long; upper lip has purple
streaks and is divided into 2 oblong lobes (often
deeply divided), apex of lobes rounded; underside of
flower lighter; palate hairy; spur white-yellow;
recorded from Mar-Aug.
© Tony Camilleri. Inset: Jacinda Brown
Traps: Few, 1-3 mm long, borne on base of
inflorescence stalk and stolon nodes.
Whilst visually similar to Utricularia
hamiltonii, U. triflora has 2-3 flowers per
inflorescence and the lower lip is rounded
rather than angular. Both main and inset are
U. triflora
Fruit: Capsule oval, 2 mm long; seeds minute.
Habitat: Sedgeland and seasonally inundated grassland in open woodland, or in drying mud
in seasonal swamps and fringing lagoons; has been found in water to 20 cm deep; on moist
sand, sandy loams or heavier clay soils. Associated with Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa,
Melaleuca cajuputi, M. viridiflora, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Corymbia polycarpa, Grevillea
pteridifolia, Lophostemon grandiflorus, Schoenoplectus spp., Chrysopogon spp., Eulalia spp.,
Germainia spp. and Eriachne burkittii.
Distinguishing feature: Similar to several other species of mauve-flowered Utricularia with a
white mark in the centre. U. triflora leaves have an acute apex and the stems are hairless.
U. triflora has 2-3 flowers in an inflorescence and flowers have a rounded lower lip.
Distribution: Endemic to the NT. Recorded near McMinns Lagoon, the Howard Springs area,
Shoal Bay, Nitmiluk National Park, near Dunmarra and Arnhem Land (Central Arnhem Road,
Murganella and Maningrida).
Conservation notes: Although widespread in northern NT, populations are very scattered. The
species is not currently considered under any threat and the current coding of Near
Threatened reflects the few, scattered populations. Surveys over the last few years have
greatly extended the known range of the species and the number of known populations.
References: 14, 84
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29
LIMNOCHARITACEAE
Butomopsis latifolia (D.Don) Kunth
Category: Data Deficient
Habit: Erect, annual semi-aquatic herb to 70 cm, stems
exuding white sap when cut. Leaves either floating on water
surface or held erect.
Leaves: Elliptic, 5-15 cm long, 1.5-6.5 cm wide, apex
rounded and ending in a hard blunt tip (mucro), 5-7 main
veins; petiole 6-24 cm long, sheathing at base.
© NT Herbarium
Flowers: An umbel of up to 25 flowers; peduncle 5-60 cm
long, 3-5 angled; pedicels triangular in cross-section, to
14 cm long; petals 3, white, 9 mm long; sepals 3, green,
4-7 mm long; bracts membranous to 1.8 cm long; recorded
from Apr-June.
Fruit: Dry, 7-12 mm long, contained within calyx and opening
toward apex along one side; seeds numerous, smooth,
brown, 0.5 mm long; recorded from Apr-July.
Habitat: Seasonally inundated open situations, especially
edges of swamps and lagoons and on floodplains; often in
shallow water 5-15 cm deep; on sandy, clayey, gravelly or
black soils. Associated with Lophostemon grandiflorus,
Ipomoea aquatica, Eleocharis spp., Oryza rufipogon and
Pseudoraphis spp.
Prefers seasonally inundated
situations such as edges of swamps,
lagoons and floodplains
Distinguishing feature: After flowering, petals whither and
disintegrate into a sticky mass. Butomopsis latifolia is the only
species within this genus.
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from the floodplains of
the Adelaide, South Alligator and East Alligator rivers,
Leaning Tree Lagoon, near Mataranka and in Arnhem Land.
Also found in Qld, tropical Africa, South-East Asia and
Malaysia.
References: 15
© Jacinda Brown
Conservation notes: Although this species has been
collected from a wide distribution area in the Top End, it is
known from only seven collections and is considered rare in
the NT. Although the habitat is likely to limit opportunistic
collections, it is expected that extensive surveys of the Top
End floodplains in 1990 and other floodplain work in Kakadu
in the 1980s would have yielded more records if this species
was more abundant. Not considered under threat, the Near
Threatened status of this species highlights rarity across the
Top End.
Close-up of capsules and seeds;
approx. 1X actual size (pressed
specimen)
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30
WWF-Australia
MENYANTHACEAE
Nymphoides subacuta
Aston
Category: Near Threatened
Habit: Delicate aquatic herb, annual or possibly
perennial in permanent water; leaves floating; stems
several arising from base, slender and floating, simple
or forked.
Leaves: Ovate to elliptic, cordate (‘heart-shaped’) with
either pointed or rounded apex, 5-9.5 cm long, 3.56.5 cm wide with entire margins; petioles flattened,
compressed, to 70 cm long.
Fruit: Capsule containing 2-8 black or dark brown
warty seeds.
Habitat: Freshwater swamps and lagoons in water
to 50 cm deep; on a variety of saturated sandy soils,
occasionally on black soils. Associated with Melaleuca
spp., Maidenia spp., Utricularia spp., Nymphoides
minima and N. spongiosa.
© Deborah Bisa
Flowers: A lateral or terminal inflorescence; pedicels
2-10 cm long; flowers 2-4.5 cm diam., bright goldenorange or orange-yellow, often disintegrating in
afternoon; flower of usually 5 lobes, predominantly
hairless, side wings of lobes distinctly fringed; plants
with either short or long styles; recorded mainly from
Apr-July, also Feb.
Aquatic herb with floating leaves; flowers
bright golden-orange or yellow
© Monica Osterkamp Madsen, NT Herbarium
Distinguishing feature: Distinguished from other NT
Nymphoides by possessing protuberances around the
base of the calyx.
Distribution: Endemic to the NT. Recorded from the
Darwin - Litchfield region and Kakadu National Park.
Conservation notes: This species is only known from
eight collections, seven of which were made during or
before the early 1980s. Collection notes indicate the
species was often common to abundant when
collected. However, many of these collections were
from a general area in which sandmining has since
occurred. Currently it is not considered threatened but
is coded as Near Threatened to highlight the disjunct
distribution and limited collection history of this
species.
Close-up of bud showing protuberances —
a key distinguishing feature
References: 2, 3, 15
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31
MIMOSACEAE
Acacia oligoneura
F.Muell.
Category: Near Threatened
Habit: Open multi-stemmed shrub to 2 m high;
branches, stems and leaves resinous; stems greenish
yellow or yellow to pale brown, re-shoot from rootstock
following fire.
Leaves/Phyllodes: Narrow, straight or slightly curved,
11-19 cm long, 1.2-2 cm wide, with a short hard tip
(mucro); blade sparsely resinous, glabrous, pale olive
green with 3 prominent yellowish veins and numerous
minor veins all running lengthwise; small gland near
leaf base and above cushion-like swelling (pulvinus).
Fruit: Flat woody pod, brown, resinous, scaly, 58.5 cm long, 4-7.5 mm wide, with obvious oblique
reticulate nerves, opens elastically from the apex;
seeds arillate, 5-5.5 mm long, 2-2.5 mm wide,
positioned obliquely in pod; recorded in Dec-Apr.
© Jacinda Brown
Flowers: Spikes, groups of 1-3, arising from leaf axils
or from the ends of branchlets, 1.8-3 cm long, 4.5-6.5
mm wide; peduncle glabrous, resinous, 5.5-8 mm
long; flowers light golden or bright yellow, densely or
loosely arranged, may be softly scented; recorded
from Dec-May.
Flower spikes in groups of 1-3 from axils or
ends of branchlets (pressed specimen)
Habitat: Open woodland on rocky outcrops or
sandstone slopes; on a variety of soils, predominantly
skeletal or sandy. Associated with Eucalyptus miniata,
E. tetradonta, Grevillea pteridifolia, Triodia bitextura
and Sorghum spp.
Distinguishing feature: Acacia oligoneura is similar
to A. praetermissa but has phyllodes that are generally
wider, a short knob-like mucro, glabrous calyx lobes
and elliptic smaller seeds.
© Jacinda Brown
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from Noonamah,
Daly River and Litchfield National Park. Also found on
the Mitchell Plateau in the Kimberley, WA. Although
the literature indicates Ferdinand Mueller collected this
species from Victoria River, no specimens from this
region have been lodged in the NT Herbarium.
Conservation notes: The status of Near Threatened
reflects the limited abundance and distribution of this
species.
References: 22, 50
Fruit pods brown, woody; seeds positioned
obliquely in pod; approx. 1X actual size
(pressed specimen)
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WWF-Australia
MIMOSACEAE
Acacia praetermissa
Tindale
Category: Vulnerable (also Nationally listed as
Vulnerable)
‘praetermissa’ = easily overlooked
Habit: Erect perennial shrub to 1.2 m high, though
more usually to around 50 cm high; single or multistemmed from rootstock; bark smooth, bluish grey with
white blotches; branchlets reddish brown, slightly
angular, usually glabrous.
Flowers: Inflorescence a spike arising from leaf axils,
usually 2 per axil, 8-23 mm long, 4-5 mm wide;
peduncle glabrous; flowers 20-27 per spike, golden
yellow, loosely arranged; recorded from Jan-Sept.
© Kym Brennan
Leaves/Phyllodes: Narrow, straight or curved, 1115 cm long, 3-12(18) mm wide, with a short hard tip
(mucro) that is sometimes hooked; blade usually
glabrous, bluish, softly leathery, midrib prominent, 2-4
secondary parallel veins, minor veins that branch and
intersect; small gland near leaf base and above
cushion-like swelling (pulvinus).
Usually two flower spikes per leaf axil
Fruit: More or less flat woody pod, brown, smooth,
4-9 cm long, 6-8 mm wide, with a
network of nerves and a short hooked apex; pod opens by rolling back elastically from apex;
seeds arillate, 6 mm long, 4 mm wide, olive green, positioned obliquely in pod; recorded from
Jan-Mar and Jul-Oct.
Habitat: Open woodland on rocky slopes, ridges and hillsides; on skeletal, lateritic or sandy
soils. Associated with Eucalyptus miniata, E. tetrodonta, E. alba and Corymbia dichromophloia.
Distinguishing feature: A rare species that may be easily overlooked. It can be differentiated
from Acacia oligoneura by its narrower phyllodes (mostly less than 1.2 cm wide), slender
mucro, calyx lobes that are fringed with fine soft hairs and its larger, more rounded seeds.
Distribution: Endemic to the NT. Recorded from two general localities: near Emerald Springs
and Hayes Creek. The habitat that this species occupies suggests that it may occur in the
Shire but to date it has not been recorded there.
Conservation notes: Potential threats include unfavourable fire regimes. Populations adjacent
to the Stuart Highway are frequently burnt but the long-term effects of frequent burning on this
species have not been investigated. No seedling recruitment has been observed in the field
during recent collections. This species qualifies as Vulnerable based on a restricted distribution
and population size estimated to be <1000 mature individuals and area of occupancy
estimated to be <20 km2.
References: 22, 25, 59, 85
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33
Special note on the Orchidaceae family
The next 17 species described in this book are all from the family Orchidaceae. There are over
660 species of native orchids in Australia and over 70% of these are endemic to Australia
(Jones 1993). Of the 17 orchid species described in this book, 6 are endemic to Australia.
Orchid flowers are renowned for their incredible diversity in terms of flower shape, colour, size
and fragrance. However, orchid flowers are highly specialised and the extent of modification
can make interpretation of their flower parts confusing even though they do possess a common
set of floral features. For this reason, the flower parts of orchids are often given special terms.
The stamen/s (male) and the style (female) have fused forming a structure known as the
column. Pollen grains are aggregated into groups called pollinia.
Orchid flowers are comprised of three sepals, and three petals. In many orchid species the
sepals and petals have become highly evolved to the extent that they may look unlike the
sepals and petals of most other plants. The three sepals are comprised of one dorsal sepal,
which is usually the uppermost sepal, and two lateral sepals. All three sepals may be modified
and often are brightly coloured, looking more like the ‘petals’ of most plants.
© David Jones
One of the three petals is modified to form a labellum, which, in some species, may act as a
landing platform for insect pollinators.
This is a front and side view of the flower of one type of orchid, Cymbidium canaliculatum. Although the
shapes and forms of orchid flowers vary greatly between species, this illustration serves as a general
introduction into the terms used for the various parts of the orchid flower.
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WWF-Australia
ORCHIDACEAE
Calochilus holtzei
F.Muell.
Category: Data Deficient
Common name: Ground orchid
Habit: Deciduous terrestrial orchid with a single erect
leaf and a subterranean tuberoid; grows as scattered
individuals or in dense clumps; leaf develops early in
the wet season followed by flowering.
Leaves: 1, dark green, very thick, almost triangular in
cross-section, to 55 cm long x 2 cm wide; flower stem
with 2-3 bracts, closely sheathing and pointed.
Fruit: Capsule cylindrical, ridged, 1.3 cm long;
recorded from Nov-Mar.
Habitat: Amongst grass and leaf litter in open forest
and tall open woodland; on sandy or sandy loam soils.
Associated with Eucalyptus miniata, E. tetradonta,
Corymbia nesophila, C. bleeseri and Erythrophleum
chlorostachys, Chrysopogon fallax and Sorghum spp.
© Kym Brennan
Flowers: Flower stem to 90 cm tall; flowers 8-14,
each c. 2.5 cm across, greenish with red or maroon
markings; dorsal sepal approx. 9 x 6 mm, concave;
lateral sepals green, labellum to 1.7 x 1.2 cm, central
part with ‘beard-like’ bristly green or white hairs often
tinged purple-red, and purple-red glands at base;
recorded Nov-Mar.
Flowers 8-14, each c. 2.5 cm across,
greenish with red or maroon markings;
approx. 1X actual size
Distinguishing feature: The large hairy labellum is
very distinctive and has given rise to the common
name of ‘beardies’ for members of this genus.
Conservation notes: Effectively known from seven
populations in the NT. There is insufficient data to
assign a conservation status to this species. The
paucity of fertile collections may be a reflection of the
species’ seasonality rather than its distribution and
abundance.
Reference: 38, 40
© David Jones
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from Humpty
Doo, the Howard River headwaters, Cobourg
Peninsula, Kakadu National Park (Kapalga) and
Melville Island. Also found in WA and Qld, endemic to
Australia.
Dense green or reddish hairs at the base of
the labellum give this genus the common
name of ‘beardies’
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35
ORCHIDACEAE
Chiloschista phyllorhiza
(F.Muell.) Schltr.
Category: Near Threatened
Common name: Leafless orchid
Habit: Leafless epiphytic orchid forming small clumps;
roots flattened, dark green or grey-green, approx.
6 mm wide, photosynthetic; can be locally common
and form colonies on suitable trees.
Flowers: Flower stem 4-15 cm long, bearing groups
of short-lived fragrant flowers (up to 20 in total);
flowers white, 1-1.4 cm wide; labellum approx. 5 x
2 mm, yellow, with a very small densely hairy mid-lobe
and a 2.5 mm spur; recorded from Oct-Nov.
Habitat: Riparian or spring-fed monsoon vine forest
and melaleuca swamps; also reported to grow in
mangroves; tolerates bright light through to fairly
heavy shade. Epiphytic on Barringtonia acutangula,
Maranthes corymbosa, Pouteria sericea and
Horsfieldia australiana. Associated with Drynaria
quercifolia.
© Bill Lavarack
Fruit: Capsule cylindrical, ridged; recorded in Nov.
The flattened green roots perform the
functions of both attachment and
photosynthesis; there are no leaves
Distinguishing feature: The numerous strap-like
roots and the absence of leaves.
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from the Howard
River, Berry Springs Wildlife Park, Black Jungle
Conservation Reserve, Brian Creek Springs (Wildman
River Station) and the Reynolds River. Also found in
Qld. Possibly endemic to Australia.
Conservation notes: The paucity of collections
reflects the restricted distribution and abundance of
this species. It is expected that extensive surveys of
rainforest communities since the mid-1980s would
have yielded more records if this species was more
abundant. Not considered under threat, the Near
Threatened status of this species highlights rarity
across the Top End.
© John Bolger
References: 8, 38, 45
Flower stem 4-15 cm long, bearing groups of
short-lived fragrant flowers (up to 20 in total)
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ORCHIDACEAE
Didymoplexis pallens
Griff.
Category: Data Deficient
Habit: Leafless saprophytic terrestrial orchid to 12 cm
tall and with a fleshy tuberoid.
Flowers: Flower stem fleshy, brittle, to 12 cm tall, white
to pink or reddish; flowers 5-15, bell-shaped, glistening
white or tinged with brown or pink, approx. 1 cm wide,
opening one at a time up the raceme and each lasting
less than one day; sepals and petals joined together for
half their length; labellum to 7 x 10 mm, often with a
notched or lobed apex and 2-3 rows of cream to yellow
glands at the base; recorded from Nov-Dec; presumed to
flower after the onset of the wet season.
Habitat: Within and on the edges of monsoon vine
forest, rainforest or riparian vegetation; on mounds,
raised grass tussocks and in decaying leaf litter; on
sandy or clayey loams. Associated with Bambusa
arnhemica and Pandanus spp.
© Don Franklin
Fruit: Capsule cylindrical, ridged, 1.7-2 cm long;
recorded in Dec.
Inflorescences of Didymoplexis pallens
arising from among leaf litter
Distinguishing feature: A distinctive species that is
unlikely to be confused with any other species found in
the NT.
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from near the
Arnhem Highway - Mary River crossing, the headwaters
of the Wilton River, Arnhem Land, Douglas-Daly
Experimental Farm and Melville Island. Also found in
WA, Qld, Indonesia, Malaysia and India.
© Glen Wightman, NT Herbarium
Conservation notes: Based on the available evidence
of limited extent of occurrence and apparently small
populations, a case could be made for classifying
D. pallens as Vulnerable in the NT. However, plants are
evident above ground for just a few weeks each year
and at a time when the weather is particularly
unfavourable for field surveys (access often difficult), so
it may be more widespread than currently thought. On
the basis of the sparsity of NT records and limited
anecdotal information about its occurrence at these sites,
the species is classified in the NT as Data Deficient.
References: 28, 38, 41, 45
Capsule ready to release seeds; approx.
1X actual size
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37
ORCHIDACEAE
Eulophia bicallosa
(D.Don) P.F.Hunt & Summerh.
Category: Data Deficient
Habit: Deciduous terrestrial orchid; subterranean
rhizome fleshy, approx. 6 cm long, 2 cm wide; single
leaf is produced after flowering.
Leaves: 1, dark green, pleated, 40 cm long, 2.5 cm
wide; stem to 25 cm long, with 2 or 3 large sheathing
bracts.
© Russell Dempster. Inset: NT Herbarium
Flowers: Flower stem to 80 cm tall; flowers 6-20, pale
green or yellowish with purple, deep red or brown
lines and markings, approx. 2.5 cm wide; petals
smaller than sepals; lateral sepals to 1.9 cm long,
often with twisted tips; dorsal sepal obliquely erect;
labellum to 1.2 x 1 cm, 3-lobed with prominent deep
red to purple veins and mid-lobe with wavy margins;
flowers while leafless; recorded in Mar, July and Aug
in NT, outside the NT reported to flower from SeptNov.
Fruit: Capsule c. 1.5 cm long, 8 mm wide.
Inflorescence of Eulophia bicallosa approx.
Habitat: In the NT has been collected from seasonally ¼X actual size. Inset: Close-up of flower;
approx. 1X actual size
inundated woodland and grassland, on fringes of
rainforest or riparian vegetation; on poorly drained
sandy or clayey loams and black soils; associated
with Lophostemon lactifluus, Banksia dentata, Pandanus spp. and
perennial grasses. Outside the NT has been collected in habitats
from open woodland through to rainforest.
Distinguishing feature: The broad mid-lobe of the labellum;
purple-red blotches and stripes; sepals are longer than the petals.
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from the headwaters of the
Howard River, Virginia, near the junction of the Adelaide and Daly
rivers, Labelle Station and Port Keats. Also found in WA, Qld and
New Guinea.
Reference: 38
© David Jones
Conservation notes: Although also known within Australia from
northern WA and Qld, only one collection of this species has been
made in the NT during the last 15 years. A further individual plant,
known from a residential property in the rural area, has been
recorded flowering in 1999 and 2004. The paucity of fertile
collections may be a reflection of the species’ seasonality rather
than its distribution and abundance. Currently there is insufficient
data to assign a conservation status to this species.
Growth habit, showing
successive years’ additions to
the rhizome
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38
WWF-Australia
ORCHIDACEAE
Habenaria elongata
R.Br
Category: Data Deficient
Habit: Deciduous terrestrial orchid arising from a
small subterranean tuberoid; leaves appear at the
same time as, or just after, the flower stem.
Leaves: 2-4 in a basal rosette; blade 12 cm long,
2.5 cm wide, blue-green to mid-green.
Fruit: A capsule.
Habitat: Seasonally inundated open forest and
woodland, grassland fringing monsoon vine forest and
on stony outcrops; on sand, sandy loam or lateritic
A ground-dwelling orchid preferring moist or
seasonally inundated habitats
soils. Also on exposed coastal bluffs and headlands
and offshore islands. Associated with Eucalyptus spp.
and Grevillea pteridifolia.
© Bill Lavarack
Flowers: Flower stem to 60 cm; flowers 8-20,
greenish or creamy white, approx. 1.4 cm wide, faintly
scented in the early evening; dorsal sepal approx.
6 x 4 mm, hooded; labellum deeply 3-lobed with long,
twisted, filamentous lateral lobes to 2 cm long and
a straight mid-lobe to 7 mm long; labellum spur
prominent, curved, to 3.5 cm long; recorded from
Jan-Apr.
Distinguishing feature: Could be confused with
Habenaria triplonema, however, the leaves in
H. elongata are much larger and the flowers lack the
strong daytime fragrance of H. triplonema.
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from Koolpinyah
Station, Black Jungle Conservation Reserve, Kakadu
National Park (Kapalga), Arnhem Land (Milingimbi)
and Bathurst Island. Also found in WA, Qld and New
Guinea.
© Bruce Gray. Inset: David Jones
Conservation notes: There is insufficient data to
assign a conservation status to this species. The
paucity of fertile collections may be a reflection of the
species’ seasonality rather than its distribution and
abundance.
References: 38, 40, 42
Flowers are greenish or creamy white.
Inset: Labellum is deeply lobed
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39
ORCHIDACEAE
Habenaria hymenophylla
Schltr.
Category: Data Deficient
Common name: Rainforest habenaria
Habit: Deciduous terrestrial orchid with a
subterranean tuberoid; forms scattered colonies.
Leaves: 6-8 in a loose rosette; blade sometimes
resinous below, 13 cm long, 4 cm wide; lower leaves
sheathing base of stem.
© Bruce Gray. Inset: David Jones
Flowers: Flower stem to 40 cm tall; flowers 20-30,
spirally arranged, greenish or white with green tips,
approx. 5 mm wide, sometimes recorded as smelling
unpleasant; dorsal sepal 6 x 6 mm, hooded; petals
deeply bilobed; labellum deeply 3-lobed with lateral
lobes to 4.5 mm long and mid-lobe to 6 mm; spur to
1.5 cm long; recorded from Feb-Apr, also Oct.
Fruit: Capsule cylindrical, ridged, to 1.7 cm long;
recorded in Feb, Apr and June.
Habitat: Rainforest, monsoon thickets of coastal and
inland regions; in leaf litter, on sand, sandy loams or
lateritic soils. Associated with Acacia auriculiformis
and Terminalia microcarpa.
Inflorescence to 40 cm tall with 20-30
flowers
Distinguishing feature: Distinguishable from other
species of Habaneria by its broader leaves in a loose,
scattered rosette, its smaller flowers and its unusual
habitat of monsoonal rainforest.
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from near
Humpty Doo, Casuarina Coastal Reserve, Darwin
region (Kulaluk), Rum Jungle, Cobourg Peninsular,
Arnhem Land and Melville Island. Also found in Qld.
Endemic to Australia.
References: 8, 38, 40, 42, 45
© NT Herbarium
Conservation notes: There is insufficient data to
assign a conservation status to this species. The
paucity of fertile collections may be a reflection of the
species’ seasonality rather than its distribution and
abundance.
6-8 leaves in a loose rosette; preferred
habitat is rainforest or monsoon thicket
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40
WWF-Australia
ORCHIDACEAE
Habenaria rumphii
(Brongn.) Lindl.
Category: Endangered
Habit: Deciduous terrestrial orchid with a cylindrical
tuberoid 2.5-5 cm long, 5-10 mm diam.
Leaves: 6 or 7 in a loose rosette; blade narrow,
tapering to the apex, 8-14 cm long, 1-2 cm wide.
Fruit: Capsule cylindrical, ridged, approx. 1.1 cm long;
recorded in Feb.
Habitat: In the NT has only been collected from the
edge of a spring-fed jungle. In other parts of its range, Flowers are usually white but can be slightly
including Qld, it is reported to be prominent in lowpinkish
lying areas subject to partial inundation during the
wet season.
© Bill Lavarack
Flowers: Flower stem thin and wiry, to 50 cm tall;
flowers 30 or more, white, approx. 1 cm wide, densely
arranged towards top of stem; dorsal sepal to 6 x 3
mm, broadest at base and tapering to a blunt apex;
labellum deeply 3-lobed with lateral lobes to
4 mm long and mid-lobe approx. 7 mm long; all
labellum lobes taper from base to a finely pointed
apex with the mid-lobe channelled beneath; labellum
spur to 1.3 cm, curved forward; recorded in Feb.
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from a single
location in the upper Howard River area near Humpty
Doo. Also found in Qld and overseas.
Conservation notes: Habenaria rumphii has been
Front and side view of flower
collected only once in the NT (in 1989). It currently
falls into the IUCN Endangered category — it was
previously registered as Critically Endangered but this was downgraded due to the elements of
seasonality and likely data deficiency surrounding terrestrial geophytes. The one location
where it has so far been collected in the NT is likely to experience a reduction in extent and
quality of available habitat due to factors including sandmining, land clearing for residential
expansion and subsequent altered hydrology. Other threats may include fire, weeds and pigs.
Recovery actions may be necessary in the future.
© David Jones
Distinguishing feature: The rosette of stiffly
spreading leaves, a densely congested flowering
stem, and the obliquely erect labellum with longer midlobe and short, pointed lateral lobes.
References: 38, 40, 42, 62
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41
ORCHIDACEAE
Habenaria triplonema
Schltr.
Category: Data Deficient
Habit: Deciduous terrestrial orchid arising from small
subterranean tuberoids at the onset of the wet season.
Dies back to newly developed tuberoids at the onset
of the dry season.
Leaves: 2 or 3 in a basal rosette; blade 6-9 cm long,
1.3-2 cm wide.
Flowers: Flower stem to 70 cm tall; flowers 8-12,
densely arranged, white, pale yellow or pale green,
approx. 1.3 cm wide, can be highly perfumed; dorsal
sepal to 5 x 4 mm, hooded; labellum deeply 3-lobed
with lateral lobes thread-like (often twisted) to 1.8 cm
long and mid-lobe to 8 mm long; labellum spur curved,
to 3.5 cm long; recorded from Jan-Mar.
Habitat: Open forest and woodland, often with a
grassy understorey; on dark sandy or clay loams.
Associated with Eucalyptus miniata, E. tetradonta,
Cycas armstrongii, Pandanus spiralis and
Sorghum spp.
Distinguishing feature: Could be confused with
Habenaria elongata, but H. triplonema has smaller
leaves and flowers with a strong perfume which lasts
throughout the day.
© Greg Calvert
Fruit: Capsule cylindrical, ridged, to 1.2 cm; recorded
in Feb.
Habitat of Habenaria triplonema is usually
open forest or woodland with a grassy
understorey
1cm
Conservation notes: Known from one reserve
(Charles Darwin National Park) and has been
collected from a number of properties in the Virginia
area. This species has a widespread distribution and
grows in a common vegetation type and is likely to be
more common than collections indicate. It has been
observed growing amongst mission and gamba grass.
The impact of increased fire intensity associated with
the larger fuel loads of these exotic grasses on
underground tubers is unknown. There is insufficient
data to assign a conservation status to this species.
The paucity of fertile collections may be a reflection of
the species’ seasonality rather than its distribution and
abundance.
The inflorescence may be lightly perfumed;
References: 38, 42
© NT Herbarium. Inset: David Jones
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from Virginia,
Manton Dam, Charles Darwin National Park,
Palmerston, Dundee, Arnhem Land and Woolaning.
Also found in Qld and New Guinea.
approx. 1X actual size. Inset: Labellum
deeply lobed lateral lobes often twice as
long as the mid-lobe and often twisted
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42
WWF-Australia
ORCHIDACEAE
Liparis habenarina
(F.Muell.) Benth.
Category: Data Deficient
Habit: Deciduous terrestrial orchid with an angular
3-sided stem and fleshy subterranean pseudobulbs 23 x 1.5-2.5 cm.
Leaves: 2 or 3; blade 10-25 cm long, 2-4 cm wide,
dark green to yellowish green with 5 prominent
parallel veins.
Flowers: Flowering stem rigid, angular, 15-60 cm
long; flowers 8-22, green, yellow, greenish yellow, pink
or reddish, approx. 1.2 cm wide; dorsal sepal and
petals recurved; labellum c. 6 x 4 mm, 2 broad ridges
extend to a deeply notched apex, outer margins wavy;
recorded from Jan-Feb.
Habitat: In seasonally inundated areas of open forest
and woodland, also fringing rainforest and riparian
vegetation; on sandy, peaty or clayey soils.
Associated with Eucalyptus polycarpa, Melaleuca
cajuputi, M. viridifolia, Banksia dentata and
Pandanus spp.
© Bill Lavarack
Fruit: Capsule cylindrical, ridged, approx. 1.6 cm long;
recorded from Jan-Feb.
2-3 leaves with blades 10-25 cm long;
flowering stem rigid
Distinguishing feature: Liparis habenarina is the only
Australian species with subterranean pseudobulbs.
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from the ‘west
side of Stuart Highway south of Livingston Rd’,
Charles Darwin National Park, Gove Peninsula,
Melville Island and Bathurst Island. Also found in Qld
and NSW. Endemic to Australia.
Conservation notes: There is insufficient data to
assign a conservation status to this species. The
paucity of fertile collections may be a reflection of the
species’ seasonality rather than its distribution and
abundance.
5mm
References: 38
© David Jones
2cm
Growth habit showing previous season’s
pseudobulb and current season’s growth
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43
ORCHIDACEAE
Luisia teretifolia
Gaudich.
Category: Vulnerable
Habit: Epiphytic orchid forming straggly clumps; stems
slender, wiry, erect or semi-pendulous to 30 cm long; roots
thick, cord-like, approx. 5 mm wide.
Leaves: 2-10 per stem; cylindrical, rigid, dark green or with
blackish markings, 5-15 cm long, 5 mm diam.
© S.M Taylor, NT Herbarium
Flowers: Inflorescence a raceme to 15 cm long bearing
groups of 1-3 flowers at sporadic intervals, flowers green
or yellow-green with dark red to burgundy labellum, approx.
1 cm wide; dorsal sepal hooded; lateral sepals broad and
curving inwards; petals narrow and curving inwards;
labellum protrudes forward, 7 x 7 mm; recorded from NovDec, also in Feb.
Fruit: Capsule cylindrical, ridged, 3.5-4 cm long; recorded in
Nov.
Habitat: Within the NT has been collected from the margins
of monsoon vine forest and rainforest; in other parts of its
range it is reputedly more common in coastal and near
coastal habitats, including mangroves. Observed in
situations of relatively bright light. Associated with other
epiphytes (e.g. Dendrobium affine and Drynaria quercifolia);
hosts include Sterculia quadrifida, Barringtonia acutangula
and Canarium australianum.
Epiphytic orchid with slender wiry
stems and thick cord-like roots; forms
straggly clumps; stems may be erect
or pendulous; this specimen was
rescued from a fallen tree
Distinguishing feature: Long cylindrical leaves that form
a tangled mass, and its yellow-green and reddish flowers.
Conservation notes: This species does not usually grow
high up on trees and is considered easy to see (D. Jones
pers. comm.). The readily identifiable nature of this species
and the extensive rainforest survey of the mid-1980s offer
confidence that the existing collections accurately reflect the
abundance and distribution of this species. It falls into the
IUCN category of Vulnerable as the population size is
Close-up of flower showing dark red
estimated to be fewer than 1000 mature individuals and the to burgundy labellum
2
area of occupancy is less than 20 km . Population sizes are
difficult to assess as this species is epiphytic and grows in tangled clumps. About 11
populations are known from the NT with two of these in the Litchfield Shire (Black Jungle
Conservation Reserve and Koolpinyah Station). However no individuals were seen during
surveys of both these localities in 2003. Although specific threats have not been identified,
orchids are often sought out by collectors. The edge-of-forest habitat seemingly preferred by
this species may leave it more prone to events such as cyclones or fires.
© Bruce Gray
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from Black Jungle
Conservation Reserve, Koolpinyah Station and Melville
Island. Also found in Qld, New Guinea, Indonesia and
Malaysia.
References: 8, 38, 40, 45, 65
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WWF-Australia
ORCHIDACEAE
Malaxis acuminata
D.Don
Category: Data Deficient
Habit: Deciduous terrestrial orchid with a fleshy stem;
new shoots are produced early in the wet season and
arise from nodes with the old stem eventually rotting;
grows as scattered individuals and in colonies.
Leaves: 4-6; blade dark green, thin-textured, ovate
with wavy margins, to 15 cm long, 5 cm wide;
sheathing the base of the stem.
© Bill Lavarack
Flowers: Flower stem to 30 cm tall, slender and
brittle; flowers numerous, crowded, green to yellowish
green, approx. 9 mm wide, unscented and lasting for
several weeks; dorsal sepal to 5 x 2 mm, recurved;
labellum approx. 5 x 5 mm, horseshoe-shaped with a
notched apex; recorded from Jan-Feb and Apr-May.
Fruit: Capsule cylindrical, ridged, approx. 1.1 cm long;
recorded in Dec and Feb.
Habitat: Spring-fed rainforest, monsoon vine forest
and semi-permanent swamps; on sandy or clayey
humus-rich soil. Associated with Carpentaria
acuminata, Syzygium angophoroides, Melaleuca spp.
and Nervilia aragoana.
Dark green leaves and fleshy stem
Distinguishing feature: Green flowers that are
relatively large. The labellum has a prominent notch at
its apex.
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from Black
Jungle Conservation Reserve, Nitmiluk National Park,
Haywood Creek, Mistake Creek, Jabiru Jungle and
Point Stuart. Also found in India, South-East Asia,
China, the Philippines and Indonesia.
© David Jones
Conservation notes: There is insufficient data to
assign a conservation status to this species. The
paucity of fertile collections may be a reflection of the
species’ seasonality rather than its distribution and
abundance.
References: 8, 38, 45
Flowers in this genus are positioned ‘upsidedown’ so that the labellum is orientated
upwards and the two lateral petals and the
dorsal sepal point downwards
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45
ORCHIDACEAE
Malaxis marsupichila
Upton
Category: Vulnerable
Habit: Deciduous terrestrial orchid with 4-6 stalked
leaves on a short fleshy stem; dormant stems may be
completely covered with leaf litter during the dry
season; can form colonies.
Leaves: 4-6; blade dark green, thin-textured, shiny,
ovate and wavy margins, to 15 cm long, 7 cm wide.
© Bill Lavarack. Inset: David Jones
Flowers: Flower stem green and purple, to 50 cm tall,
slender and brittle; flowers numerous, crowded, light
green through light purple or dark purple, approx.
8 mm wide, opening over several weeks; dorsal sepal
to 5 x 3 mm; labellum to 4 x 4 mm, horseshoe-shaped
and 3-lobed; recorded in Feb in NT, in Qld reported to
flower Jan-Apr.
Fruit: Capsule cylindrical, ridged, approx. 1 cm long;
recorded in May.
Habitat: Fringes of monsoon rainforest including
coastal rainforest adjacent to mangroves; prefers
protected shady locations rich in leaf litter; on moist
lateritic, sandy or clayey soils.
4-6 stalked leaves on fleshy stem.
Inset: As for Malaxis acuminata, this species
also has flowers positioned ‘upside-down’
Distinguishing feature: A purplish flower and 3-lobed
labellum with entire margins.
Conservation notes: Collected only once in the NT
(in 1984). This species falls into the IUCN category of
Vulnerable as the population size is estimated to be
fewer than 1000 mature individuals and the area of
occupancy is less than 20 km2. Although the paucity of
fertile collections may be a reflection of the ephemeral
nature of its above-ground parts, it is expected the
extensive rainforest surveys of the mid-1980s would
have yielded more records if this species was more
abundant. Recent attempts to relocate this population
at appropriate times of the year have failed. Potential Habit of Malaxis marsupichila; note parallel
venation and wavy margins
threats are highly speculative but may include
harvesting by horticulturists, possible rural
development in the area, and random events such as
cyclones and fire. Further survey work is urgently
required to establish the status and extent of the
population.
© John Bolger
Distribution: Within the NT known only from Gunn
Point. Also found in Qld. Endemic to Australia.
References: 8, 38, 40, 67
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46
WWF-Australia
ORCHIDACEAE
Nervilia peltata
B.Gray & D.L.Jones
Category: Data Deficient
Habit: Deciduous terrestrial orchid with a single
almost circular leaf and a subterranean tuberoid;
flowers whilst leafless, very rarely seen; can occur in
colonies.
Leaves: Solitary, ground-hugging; blade pale greygreen or bluish green, finely hairy, granular, 2.5-5 cm
diam. with prominent radiating veins.
A
© NT Herbarium (A & B)
Flowers: Flower stem fleshy, brittle, 6-10 cm tall with
2-3 sterile bracts; flowers 1-3, pale green, 2-2.8 cm
wide, open singly; dorsal sepal, lateral sepals and
petals narrow with a pointed apex; labellum 2-2.5 cm
long, white with a greenish base, deeply and
irregularly fringed; recorded from Dec-Feb.
Fruit: Capsule, 8-12 x 4-6 mm; has not been collected
in the NT.
Habitat: Rainforest or in shaded areas among grass
in open forest and woodland. Associated with
Eucalyptus miniata, E. tetrodonta, Cycas armstrongii,
Livistona humilis, Heteropogon triticeus and
Alloteropsis semialata.
B
A) The umbrella-like leaves of Nervilia
peltata are highly distinctive; approx. 1X
actual size
B) A colony of N. peltata among leaf litter
Distinguishing feature: Ground-hugging leaves with
the petiole centrally attached to the lower surface.
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from Charles Darwin
National Park, Green Ant Creek, Maningrida and Melville Island.
Also found in Qld. Endemic to Australia.
© Bruce Gray, Qld Herbarium, Austrobaileya
Conservation notes: This species is currently coded as Data
Deficient. Although distinct and readily identified when seen, this
species is small and cryptic in the landscape. Easily covered by
leaf litter and often associated with the base of Cycas armstrongii
it can be obscure when emergent and therefore easily overlooked.
It has been collected from open forest and adjacent riparian
vegetation. It is likely that the small number of collections reflects
the fact that this species is emergent at times of the year when
botanical collection activity has traditionally been low due to both
access difficulties and weather conditions. The distribution of
current collections is quite widespread, and although it is most
likely this species is more abundant than collections indicate there
is insufficient data to assign a conservation code.
References: 29
The fleshy, brittle flower stalk
arises before the leaves
appear
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47
ORCHIDACEAE
Nervilia plicata
(Andrews) Schltr.
Category: Data Deficient
Habit: Deciduous terrestrial orchid with a single leaf
and a subterranean tuberoid; recorded growing in
colonies.
Leaves: Solitary, ground-hugging; blade dark green
and hairy above, glabrous below, almost circular,
12 cm wide with prominent radiating veins.
© Bill Lavarack
Flowers: Flower stem pink, fleshy, to 18 cm tall;
flowers 1-4, pink, purple or pale green, to 6 cm wide,
scented, short-lived and rarely seen; dorsal sepal,
lateral sepals and petals narrow with a pointed apex;
labellum 3 cm long, 8 mm wide, projects forward and
± encircles column, 3-lobed with a notched apex;
recorded in Nov.
Fruit: Capsule has not been collected in the NT.
Habitat: Margins of rainforest and monsoon vine
forest, particularly of riparian habitat, also in adjacent
shaded areas of open forest.
Flowers pink, purple or pale green; approx.
1X actual size
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from Virginia
(privately-owned rural property) and Green Ant Creek.
Also found in Qld, New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia
and the Philippines.
Conservation notes: This species was originally
coded as Endangered. At the time of coding it was
only known from one collection from Green Ant Creek
in the 1970s. Although the paucity of fertile collections The numerous radiating veins give a
may have reflected the ephemeral and cryptic nature ‘pleated’ appearence to the leaves
of its above-ground parts it was expected the
extensive rainforest surveys of the mid-1980s and
substantial survey in the Daly Basin Bioregion would have yielded more records if this species
was more abundant. Recent surveys have established that the Green Ant Creek population
persists and an additional population has been located in Virginia in open forest. The Virginia
population demonstrates that the potential habitat of this species is not restricted to forest
adjacent to riparian or monsoon forest communities as originally believed and as such the
available potential habitat of this species is much broader than previously thought. While
existing data qualifies this species as Critically Endangered it has been downgraded to Data
Deficient in light of the expanse of available potential habitat and as a concession to the
seasonality of the species.
© Bill Lavarack
Distinguishing feature: Ground-hugging, non-peltate
leaves that are hairy above and have numerous
radiating veins.
References: 8, 38, 40, 45, 66
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48
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ORCHIDACEAE
Pachystoma pubescens
Blume
Category: Data Deficient
Habit: Deciduous terrestrial orchid with a branching
subterranean rhizome; new leaves and flower stems
arise separately and are produced early in the wet
season; unless flowering, this orchid resembles the
grasses it grows among.
Leaves: Usually solitary, grass-like; blade to 45 cm
long, 1 cm wide, tapering at apex and tapering into a
long stalk at the base.
Fruit: Capsule cylindrical, ridged, to 1 cm long;
recorded in Sept and Oct.
© NT Herbarium
Flowers: Flower stem usually to 60 cm, occasionally
taller, with 5-10 sheathing bracts, 1-1.5 cm long;
flowers 4-12, nodding and loosely opening, pinkish
with yellow or whitish tips, to 1.2 cm long; dorsal sepal
to 12 x 4 mm, margins curved; lateral sepals and
petals narrow, approx. 1.1 cm long; labellum to 11 x
5 mm, curved, 3-lobed with lateral lobes ± encircling
the column, several bright yellow or greenish yellow
ridges towards the base and on the mid-lobe;
recorded in Sept and Oct.
Nodding ‘bell-like’ dull pink flowers on stem
to 60 cm; approx. 1.5X actual size
Habitat: Seasonally inundated open woodland and grassland (e.g. near
ephemeral streams or on swamp margins); on sandy or clayey loams.
Associated with Eucalyptus jensenii, E. latifolia, Erythrophleum
chlorostachys, Grevillea pteridifolia and Pandanus spiralis.
Distinguishing feature: It could be confused with Eulophia spp. but the
leaf stem is not fleshy and its drooping flowers are dull pink and minutely
hairy on the outside.
Conservation notes: Only recorded from four locations; three of these
populations occur within protected areas. As this species is cryptic,
population estimates are only possible during periods when flowers are
present. Based on observations at a location in Virginia, this species
does not have regular annual flowering and individuals may not
necessarily flower each season. Currently there is insufficient data to
accurately assign a conservation code to this species. Records of
locations in the Darwin and Gulf region suggest that this species may be
reasonably widespread and the paucity of records could reflect the
cryptic nature of the orchid rather than its rarity.
References: 20, 38
© Australian Plant Society NSW
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from Virginia, Litchfield National
Park, Kakadu National Park and Cobourg Peninsular. Also found in Qld
and is very widespread overseas.
The single narrow leaf
is easily overlooked
among grasses
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49
ORCHIDACEAE
Tropidia curculigoides
Lindl.
Category: Data Deficient
Habit: Evergreen or semi-deciduous terrestrial orchid
with wiry stems to 20 cm tall; roots with multiple small
tuberoids.
Leaves: 3-9 per stem, sheathing at the base; blade
dark green, pleated, 12 cm long, 2 cm wide, with
5 prominent veins.
© NT Herbarium
Flowers: A dense terminal cluster; flowers thicktextured, white to pale green, approx. 8 mm wide;
dorsal sepal 6 x 2.5 mm; lateral sepals and petals
joined at the base; labellum 6 x 4 mm, apex shallowly
notched and curved.
Inflorescence with lower buds about to open
Fruit: Capsule has not been collected in the NT.
Habitat: Rainforest and monsoon vine forest on the
edges of floodplains and in coastal areas, often on
sloping ground; on skeletal and sandy soils or in deep
leaf litter.
Distinguishing feature: The terminal inflorescence of
this species is distinctive; the leaves however could be
confused with young Flagellaria indica and may
contribute to this species being overlooked in the field.
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from Black
Jungle Conservation Reserve, near Channel Point,
Wagait Reserve and Groote Eylandt. Also found in
Indonesia and Malaysia.
References: 38, 45
2cm
© John Bolger
Conservation notes: Known from only four locations
in the NT, with two of these in protected areas. This
species was last collected in 1989. No fertile material
is held in the NT Herbarium. While the paucity of
fertile collections may be a reflection of the species’
seasonality rather than its distribution and abundance,
there is insufficient data to assign a conservation
status at this time.
Roots with small tuberoids
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ORCHIDACEAE
Zeuxine oblonga
R.S.Rogers & C.T.White
Category: Vulnerable
Habit: Deciduous terrestrial orchid with fleshy,
creeping above-ground stems; usually growing in
colonies.
Flowers: Flower stem pinkish, fleshy, hairy, to 30 cm
above the leaves; flowers 5-30, approx. 4 mm wide,
hairy on the outside; sepals green; petals white; dorsal
sepal hooded, projects forwards and partly encloses
the petals; labellum white and pouched at base, apex
divided into two oblong lobes; recorded in Aug and
Sept.
Fruit: Capsule cylindrical, ridged; mature capsules
not observed.
Habitat: In perennially moist or spring-fed rainforest or
dense monsoon vine forest; on humus-rich soil.
Zeuxine oblonga grows among leaf litter in
Distinguishing feature: Inflorescence spike is hairy
and so are the small, dull green and white flowers.
© R. Hotchkiss, Australian National Botanic Gardens
Leaves: 3-7 in a scattered terminal rosette on fleshy
stems to 15 cm tall; blade dark green, thin-textured,
oval with wavy margins, 8 cm long, 3 cm wide.
dark moist conditions of rainforest or dense
monsoon vine fores. Usually more flowers
than seen here
Conservation notes: Only the Keep River population
is protected, however it has not been seen in the park
since 1992 despite efforts to relocate the population
in 2000 and 2001. Although this species is only
seasonally emergent, the extensive rainforest surveys
of the mid-1980s offer confidence that the existing
collections accurately reflect the abundance and
distribution of this species. It has been assigned an
IUCN category of Vulnerable as the population size is
estimated to number fewer than 1000 mature
individuals and it is known from less than five
locations. Very little abundance data is available for
this species — it was recorded as ‘uncommon’ by one Flower stem is fleshy and hairy, labellum is
collector. Disturbance from feral animals and changes white and pouched at base
to existing hydrology may pose the greatest threats.
References: 8, 38, 40, 45, 74
WWF-Australia
© David Jones
Distribution: Zeuxine oblonga is the only species in
this genus to occur in Australia. Within the NT
recorded from Keep River National Park, Pethericks
Rainforest and on a tributary of the Adelaide River.
The habitat that this species occupies suggests that it
may occur in the Shire but to date it has not been
recorded there. Also found in Qld and NSW. Endemic
to Australia.
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51
PITTOSPORACEAE
Pittosporum moluccanum
(Lam.) Miq.
Category: Near Threatened
Habit: Small to medium-sized much-branched
tree to 7 m with dense foliage and strongly
scented flowers; smooth white or light grey bark
with lenticels that blaze first green then greybrown; new shoots and peduncles with a
covering of T-shaped hairs.
A
Flowers: Inflorescence terminal with branched
B
umbels often aggregated into a panicle; primary
inflorescence axis sturdy, to 3.8 cm long; sepals A) This medium-sized tree produces terminal
inflorescences that are highly scented
tiny, cup-like with only the ends of the lobes free;
B) Fruits split open to reveal numerous sticky
petals, linear to spathulate, recurved, 6-8 mm
orange seeds that turn black with age
long, white, highly pungent; separate male and
female flowers; recorded from Feb-Aug.
© NT Herbarium (A & B)
Leaves: Seedling leaves alternate, broadly
ovate, glossy dark green on upper surface with
yellow raised midrib in slight depression, paler
below; adult leaves usually whorled at ends of
branches, elliptic to obovate, 11-13.5 cm long, 44.5 cm wide with slightly notched apex and wavy
margins, upper leaf surface deep glossy greenyellow with a raised corrugated midrib; lower leaf
surface paler with raised midrib and visible
secondary venation; petiole 2-3 cm long.
Fruit: Globular, 1.2-2 cm long, often in drooping bunches, orange-brown woody outer coating
approx. 1 mm thick, splitting open and recurving to reveal yellow inside. Seeds numerous,
sticky, 2-4 mm long, bright orange-red becoming black with age; recorded from Mar-Aug.
Habitat: Known populations are on stabilised coastal sand dunes on the edge of mangroves or
coastal vine thickets; on sandy or clay loam soil, sandy laterite or mudstone slopes above high
tide. Associated with Peltophorum pterocarpum and other coastal monsoon vine forest species.
Distinguishing feature: Two other species of Pittosporum occur in the NT. P. angustifolium
does not have adult leaves that are whorled at the end of branches and the fruits of
P. ferrugineum are not woody as in P. moluccanum.
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from Shoal Bay, Lee Point, King Creek, Buffalo Creek,
Gunn Point and Melville Island. Also found in WA, the Philippines and Malaysia.
Conservation notes: This species is uncommon in the NT. The paucity of collections indicate
a relatively low level of abundance, particularly given survey of coastal vine thickets during the
mid-1980s rainforest surveys. It is not considered to be currently under threat but low collection
numbers indicate it is sufficiently rare to require recognition and is coded as Near Threatened.
References: 8, 11, 45
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PONTEDERIACEAE
Monochoria hastata
(Linnaeus) Solms
Category: Vulnerable
Habit: Emergent, clumping, perennial aquatic herb
with stems approx. 0.7-1.2 m long that are upright
when mature; rhizomes often long and strong.
Leaves: Mostly basal and sheathing the stem, arrowshaped, 13-21 cm long, 2-11 cm wide; petiole 11-19
cm long with the portion above the sheath
considerably longer than the sheath; each flowering
stem with a further leaf subtending the inflorescence.
Flowers: Inflorescence of 25-60 flowers in a dense
cluster 6-9 cm long; flowers 1.3-1.6 cm long, purple,
light blue or whitish; one anther coloured blue,
c. 6 mm long, other 5 anthers yellow and c. 4 mm
long; recorded from Mar-June.
A
Distinguishing feature: The leaf shape combined
with dissimilar anthers (5 yellow, 1 blue) distinguish
this species of Monochoria from other species.
Distribution: Within Australia it is only known from
Kakadu and from the floodplains of the Finniss,
Reynolds and Wildman rivers in the NT. The habitat
that this species occupies suggests that it may occur
in the Shire but to date it has not been recorded there.
Also occurs in India, Sri Lanka, South East Asia
extending to New Guinea.
B
A) Habitat may include back-swamps and
drainage channels
B) Leaves are ‘hastate’, i.e. basal lobes
project backwards from junction of
petiole and leaf lamina, creating an
arrowhead appearance
Conservation notes: Considered to be locally
abundant in three localities in the NT, however it is
under threat from a decline in quality of habitat from
weed invasion. Introduced plant species such as para
grass (Urochloa mutica), Hymenachne amplexicaulis
and Mimosa pigra appear to be the most imminent
threats to this species and it has been observed to be
heavily grazed by buffalo in the past. Salt-water
Inflorescence a dense cluster of 25-60
intrusion of wetlands resulting from rising sea-levels
flowers in shades of purple, light blue or
would have an adverse impact on this species. As a
white
floodplain species, changes to hydrology will impact on
populations, although no such changes are envisaged in the near future.
References: 15, 68
WWF-Australia
© NT Herbarium
Habitat: A component of floating mats on billabongs,
lagoons or swamps, also on near-permanently wet
back-swamps and drainage channels. Associated with
Melaleuca leucadendra, M. cajuputi, Leersia hexandra
and Scleria poaeformis.
© NT Herbarium (A & B)
Fruit: Capsule 7 mm long, 5-6 mm diam.; recorded
from Apr-June.
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53
PROTEACEAE
Grevillea longicuspis
McGill.
Category: Near Threatened (formerly Vulnerable)
Common name: Christmas holly grevillea
Habit: Multi-stemmed perennial subshrub to 1 m;
stems thin, oblique to erect; new stems produced
annually from the base die off after flowering and
fruiting; also re-shoots from lignotubers following fire;
branchlets, leaves and peduncle hairy.
Leaves: Holly-like and angular, 3.5-6.5 cm long, 2.56 cm wide, olive green, slightly paler and with sparse
hairs below; petiole 5-24 mm long.
Fruit: Follicle smooth, 1.2-1.4 cm long, breaking open
when mature; recorded from Aug-Sept, Dec-Jan, May
and June.
Habitat: Open forest and woodland; on sandy, lateritic
The holy-like leaves and sparse
or gravelly soils, often on quartz ridges. Associated
with Eucalyptus foelscheana, E. tetrodonta, E. setosa, inflorescences distinguish this species from
other Grevillea sp. in the Darwin region
Corymbia disjuncta, Calytrix acheata, Grevillea
pteridifolia, Buchanania obovata, Verticordia
cunninghamii, Triodia bitextura and Sorghum spp.
© Don Franklin
Flowers: Inflorescence axillary or terminal on short
lateral branchlets, unbranched, to 4 cm long; flowers
red, hairy inside; style red or pinkish cream to lemoncream; recorded from Aug-Jan and Apr-June.
Distribution: Endemic to the NT. Recorded from
Acacia Hills, Darwin River Dam, Manton River,
Blackmore River, Litchfield National Park, Woolaning,
Southport and Wagait Aboriginal Reserve.
Conservation notes: G. longicuspis was until recently
regarded as a Vulnerable plant species. At the time
of coding the rating of Vulnerable was based on an
estimated population size of <1000 individuals; an
Flowers are red and hairy inside, style red or
pinkish cream to lemon-cream
area of occupancy estimated to be <20 km2; known
from fewer than 10 locations; and a projected decline
due to land clearing for rural residential subdivisions in the Manton River-Berry Springs area.
Subsequent surveys have uncovered additional populations of this species over a wider
distribution. Information on the extent and/or size of several G. longicuspis populations has
recently been collected and the status of the species has been reviewed. The species is now
being downgraded from Vulnerable to Near Threatened. Although a number of populations are
still threatened by land clearing the species is well represented on Darwin River Dam-Manton
Dam Reserve and in the Litchfield National Park.
© Don Franklin
Distinguishing feature: In the Darwin region this
species is distinguished by the spiny, toothed leaves
and red flowers.
References: 22, 49, 61
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RUTACEAE
Citrus gracilis
Mabberley
Category: Near Threatened
Habit: Straggling tree to 4 m high, sometimes tapering
towards top, often suckering or shooting from dormant
buds on trunk; bark red-grey, cracking into irregular
squares, corky on upper branches; twigs 2 mm diam.,
hairy when young; solitary spines in leaf axils to
1.2 cm long.
Leaves: Narrow, 4.5(-7) cm long, 1.1(-2) cm wide,
apex pointed, base tapering; petiole 3-15 mm long;
leaves subtending young twigs often narrower or
sometimes ovate, and leaves on suckers often almost
stalkless, smaller and narrower.
Fruit: Rounded, 8 cm diam., divided into 8 or 9
segments; traditionally eaten by Aboriginal people;
recorded in Mar and May.
© Jacinda Brown
Flowers: Usually solitary, rarely in clusters of 3, almost
stalkless or with a finely hairy pedicel to 3 mm long;
petals c. 8 mm long, 4 mm wide, pinkish white, apex
rounded to acute; recorded from Oct-Nov.
Straggling tree, bark red-grey, spines in leaf
axils to 1.2 cm long
Habitat: Open woodland; on sandy or gravelly soils.
Associated with Eucalyptus tetrodonta, E. miniata,
Vitex glabrata and Canarium
australianum.
© Don Fortescue, Australian National Herbarium, Telopea
Distinguishing feature: Relatively easy
to distinguish by the small leaves, sharp
spines and corky bark. Often growing in
groups as a result of suckering.
Distribution: Endemic to the NT.
Recorded from Humpty Doo, Howard
Springs, Bees Creek, Black Jungle
Conservation Reserve, Marrakai,
Kapalga, East Arnhem Land and
Peppimenarti.
Conservation notes: This species has
a widespread but patchy distribution
across the Top End and is never very
common where found, however
substantial areas of unsurveyed likely
habitat remain in Arnhem Land. The
Near Threatened status of this species
is a reflection of its restricted area of
occupancy and estimated abundance.
a) Flowering twig b) Fruit c) Flowers
References: 48
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55
SCROPHULARIACEAE
Peplidium maritimum (L.f.) Asch.
Habit: Aquatic or prostrate terrestrial
annual herb; stems to 10 cm long,
rooting at nodes, often submerged or
floating (in aquatic specimens), much
branched, glabrous or sparsely hairy.
Leaves: Opposite; blade simple,
thickened, elliptic, 3-12 mm long,
3-10 mm wide, apex rounded, margins
entire; petioles 1-7 mm long.
Flowers: Inflorescence a raceme;
calyx 2 mm long, papery when fruiting;
flower tube barely exserted beyond
calyx, petals 0.5 mm long, white to
pink, mauve or purple; pedicels 1 mm Aquatic or prostrate terrestrial herb of billabongs, swamps,
long when flowers open, elongating as clay pans or areas of mangroves where freshwater regularly
inundates
fruit develops.
© Monica Osterkamp Madsen, NT Herbarium
Category: Near Threatened
Fruit: Capsule rounded, 3 mm diam.,
barely exserted beyond enlarged calyx;
flowering and fruiting most likely from Feb-June; also recorded flowering in Sept.
Habitat: Brackish to freshwater billabongs, swamps and clay pans near the coast, often near
mangroves but always where inundations with freshwater occurs. Associated with Eleocharis
dulcis, E. spiralis, Schoenoplectus litoralis, Fimbristylis polytrichoides, Monochoria spp. and
Vallisneria spp.
Distinguishing feature: Peplidium maritimum is the only species of its genus to occur in the
Top End. Enlarged papery calyx encloses fruit capsule.
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from East Point Reserve, Leanyer Swamp, Finniss River,
Reynolds River, Melville Island and Bing Bong Station. It is also found in Qld, as well as Egypt
and India. This is the only species of the genus that is not confined to Australia.
Conservation notes: This species is uncommon but widespread across the NT. The paucity of
collections reflects the restricted area of occupancy and abundance of this species. Not
considered under threat, the Near Threatened status highlights the rarity of this species.
References: 15, 17
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SCROPHULARIACEAE
Rhamphicarpa australiensis
Steenis
Category: Near Threatened
Common name: Bog figwort
Habit: Small, erect, branching annual herb to 30 cm
high; stem weakly ascending.
Leaves: Pale green, to c. 6 cm long, leaves mostly
pinnately divided with terminal leaflet longer than
lateral leaflets; lower stem leaves mostly simple,
thread-like, narrow.
© Jacinda Brown
Flowers: Solitary on pedicels to 2.5 cm; calyx 5-lobed,
sepals c. 6 mm long, apex acute; corolla tube long
and very slender, sometimes curved, pale yellow or
whitish, 2.5-3 cm long, lobes short, 2-3 times shorter
than the tube; recorded from Feb-May and Nov.
Fruit: Capsule c.10 x 5 mm, elliptic with an oblique
beak, green turning black, opening as two valves;
recorded from Apr-May and Nov.
Habitat: Edges of swamps, waterholes or rockholes,
also on coastal plains and often associated with
grassland or sedgeland; on silty or sandy loams and
gravelly soils. Associated with Melaleuca spp.,
Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Pandanus spp., Eriachne
burkittii and sedges.
Upper foliage is finely pinnately divided;
approx. 1/6X actual size
Distinguishing feature: The long slender flower
tubes and fine pinnate foliage.
Conservation notes: This species has a wide
distribution but is apparently naturally rare in the NT.
In the southern region it is found confined to the
margins of waterholes in ranges and is considered
Floral tube is long, slender and sometimes
vulnerable there as it is susceptible to the impacts of
gently curved; fruit capsule is elliptic with an
increased tourism, grazing and trampling. It was first
oblique beak; approx. 1/2X actual size
collected in the Litchfield Shire in 2001 and it is
currently known in this region from only two collection
sites on the Howard River floodplain. No further populations have been located despite
extensive survey of suitable habitat in the Darwin area and elsewhere in the Top End. Potential
threats to this species include sandmining and altered hydrology. The classification of Near
Threatened has been awarded to this species to highlight the need for further monitoring.
© Jacinda Brown
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from the Howard
River floodplain, Victoria River District, Murchison
Range, Bing Bong, Wollogorang and Barkly Tableland.
Also found in Qld and New Guinea.
References: 81
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57
STERCULIACEAE
Helicteres sp. glenluckie Ck
Category: Endangered (also listed as Nationally
Endangered)
Habit: A hairy, multi-stemmed perennial herb or
subshrub to 60 cm high with annual aerial parts and
stems becoming lax with age; root system extensive
and very woody; re-sprouts after fire. At present this
species is undescribed in the botanical literature and
has not been formally named.
Flowers: Inflorescence usually a dense crowded
axillary panicle; linear bracteoles longer than calyx
subtending each flower; calyx lobed, c. 5 mm long;
petals c.1 cm in length not reflexed, pink-purple or
mauve; recorded in Jan, Sept and Nov.
© NT Herbarium
Leaves: Elliptic to broadly ovate, generally c. 8 x
6 cm, occasionally up to 14 x10 cm, margins
sometimes serrated, apex acute to obtuse, light green,
densely covered with stellate hairs on both sides;
veins prominent especially on undersurface.
Annual aerial parts from extensive woody
root system
Fruit: Firm, almost woody capsule up to 1.8 x 1.2 cm,
divided into 5 mericarps opening along inner suture;
densely woolly-hairy with stellate hairs; recorded
Oct-Nov, Jan and Mar.
Distinguishing feature: Lush, bright green bushy
annual growth from perennial roots, densely clothed
with stellate hairs; first stems erect, older ones arching
or occasionally decumbent.
© NT Herbarium. Inset: Jacinda Brown
Habitat: Open woodland; on sandy loam, rocky
siltstone slopes and associated with granite outcrops.
Associated with Eucalyptus tectifica, E. miniata,
E. tetrodonta, Corymbia confertiflora, C. polycarpa,
Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Planchonia careya,
Terminalia ferdinandiana and Acacia turbata.
Inflorescence usually a crowded axillary
Distribution: Endemic to the NT. Recorded from near panicle, petals either pink, purple or mauve.
Inset: Capsule nearing maturity (pressed
Mt Bundey, near Batchelor and Lake Bennett. The
specimen)
habitat that this species occupies suggests that it may
occur in the Shire but to date it has not been recorded
there.
Conservation notes: Known from three populations in the NT. This taxon is classified as
Endangered based on extent of occurrence estimated to be <5000 km2, area of occupancy
estimated to be <500 km2 , known to exist at no more than five locations and a projected
decline in extent of occurrence, area of occupancy and quality of habitat due to clearing for
subdivision and horticulture.
References: 63
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58
WWF-Australia
STERCULIACEAE
Pentapetes phoenicea
Linnaeus
Category: Near Threatened
Habit: Single-stemmed annual herb to 2 m high, covered with
simple or stellate hairs.
© NT Herbarium
Leaves: Alternate, simple, size and shape variable; blade
narrow and oblong or ovate, 2.5-10.5 cm long, 0.4-3.5 cm
wide with irregularly serrate margins and a pointed apex, leaf
base often lobed; petioles 5-30 mm long; stipules thinly
triangular, 2-10 mm long.
The bright red flowers of Pentapetes
Flowers: Solitary or paired in leaf axils; petals 5, free, broadly phoenicea are distinctive in its
floodplain or swamp habitat
triangular, 1-1.2 cm long, bright orange-red to dark red;
staminodes 5, 7-14 mm long (3 or 4 times longer than
stamens); recorded from Nov-May.
Fruit: 5-valved ovoid capsule, 1-1.5 cm long, with stiff sharp
hairs; fruit opens down the middle of each valve releasing
numerous black seeds; recorded from Mar-May.
Habitat: Seasonally inundated floodplains and swamps, has
been found in water up to 1.5 m deep; on clay or black soils.
Associated with Melaleuca cajuputi, Mimosa pigra,Typha
orientalis, Nymphaea violacea, Imperata cylindrica and
Paspalidium udum.
Distinguishing feature: This plant has been referred to as
a red swamp hibiscus due to the relatively large bright
orange-red flowers and its usually aquatic habitat. It is the
only species within this genus.
© Monica Osterkamp Madsen, NT Herbarium
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from Humpty Doo,
Fogg Dam, Black Jungle Conservation Reserve and the
Adelaide River floodplains; also from the Daly, Finniss,
Reynolds, East Alligator and West Alligator rivers. Not known
from any other state in Australia but it is found in other
tropical regions around the world.
Conservation notes: The paucity of collections reflects the
restricted distribution and abundance of this species. Not
considered under threat, the Near Threatened status of this
species highlights rarity across the Top End.
References: 15
Single-stemmed annual herb to 2 m
high, covered with simple or stellate
hairs; leaves have irregularly serrate
margins and a pointed apex
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STYLIDIACEAE
Stylidium ensatum
A.R.Bean
Category: Data Deficient
Common name: Trigger plant (all species in the
genus are commonly known as ‘trigger plants’ as their
flowers respond rapidly to physical stimuli).
Habit: Slender annual herb from 14-22 cm high;
stems elongated, glabrous, base not thickened;
scapes, branches, petals and tube glandular-hairy.
Leaves: 6-17, scattered along stems or in a basal
rosette; blade glabrous, purplish-green, ovate to
orbicular, 7-12 mm long, 5.5-12 mm wide with entire
margins and a rounded apex; petioles absent.
© Jacinda Brown
Flowers: Inflorescence 8-16 cm tall, borne on delicate
stems (scapes) c. 0.7 mm wide of which there are 1-3
per plant; flowers tiny, 5-lobed, pink or mauve, tube
1.9-2.4 mm long and hairy; recorded from June-July.
Fruit: Capsule narrow, 8-12 mm long, c. 0.6 mm wide;
seeds minute, brown; recorded from June-July.
1-3 scapes of tiny 5-lobed pink or mauve
Habitat: Swampy habitats and freshwater
flowers; approx. 1/3X actual size (pressed
watercourses of open forest; on damp peaty or clayey specimen)
soils. Associated with Melaleuca viridiflora and
Lophostemon lactifluus.
Distinguishing feature: Appearance similar to
Stylidium muscicola but differs by its sessile leaves
(i.e. no petiole), thicker scapes (0.6-0.8 mm diam.),
bracts with a rounded apex and a corolla that is
glandular-hairy (glabrous in S. muscicola). The slender
sword-like throat appendages that are a feature of this
species are the reason for the name ‘ensatum’ (latin
for ‘sword-like').
Conservation notes: There is insufficient data to
assign a conservation status to this species and it has
not been recollected since 1974. The paucity of fertile
collections may be a reflection of the species’
seasonality and limited taxonomic revision within the
genus rather than its distribution and abundance.
© Jacinda Brown
Distribution: Endemic to the NT. Recorded from Port
Darwin, Lee Point Road, McMinns Lagoon and near
Hayes Creek.
Close-up of flower; approx. 4X actual size
(pressed specimen)
References: 7
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VITTARIACEAE
Vittaria ensiformis
Sw.
Category: Near Threatened
Habit: Clumping epiphytic tree fern, occasionally on
rocks; rhizomes short, branched; roots covered in dark
brown or ginger hairs.
Leaves: Fronds grass-like, 5-50 cm long, leathery,
dark green, smooth, erect when short but arching and
then pendulous with length.
Habitat: Dense monsoon rainforest and evergreen
vine forest, occasionally in rock crevices of sandstone
gorges.
Distinguishing feature: The crowded grass-like
fronds of this fern are distinctive. A similar species,
Actinostachys digitata, is solely terrestrial with fronds
held more or less erect to 41 cm.
Distribution: Within the NT recorded from Channel
Point, Gove Peninsular, Narbarlek, Melville Island and
Bathurst Island. Also found in Qld, and in the tropics
and subtropics of southern Africa and Asia to New
Pendulous habit of Vittaria ensiformis and
Guinea. Only two of the 50-80 species within this
close-up of rhizome scale
genus are found in Australia with only Vittaria
ensiformis found in the NT.
© Monica Osterkamp Madsen, NT Herbarium
Fruit: Sori linear, brown; recorded in Oct-Feb.
Conservation notes: This species is mostly confined to the Tiwi Islands in the NT. It is not
considered to be currently under threat but is sufficiently uncommon and restricted to require
recognition and is therefore coded as Near Threatened.
References: 78
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MANAGEMENT ISSUES WITHIN THE
LITCHFIELD SHIRE
According to a report in 2001 by the Australian and New Zealand Environment and
Conservation Council and Biological Diversity Advisory Committee, the impact of human
activities is bringing environmental change at a speed beyond the adaptive ability of most
species and ecosystems. Although the NT landscape appears relatively intact, environmental
concerns are becoming more relevant as development and the impact of changed fire patterns,
weeds and feral animals increase. Already a significant number of species have either become
extinct or are threatened with extinction within the NT as demonstrated by the number of
species on the threatened species list provided in the table below. See page 68 for key to
abbreviations.
Group
Mammals
Birds
EX
EW
14
1
CR
1
EN
VU
Thrtnd
NT
LC
DD
NE
Total
3
7
12
37
18
64
26
2
147
3
6
10
20
25
311
21
52
429
4
7
11
6
239
55
311
1
1
1
41
6
49
1
7
8
5
563
90
45 >50,000
Reptiles
Frogs
Fish
Invertebrates
2
8
25
35
1
111
Plants
2
16
47
65
381
3040
707
>100
666+
309 4502+
Table1: This table was taken from the Parks and Wildlife Service of the NT web page with the addition of the
‘Thrtnd’ column. Please note that the ‘Thrtnd’ column is the sum of all the threatened species categories
combined. The list provided here is according to the NT Threatened Species List only (refer to page 68
group/category descriptions). Note: The figures given in this table change regularly due to taxonomic
revisions and changes in the conservation status of species. Hence there may be discrepancies between this
table and other sources of information (updated November 2007).
Since the late 1970s, Darwin’s population has more than doubled and the populations of
Darwin, Palmerston and the Litchfield Shire will continue to increase. It is generally
acknowledged that this population growth will inevitably impinge on the natural resources
within the Litchfield Shire. Maintaining biodiversity and healthy ecological processes across the
Shire’s landscapes requires an ability to manage existing values in a truly sustainable way.
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Land clearing for horticulture, rural and urban development
The Australian Terrestrial Biodiversity Assessment 2002 states that ‘vegetation clearing is the
most significant threat to species and ecosystems in eastern Australia’. The Northern Territory
is in a unique position to avoid repeating the same mistakes made in other parts of Australia
regarding excessive clearing and expensive reparation costs.
According to Hosking (2002) who
reported on land clearing in the NT,
the Daly Basin and Litchfield Shire
have experienced the most intense
land clearing activity up to the time of
his assessment in 2001. Both areas
are considered most likely to
experience future agricultural
development.
© Jarrad Holmes, Threatened Species Network
Clearing impacts not only on the
plants that are removed immediately,
but also fragments the landscape and
associated habitats. Broken patches of
habitat can result in isolated,
weakened populations that are unable
to diversify genetically or to disperse
and recolonise in times of adverse
conditions such as fire and drought.
Mango trees on cleared land
There is no legislation in place to control land clearing across all land tenures in the Northern
Territory. However, provisions under the Litchfield Area Plan 2004 prohibit the clearing of native
vegetation without consent of the Development Consent Authority of more than one hectare of
land (including any area already cleared of native vegetation) in all areas set aside for rural
living, horticulture, pastoral, community purposes or water management within the Shire (NT
Government Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment 2004).
According to the IUCN, some of the most creative responses to contemporary problems
have been inspired by cultivating the connections between the three E’s of sustainability:
ecology, equity and economics.
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Mining
The majority of the Litchfield Shire resides on the Koolpinyah dolomite land formation as do a
number of broad drainage areas which have extensive deposits of quartz sand — hence the
name Koolpinyah sand sheet. The sand sheet contains a diverse and unique array of plant
species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world, e.g. Typhonium taylori.
© Jacinda Brown
Doyle (2000) reports on extractive
mineral resources in the Litchfield
Shire and the anticipated increases in
demand for these minerals. With some
overlap between known habitat of
some threatened species and areas of
high extractive mineral potential, care
is required in the granting of future
mining leases to ensure the long-term
survival of certain plant species.
Sandmining in the Litchfield Shire
Introduction of weeds and feral animals
The invasion and spread of environmental weeds is a major threat to biodiversity across
northern Australia (Smith 2002). Weeds may cause environmental damage as they can alter
fire regimes, compete with native vegetation or pasture and, in the case of aquatic weeds, may
choke waterways. The direct cost of weeds for agriculture alone in Australia is over $3.3 billion
a year, the cost of weeds to the environment is incalculable (Agriculture and Resource
Management Council of Australia and New Zealand, Australian and New Zealand Environment
and Conservation Council and Forestry Ministers 1999). In the Northern Territory, the figure is
estimated at $13 million, i.e. loss to pastoral production due to noxious weeds (DIPE website
15/12/05,<http://www.ipe.nt.gov.au/whatwedo/weeds>).
We currently have 65 declared weeds in the NT, with nine of these being Weeds of National
Significance. According to weed distribution maps provided in Smith (2002), there are presently
over 60 identified environmental weeds found within the Litchfield Shire. These include exotic
grasses such as mission grass (Pennisetum polystachion), annual mission grass (P.
pedicellatum) and gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus), all of which are expanding their range
(Kean and Price 2003). The latter is a dominating weed with a high fuel load that contributes to
intense, late dry season fires. Mimosa pigra is a problem in the Shire’s wetlands, particularly
on the Adelaide River floodplains.
All property owners and land managers are encouraged to be vigilant and to learn to identify
potential weeds and to pay particular attention to fence lines, firebreaks and verges as these
areas have a greater risk of being points of entry (or escape) of unwanted species.
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A publication produced by the Environment Centre of
the NT, Weeds of the Wet/Dry Tropics of Australia
(Smith 2002), is recommended as a source for further
information on weeds found across northern Australia.
For additional information contact the weed
management officer from the NT Department of
Infrastructure, Planning and Environment.
Pigs and water buffalo are the main feral animals
impacting on the environment in the Litchfield Shire.
They degrade land and can assist with the spread of
Jacinda Brown in front of a stand of gamba
weeds. Water buffalo are believed to be particularly
grass during the wet season. This tall
responsible for saltwater intrusion on freshwater
environmental weed contributes to intense,
floodplains as they break down the natural levee banks. late dry season fires
© Jarrad Holmes, Threatened Species Network
Care must be taken not to spread weeds with
vehicles, animals, boats, and even clothing and
footwear, e.g. pig and seasonal waterfowl hunting,
recreational boating and off-road driving are potentially
high-risk weed spreading activities within the Shire.
Land managers can also request that all machinery
being brought onto their land has been cleaned and is
free from weed seeds. Buying weed-free hay or mulch
also minimises the threat of introducing unwanted
plant species.
Changing fire regimes
Northern Australia is primed for regular fires with large expanses of grassy vegetation that dry
to a tinder box during the dry season (Dyer et al. 2001). Across northern Australia, as much as
half of the country is burnt either every year or every second year, often late in the dry season
when fires are hottest and most destructive (Dyer et al. 2001). Between 1999 and 2004, on
average 37% of the Litchfield Shire was burnt each year, with the maximum area affected
being 44% (136, 132 ha) during 2004, and the minimum area being 30% (93, 521 ha) in 2002
(Andrew Edwards, Bushfires Council, pers. comm 2004). Fire frequency maps indicate that
between 1993 and 2000, some areas of the Shire were burnt every year during this period
(Dyer et al. 2001).
Although fire is a natural component of the environment, the manner in which fire occurs in the
landscape has changed. It is believed that with the loss of traditional Aboriginal burning
practices from many areas across the landscape, the fire regime has changed from many
smaller and less intense fires occurring throughout the year to large, frequent and intense, late
dry season fires (Dyer et al. 2001). There is increasing evidence that these contemporary fire
regimes are having a deleterious impact on some northern Australian plant and animal species
(see Dyer et al. 2001 for more information).
The impacts of fire on vegetation communities within the Litchfield Shire have not been
quantified. However, research in similar habitats within the Top End (see Dyer et al. 2001)
indicates that with the increased fuel loads from exotic grass infestations, and the frequency,
timing and intensity of some current fire regimes, an increase in the mortality of some plant
species appears inevitable. Damage occurring to adult plants of Cycas armstrongii, and lack of
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With the increased fuel loads from the
incursions of mission grass and
gamba grass into tropical woodlands,
fires tend to be more intense as these
introduced species produce up to five
times more flammable material than
the fuel loads of native grasses. The
A fire burning in the Northern Territory
resulting fires burn to a greater height
and with greater intensity (approx. 12 times hotter) than fires fuelled by native grasses (Dyer et
al. 2001, p. 21). Such frequent high-intensity fires have the potential to gradually destroy viable
populations of many woody plants, not just cycads. It has been suggested that, over time,
these grasslands of introduced species may replace the tropical woodlands of the Top End
(Cook & Mordelet 1997; Bowman 1999; Liddle 2004).
© Barbara McKaige, CSIRO
regeneration and recruitment indicates
that current fire regimes are
threatening some local cycad
populations (Liddle 2004). Ironically,
Cycas armstrongii has been
traditionally regarded as a benefactor
of fire.
Landowners are encouraged to manage their properties to decrease the threat of wildfires by
ensuring firebreaks are adequate and regularly maintained, observing restrictions and not
lighting fires without a permit during the fire season.
The establishment of the weed gamba grass on floodplain margins and in wetter Melaleuca
uplands is enhanced by soil disturbance, while in Eucalyptus woodlands disturbance is not
essential. Establishment of gamba grass is significantly higher in Eucalyptus woodland that
has recently been burnt (‘Exotic grasses and Fire’ in Savanna Burning, (Dyer et al. 2001)).
Changing groundwater resources
Between 1980 and 2004, the number of water bores servicing properties within the Litchfield
Shire has increased approximately 10-fold (Haig & Townsend 2003, p 143). Late in the dry
season, the water table in developed areas has lowered 6 -10 m over the last 20 years relative
to undeveloped areas of the region (Haig & Townsend 2003, p 122). The aquifer presently
recharges fully during the ensuing wet season but the implications of the temporary lowering of
water tables on vegetation communities is poorly understood. In a study of the water balance
of the tropical woodland ecosystem in the Howard River Catchment, Cook et al. (1998)
concludes that it is likely that rainforest patches and Melaleuca swamp forests are reliant upon
groundwater through-flow from the Eucalypt savanna during the dry season. Ongoing
monitoring of the Endangered Darwin palm, Ptychosperma macarthurii, reveal a substantial
population decline at a rainforest in the Howard River Catchment following a series of wildfires
in the 1990s (Liddle et al. 1996; Liddle et al. 2001). A decrease in the available volume of
water may conceivably lead to rainforest patches drying out during the late dry season,
becoming more susceptible to fire and weed invasion and to changes in species composition.
Recommendations from Haig and Townsend (2003) include establishing environmental flow
requirements, extending the groundwater monitoring network and developing guidelines for
potential capping of water use.
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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
A well-informed general public has the opportunity to
contribute to a range of forums dealing with issues
affecting the environment. All development proposals
must be advertised, e.g. land clearing applications and
subdivision developments. The Development Consent
Authority encourages community views and comments.
The government also invites the public to make
comments on other issues including management plans
for regions, parks and reserves. For example, the
Northern Territory’s Parks and Conservation Masterplan,
due for release in 2005, has invited all key stakeholders
and the public to become involved in the planning
process.
© Jarrad Holmes, Threatened Species Network
The community plays a vital role in minimising the threats
to our native flora through weed, feral animal and fire
management, and can help guide future planning
decisions by collecting valuable data on location and
abundance of plant species.
Members of the Top End Native Plant
Society on a club field trip in Virginia
looking for the Data Deficient species,
Pachystoma pubescens during 2004
Under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2000 (TPWC Act), the NT Government
may formulate and implement wildlife management programs for the protection, conservation,
sustainable use, control and management of wildlife. These are all open to public comment
prior to being implemented. The TPWC Act also allows for the community to have input into
what species are listed (or delisted) as threatened species. Similar provisions exist at a
national level under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC
Act) (see box).
Getting involved with a local community group
There are many local environmental groups and new members are always welcome. Examples
of organisations involved in local land management include various Landcare groups (e.g. in
the Shire there are several Landcare groups such as Hole in the Road, Horne Creek,
Whitewood Park, Howard River Park, Livingstone and Churcher Wetlands), Land for Wildlife,
Environment Centre NT, Conservation Volunteers Australia, Greening Australia and the
Threatened Species Network.
Local wildlife information and field excursions are available through the Top End Native Plant
Society and the NT Field Naturalists Club. CSIRO hold monthly seminars and the Tropical
Savannas Cooperative Research Centre has informative newsletters to which you can
subscribe.
Please see the ‘Useful Contacts’ section for more information.
Information on how members of the public can make a nomination for inclusion on the
threatened species list under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
1999 is provided at <www.wwf.org.au/epbc>. The Australian Government’s Department of
the Environment and Water Resources also has useful information on their web site at
<www.environment.gov.au/epbc>.
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HOW CONSERVATION STATUS IS
ASSIGNED TO SPECIES
The World Conservation Union, previously known as the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has adopted a set of categories and criteria for ranking flora or
fauna species in relation to their risk of extinction according to the percentage of population
size reduction, reduction in geographic range, the number of mature individuals, or on the
basis of quantitative analysis. They are commonly referred to as the IUCN criteria. The
Northern Territory Government under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2000
has declared that the categories and criteria used for listing/delisting threatened species within
the NT is to be based on IUCN definitions (see below). The Australian Government under the
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 use similar criteria when
assessing species status on a national level (some slight differences from IUCN criteria).
The following definitions are based on the IUCN categories and criteria. For more detailed
information see the IUCN web page at <http://www.redlist.org>.
Extinct (EX): A species is extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual
has died. A species is presumed extinct when exhaustive surveys in known and/or expected
habitat using certain criteria have failed to record an individual.
Extinct in the Wild (EW): Species that are no longer found in the wild but are known only to
survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population (or populations) well outside the
past range.
Critically Endangered (CR): Species that are facing an extremely high risk of extinction.
Endangered (EN): Species that are in danger of extinction in the near future if threats to their
existence continue.
Vulnerable (VU): Species considered likely to become endangered in the near future if the
threats to their existence continue. Species may be listed as vulnerable even when numbers
are high, if their habitat is at considerable risk, or their populations are localised or dependent
on habitat at risk.
Near Threatened (NT): Species that are not yet classified as threatened, but either exist as
small fragmented populations or its populations are thought to be in decline. In the Northern
Territory this also includes those situations where on current data a species would satisfy
Vulnerable criteria but given expert knowledge of habitat requirements, extent of habitat and
search effort, are believed to be more widespread or abundant than current collections
indicate.
Least Concern (LC): The species has been evaluated against all the criteria and does not
qualify for any of the above classifications. The species is considered to be widespread and
abundant and not in decline.
Data Deficient (DD): Species that are poorly known and not considered adequately surveyed
to assign any category. The species’ taxonomy and/or biology may be well known, but
appropriate data on abundance and/or distribution information is lacking. This classification
acknowledges the possibility that future searches may determine the appropriate classification.
Not Evaluated (NE): A species has not yet been evaluated against the criteria, generally
because of uncertain taxonomic status.
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It is possible that a species may have a different conservation status listing in different
jurisdictions. There are three species (Utricularia subulata, Luisia teretifolia and Malaxis
marsupichila) found in the Shire that are listed as threatened under NT legislation, but are not
listed as threatened under Qld legislation (nor Federal legislation) where they are also present
but are not considered to be under threat.
On the other hand, the rainforest palm Arenga australasiea is listed as Vulnerable under both
Queensland and Federal legislation due to concerns with its status arising from habitat
modification on the east coast of Australia. In contrast, NT populations are currently considered
to be secure and the species is not listed as threatened under the TPWC Act.
Taxa
(Evaluated)
(Adequate Data)
Extinct (EX)
Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Critically Endangered (CR)
Endangered (EN)
Vulnerable (VU)
Near Threatened (NT)
Least Concern (LC)
Data Deficient (DD)
Not Evaluated (NE)
The above table is the structure of IUCN categories. It has been modified to reflect NT legislation where
"Extinct in the Wild" is also classified as a threatened category.
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COLLECTING AND PRESERVING
PLANT SPECIMENS
The purpose of this section is to ensure that, if required, plant specimens are collected and
presented in a way that will enable positive identification by a botanist. If done correctly,
specimens become a permanent record — a snapshot of history. Please see the information
box below in regards to permits for collecting.
It is important that you go into the field prepared for the outing. Wear a hat, preferably a longsleeved shirt and long trousers to keep the sun and mosquitoes off. Take plenty of water, food,
insect repellent, sunscreen and a first-aid kit. Make sure someone knows where you are going
and the expected time of your return.
What you will need when collecting plant specimens
l
A plant press. Using a press in the field helps manage and preserve specimens. If no
press is available, then place plants in plastic bags, however specimens must be
pressed on the day of collection;
l
Newspaper (to put in between specimens);
l
Cardboard which can be used to separate woody or bulky specimens from delicate
ones;
l
A pair of secateurs or scissors may be useful;
l
Envelopes or plastic bags to hold specimen reproductive structures;
l
Pen/pencil (waterproof) to make labels and record information;
l
Field data collection sheets;
l
A magnifying hand lens (10X) and a camera;
l
Global Positioning System (GPS) or map.
l
Flowers and fruit (e.g. berries, seed pods);
l
Leaves (mature and juvenile) attached to
stems, enough to fill an A3-size sheet of
cardboard. Collect from more than one plant if
the plant is a small herb;
l
Bark if relevant;
l
The specimen collected must be typical of all
plants of that species in the area. However,
atypical plants are also worth collecting as an
addition.
Under certain conditions permits to collect species
are required under the Territory Parks and Wildlife
Act, particularly in relation to listed threatened
species. Penalties may apply for collecting
without a permit. Collecting any species from
within national parks and reserves is prohibited.
Queries concerning permits can be directed to the
NT Herbarium (08 8999 4516) or the permits
officer PWCNT (08 8999 4795 ).
© Jacinda Brown
What to collect
A pressed specimen of Butomopsis latifolia;
note the collection information sheet (bottom
right) and bag with seeds attached (bottom
left)
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What to record
Record in the field on paper or sticky label:
l
Name of plant if known;
l
Date plant collected;
l
Collector’s name;
l
The locality (coordinates and datum used or an identifiable precise location from a
map), i.e. place where the specimen was found (a GPS reading is preferred);
l
Type of environment (e.g. woodland, monsoon vine forest, floodplain);
l
The habit (e.g, vine, herb, tree, shrub, fern);
l
Other special notes or features (e.g. the overall size of the plant, colour of flowers, if
plant was growing in a particular habitat component, what other plants were growing
nearby, soil structure, did plant exude sap when broken, etc.).
A keen observer and enthusiast can assist with identification by noting various
characteristics and physical features such as the size, shape and colour along with any
environmental information such as the habitat the specimen was found in and its location. It
is important to remember that reproductive structures (flowers, seeds and fruit) are vital in
assisting with positive identification. A specimen without a data sheet or label recording
these features is of NO scientific value and cannot be lodged by the Herbarium.
A plant press can be made very easily
from two pieces of plywood cut to
approximately 47 x 32 cm. This size
will easily accommodate plant
specimens that have been placed
between sheets of newspaper the size
of the NT News. Drill two holes
approximately 14 cm apart at the top
of each piece of wood. Attach wire
which has been inserted into a length
of rubber hose into holes to make
comfortable handles. Alternatively,
webbing handle straps can be affixed.
Velcro can be stapled or adhered to
each side of the pieces of wood in a
Bob Harwood from the NT Herbarium pressing specimens in
manner that allows flexible expansion the field
of the press as specimens are added.
For smaller specimens an old
telephone book will make a very useful plant press.
© NT Herbarium
Pressing/preserving specimens
Specimens should be pressed immediately as flowers of many delicate herbs will not stay in
good condition for more than a few minutes after collection. Place between pieces of paper
(the number of sheets used will often depend on the moisture content of the specimen) and
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place in press between sheets of cardboard or foam as necessary to keep specimens flat.
Pressure is maintained on the resulting stack of plants, paper, cardboard or foam for a period
of several days to a week or two until the plants are dry.
Seed pods, fruit, etc. may be kept separately but must be labelled appropriately so they can
later be re-united accurately with the whole plant.
Plants should be dried fairly quickly, in a warm place if possible to avoid mould problems. This
is the biggest problem when drying specimens in the Top End, especially in the wet season.
Check daily to ensure specimens are clean and drying well. Replace paper as necessary.
Delicate plants and petals may be lost in changing and should be kept in tissue-paper (e.g.
Kleenex or toilet paper) folders throughout changes.
Artificial drying of specimens is practised by herbaria which have specially constructed drying
cupboards with fan-forced heated air. Specimens are dried over a period of several days at
temperatures of about 50 - 55°C. Field-driers employing heat from gas burners are frequently
used by professional collectors.
Once specimens are dried it is normal practice in public herbaria to mount each specimen on
cartridge paper to which is also attached a typed label containing notes about the collection.
Specimens in the NT Herbarium are filed in alphabetical order, firstly by family name, then by
genus and then species.
l
Under certain conditions permits to collect species are required under the Territory
Parks and Wildlife Act, particularly in relation to listed threatened species. Penalties
may apply for collecting without a permit. Queries concerning permits to collect can be
directed to the NT Herbarium (08 8999 4516) or the permits officer PWCNT (08 8999
4795 ).
l
Collecting any species from within national parks and reserves is prohibited.
l
Please do not take whole plant specimens but rather record accurate location details, a
detailed description of the plant and take a photograph if possible. This is especially
important for plants that are either threatened or of conservation concern.
l
Always seek the landholder’s permission prior to venturing onto private property, e.g.
much of the eastern boundary of the Litchfield Shire is under pastoral lease.
l
Access to Crown land within the Shire is not currently restricted. However, the public is
asked to take care as they enter at their own risk.
l
Positive identification can be sought from the NT Herbarium. However, please ring to
schedule an appointment. Verified records and specimens can then be added and
stored in the Herbarium database.
l
Reduce threats to native plants by helping prevent the spread of weeds or pests, and
by preventing wildfires.
l
When near water be alert for the presence of crocodiles.
...............
72
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© NT Herbarium
GLOSSARY: Habitat photos
© Jarrad Holmes, Threatened Species Network
Typical Utricularia habitat — seasonally saturated sand sheets
supporting Melaleuca nervosa, sedgeland and grasslands on
floodplains
© Clyde Dunlop, NT Herbarium
Typical woodland habitat
Typical rainforest habitat
...............
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73
GLOSSARY: Botanical terms
The following terms were compiled from Dunlop et al. 1995, Orchard and Thompson 1999,
Stern 1993, The Australian Concise Oxford Dictionary and two online glossaries: Flora of New
South Wales Cumulative Glossary for Vascular Plants, compiled by the NSW Herbarium, Short
Botanical Glossary, compiled by Jim Croft (both online glossaries sourced from the Centre for
Plant Biodiversity Research web site). Refer to Illustrations of Botanical terms for figures.
acute: leaf tip, sharp point, evenly narrowed into
a point at an angle of less than 90o. Fig 4.
alternate: individually inserted at different
positions along the axis. Fig 6.
annual: completing the lifecycle within one year.
anthers: the pollen-bearing part of the stamen.
Fig 12.
apex: tip or summit.
appendages: an attachment developed on and
projecting beyond the surface of an organ.
appressed: hairs, flattened against the organ or
axis that they grow from.
area of occupancy: the area within its ‘extent of
occurrence’ which is occupied by a species. A
species will not usually occur throughout the
area of its ‘extent of occurrence’, which may
contain unsuitable or unoccupied habitats.
aril: an outgrowth from the seed stalk, especially
noticeable in Acacias where it varies in colour
from yellow to orange to red.
article: an individual segment of a jointed fruit
(or stem) separating at the joints.
axillary bud: the bud or buds formed in the
angle between the stem and the subtending
(enclosing) leaf or bract. Fig 9.
axis: the main or central line or stem about
which the lateral organs or parts are arranged.
beak: a pointed projection; a prominent
projection of an organ (often refering to seed or
capsule).
blade: the expanded part of a leaf, petal, etc.
Fig 9.
brackish: a mixture of salt and fresh water.
bracts: modified leaves differing in size, shape
or colour from the foliage leaves.
buttress: a flange protruding from the lower
part of the trunk, frequent in rainforest trees.
Fig 14.
C. this abbreviation means approximately, near,
about.
calli/callus: a small hard protrusion, e.g. on the
labellum of some Orchidaceae;
calyx: outer whorl of a flower with a double
............... perianth; usually comprised of sepals.
74
capillary: hair-like.
capsule: a dry, dehiscent fruiting body; hence
capsular.
carpel: a unit of the female part of the flower
(gynoecium) consisting of an ovary bearing one
or more ovules, a receptive stigma, and often a
stalk-like style between them. A flower can have
a solitary carpel or more than one carpel. If the
carpels are free the gynoecium is apocarpous or
if the carpels are fused the gynoecium is
syncarpous (or compound).
cataphylls: a scale leaf associated with a
vegetative part of a plant.
chasmogamous: flowers that are pollinated
while open.
claw: a narrow, stalk-like basal portion of a
petal, sepal or bract. Fig 16.
cleistogamous: flowers that remain closed and
are self-pollinating and set fertile seed.
compound: composed of several distinct parts,
although sometimes reduced, usually referring to
a leaf. Figs 7, 8 & 10.
concave: having an outline or surface curved
like the inside of a circle or sphere.
coppicing: a shoot developed from a dormant
bud in the trunk or larger branches of a tree; the
leaves on such a shoot often differ from the adult
leaves and are called juvenile leaves (similar to
sapling leaves); a common feature of many
eucalypts and rainforest trees. Coppice shoots
usually develop after damage to the trunk by fire,
cutting, etc.
corm: a short, broad, fleshy, subterranean stem
which produces aerial stems, leaves and flowers
and in which food reserves are stored.
crenate/crenulate: shallow, rounded teeth, often
referring to leaf margin. Fig 5.
cryptic: concealed, hidden, obscure.
cyme/cymose: an inflorescence in which the
main axis ends in a flower and further growth of
the inflorescence is by one or more branches
which themselves end in a flower (the main and
lateral branches may bear bracteoles but have
no bracts, leaves or nodes).
WWF-Australia
deciduous: falling off, often referring to the loss
of leaves in response to seasonal variations.
decumbent: lying along the ground with the tip
ascending.
dentate: sharp teeth, often referring to leaf
margin. Fig 5.
digitate: the parts spreading from a central
point, like the fingers of a hand, referring to leaf.
dioecious: male and female flowers on different
plants.
discolorous: of different colour, e.g. when two
sides of the leaf are different colours
(cf. concolorous).
disjunct: distant; widely separated.
dorsal: attached to the back of body or organ.
drupe: a fleshy fruit with skin on outside and
woody or hard stone containing the seeds at its
centre (eg. mango, plum). Fig 11.
eglandular: lacking glands.
elliptic: a plane with the shape of an ellipse,
longer than wide and rounded at both ends, the
widest part near the middle. Fig 1.
emarginate: leaf tip, indented, notched at the
extremity. Fig 4.
emergent: a plant, (1) rising above the
surrounding plants, e.g. of a tree above the
rainforest canopy; (2) rising above the surface of
the water.
endemic: a species is endemic to a region
when it is only known to occur in that region.
entire: a smooth, even margin, lacking teeth or
other indentations, often referring to leaf
margins. Fig 5.
ephemeral: a plant usually emergent or alive for
a short period often in response to certain
conditions seasonal or otherwise.
epiphyte/epiphytic: an independent plant
growing on another, not connected to the
ground, and not parasitic.
erect: upright.
extent of occurrence: the area contained within
the shortest continuous imaginary boundary
which can be drawn to encompass all the
known, inferred or projected sites of present
occurrence of a species.
foliolate: suffix denoting a leaf made up of
leaflets, e.g. trifoliolate, unifoliolate. Fig 7.
follicle: a dry fruit derived from a single carpel
and opening along one suture. Fig 11.
fronds: the leaf, especially of a fern or palm,
including the stipe, often finely divided.
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geophyte: a plant with an underground storage
organ (e.g. corm, tuber, bulb or rhizome) and
with annually renewed aerial shoots.
glabrous: without hairs.
glandular: bearing glands or of the nature of a
gland.
glaucous: with a distinct bluish, waxy bloom or
powder on the surface.
gynoecium: the carpel (if solitary) or carpels of
a flower collectively; seed-bearing organ or
organs of a flower.
herbaceous: a vascular plant which is not
woody; hence herbaceous.
hypocotyl: the part of a plant embryo directly
below the cotyledons, forming a connection with
the radicle.
imparipinnate: pinnate with the rachis and
terminated by a single leaflet or tendril. Fig 7.
inflorescence: a group or cluster of flowers.
Fig 10.
keel: a ridge, usually on the back, like the keel
of a boat; hence keeled.
labellum: the distinctive median petal in
Orchidaceae, usually differing in size and shape
from those either side.
lanceolate: lance-shaped, of a plane several
times longer than wide, widest in the basal third,
tapering gradually towards the tip. Fig 1.
laterite: a type of soil, red in colour, which is
mainly found in the tropics.
latex: a milky exudate, drying rubber-like.
leaflet: the basic element of a compound leaf.
Fig 8.
legume: (1) a plant belonging to the Fabaceae,
Olmosaceae or Caesalpiniaceae families (2) dry
dehiscent fruit pod. Fig 11.
lenticel: a small raised corky spot or line
appearing on young bark, through which
gaseous exchange occurs.
lenticellate: having many lenticels.
lignotubers: a woody swelling, partly or wholly
underground, at the base of certain plants and
containing numerous cortical buds, as in many
eucalypts.
linear: long and narrow with parallel margins.
Fig 1.
lithophytic: a plant growing on rocks.
lobed: divided into long rounded projections.
margin: the edge.
megasporophylls: in this booklet referring to
female reporductive structures of cycads.
...............
75
membranous: a thin, soft, flexible, +/translucent piece of tissue.
microsporophylls: in this booklet referring to
male reporductive structures of cycads.
midrib: the main or central vein of a leaf or
similar organ, also called mid-vein. Fig 9.
monotypic: having only one representative,
e.g. a genus or family with a single species.
morph: pertaining to a ‘form’, e.g. dimorphic,
polymorphic.
mucronate: leaf tip, with a short sharp terminal
tip. Fig 4.
nodding: bent over or down.
nodes: a point on the stem where leaves or
branches arise.
oblanceolate: a plane several times longer
than wide, widest in the apical third, tapering
gradually towards the base, more rapidly
towards the apex. Fig 1.
oblique: at an angle; neither parallel nor
perpendicular.
oblong: leaf shape longer than broad, with
parallel margins and rounded ends. Fig 1.
obovate: a leaf with the outline of an egg, the
widest end away from stalk. Fig 1.
obtuse: leaf tip, rounded, evenly narrowed into
a blunt point. Fig 4.
opposite: of a pair of organs arising at the
same level on opposite sides of the stem. Fig 6.
orbicular: rounded or circular in outline. Fig 1.
ovary: part of the female organs containing
ovules (eggs). Fig 12.
ovate: a plane with the outline of an egg, the
widest end attached to stalk. Fig 1.
ovoid: a solid with the form of an egg, attached
at the broad end (cf. obovoid).
palate: base of lower petal near the throat of
flower.
panicle: an elongate inflorescence with
compound branching; hence panicled or
paniculate. Fig 10.
pedate: palmately divided but with the lateral
lobes themselves divided. Fig 7.
pedicel: the stalk of an individual flower in an
inflorescence; hence pedicellate. Fig 12.
peduncle: stalk of a flower or inflorescence.
peltate: leaf with petiole attached to
undersurface of leaf rather than to the margin.
Fig 2.
...............
76
pendulous: hanging, drooping. Fig 15.
perennial: with a life cycle lasting two or more
years.
petal: a free segment of the corolla. Fig 12.
petiole: stem that connects the leaf or phyllode
to the branch; stalk of a leaf. Fig 9.
phyllode: a flattened and expanded petiole with
the function and appearance of a leaf, modified
stem that acts as leaf, found in Acacia species.
pinnate: compound, with leaflets or pinnae,
arranged in a single row each side of the
common rachis. Fig 7.
pistil: a free carpel or a group of fused carpels
(see gynoecium).
plicate: folded or plaited, as in a folding fan,
folded into pleats, usually lengthwise.
polymorphic: existing in several or many
forms.
prostrate: lying trailing along the ground.
pseudobulb: meaning ‘false’ bulb.
pulvinus: swollen tissue at the base of a
phyllode, or the petiole of leaves; sometimes
glandular or responsive to touch.
pungent: ending in a rigid or sharp point.
pustular: with low projections like blisters or
pimples.
raceme: a simple inflorescence ending in a
non-floral bud and in which the flowers are
stalked, i.e. an indeterminate inflorescence.
Fig 10.
rachis: the axis (excluding petiole) of a
pinnately compound leaf or inflorescence (also
rhachis). Fig 8.
recurved: curved downwards or to the abaxial
(lower) side.Fig 1.
resinous: exudes a resin.
reticulate: when the nerves or veins cross each
other like the meshes of a net.
rhizoid: a filamentous root-like structure.
rhizome: a modified underground stem, usually
growing horizontally; the stem of ferns.
rosette: a group of organs radiating from the
centre, especially with numerous overlapping
leaves appressed to the soil.
saprophyte: an organism using decaying or
non-living organic matter for nourishment.
semi-pendulous: meaning ‘half’ pendulous.
sepal: one of the outer leaf-like structures
surrounding the corolla (if present) and fertile
organs of the flower, usually green; collectively
the calyx. Fig 12.
WWF-Australia
serrate: with sharp teeth, oblique to the margin,
pointing apically like a saw. Fig 5.
sessile: without a stalk, attached directly to the
axis or organ. Fig 2.
sheath: tubular structure surrounding an organ
or part.
simple: basic leaf shape such as a eucalypt
leaf, not being divided into leaflets. Fig 9.
skeletal soils: shallow soil where rocks are
exposed.
sori: in ferns, a discrete group of sporangia.
spadix: a spicate inflorescence with a
thickened, often succulent axis, the whole often
being surrounded by a spathe.
spathe: a large bract or sheath.
spathulate: spoon-shaped.
sporangium: a case or body that contains the
spores.
spore: a single, vegetative, reproductive cell
that does not contain an embryo.
spur/labellum spur: slender sac-like or hollow
protuberance from a part of the calyx or corolla,
often secreting nectar.
stamen: one of the male organs of the flower,
consisting of a pollen-bearing anther and a
filament or stalk. Fig 12.
staminode: a sterile stamen, often reduced or
modified.
stellate: star-shaped.
stigma: the part of the carpel receptive to
pollen, generally terminal on the style.
stipule: one of a pair of leaf-derived organs
inserted at or near the base of a petiole or
phyllode. Fig 9.
stochastic: random or unforseen.
stolon: a horizontal, elongate stem rooting at
the nodes.
striated: marked with longitudinal ridges, stripes
or grooves.
style: the part of the carpel between the stigma
and ovary, often elongated. Fig 12.
subdeltoid: tending towards triangular in shape.
subtended: to occur immediately below as in a
bract subtending a flower.
subterranean: underground.
sucker: a vegetative shoot of underground
origin.
tendrils: a slender twining appendage or
extension by which a climbing plant may attach
itself.
terminal: at the end of a stem or axis. eg. in
Fig 13.
terrestrial: growing on the ground.
tomentose: hairs when they are closely matted
and short.
transverse: situated, arranged or acting in a
crosswise direction.
tuberoid: a swollen, usually underground, part
of a stem or root; hence tuberous.
umbel: an inflorescence (strictly an
indeterminate one) in which all the flowers or
flower stalks arise from one point at the top of
the peduncle. Fig 10.
valve: a door or flap-like opening in some
organs; hence valvate.
venation: the arrangement of the veins,
especially in leaves or leaf-like structures.
vesicular: a small bladder or cavity filled with
air or fluid; blistered on the surface.
wings: a membranous or lamina-like border or
surround. eg in Fig 16.
...............
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77
GLOSSARY: Illustrations of botanical terms
Figures courtesy of Dunlop et al. 1995 or drawn by J. Holmes
LEAF SHAPE (FIG 1):
recurved
LEAF VENATION (FIG 3):
LEAF BASES (FIG 2):
sessile
parallel veins
LEAF TIPS (FIG 4):
LEAF MARGINS (FIG 5):
LEAF ARRANGEMENTS (FIG 6):
...............
78
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COMPOUND LEAVES (FIG 7):
pedate
COMPOUND LEAF (FIG 8):
SIMPLE LEAF (FIG 9):
INFLORESCENSES (FIG 10):
FRUIT TYPES (FIG 11):
legume
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follicle
drupe
...............
79
FLOWER PARTS (FIG 12):
TWIG PARTS (FIG 13):
terminal bud
bud scales
flower bud
lateral bud
stipule scar
BRANCHING PATTERNS (FIG 15):
BOLE/TRUNK TYPES (FIG 14):
shrubby
weeping/pendulous
buttressed
THE FABACEAE FLOWER (FIG 16):
...............
80
WWF-Australia
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73.
74.
----------------
Cycas armstrongii.
Grevillea longicuspis.
Habenaria rumphii.
Helicteres Glenluckie Ck.
Indigofera schultziana.
Luisia teretifolia.
Nervilia plicata.
Malaxis marsupichila.
Monochoria hastata.
Ptychosperma bleeseri (P. macarthurii).
Typhonium taylori.
Utricularia dunstaniae.
Utricularia singeriana
Utricularia subulata.
Zeuxine oblonga.
75.
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741-4.
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USEFUL CONTACTS
Conservation and wildlife
management
WWF-Australia
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Physical: Ground floor, Gaymark Building,
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Phone: (08) 8999 4516
Fax: (08) 8999 4527
Web site: <www.nt.gov.au/ipe/pwcnt/>
Threatened Species Network
TSN National Coordinator
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Phone: (02) 9281 5515
Fax: (02) 9281 1060
Tropical Savannas Cooperative Research
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WWF-Australia
INDEX OF PLANT NAMES
Acacia oligoneura
Acacia praetermissa
Aphyllodium stylosanthoides
Butomopsis latifolia
Byblis aquatica
Calochilus holtzei
(Ground orchid)
Chiloschista phyllorhiza
(Leafless orchid)
Citrus gracilis
Commelina sp. sandstone
Crotalaria quinquefolia
(Annual birdflower)
Cycas armstrongii
(Cycad, zamia palm)
Cynanchum leibianum
Didymoplexis pallens
Diodontium filifolium
Endospermum medullosum
Eulophia bicallosa
Flemingia involucrata
Grevillea longicuspis
(Christmas holly grevillea)
Habenaria elongata
Habenaria hymenophylla
(Rainforest habenaria)
Habenaria rumphii
Habenaria triplonema
Helicteres sp. glenluckie Ck
Indigofera schultziana
Liparis habenarina
Luisia teretifolia
Malaxis acuminata
Malaxis marsupichila
Monochoria hastata
Nervilia peltata
Nervilia plicata
Nymphoides subacuta
Operculina turpethum
(Onion vine)
Pachystoma pubescens
Pentapetes phoenicea
Peplidium maritimum
Pittosporum moluccanum
Ptychosperma macarthurii
(Darwin palm)
Rhamphicarpa australiensis
(Bog Figwort)
32
33
17
30
12
35
36
55
13
18
15
10
37
11
16
38
19
Stylidium ensatum
Tropidia curculigoides
Typhonium johnsonianum
Typhonium praetermissum
Typhonium taylori
Utricularia sp. red
Utricularia dunstaniae
Utricularia hamiltonii
Utricularia holtzei
Utricularia involvens
Utricularia quinquedentata
Utricularia singeriana
Utricularia subulata
(Zigzag bladderwort)
Utricularia triflora
Vittaria ensiformis
Zeuxine oblonga
60
50
6
7
8
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
61
51
54
39
40
41
42
58
20
43
44
45
46
53
47
48
31
14
49
59
56
52
9
57
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WWF-Australia
93
Threatened Species Network
The Threatened Species Network (TSN) is a community-based program of the
Australian Government and WWF-Australia. TSN has been at the forefront of
educating the public and engaging community groups in threatened species
conservation for over a decade.
Contact details:
Threatened Species Network
WWF-Australia
GPO Box 528
Sydney, NSW 2001
Ph: (02) 9281 5515
Fax: (02) 9281 1060
<[email protected]>
<www.wwf.org.au/tsn>
TSN Northern Savannas Coordinator
Ph: (08) 8941 7554
[email protected]