Archidendron hendersonii (a tree) - vulnerable species listing
The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list the tree Archidendron hendersonii (F. Muell.) Nielsen as a VULNERABLE SPECIES on Schedule 2 of the Act. Listing of vulnerable species is provided for by Part 2 of the Act.
NSW Scientific Committee - final determination
The Scientific Committee has found that:
1. Archidendron hendersonii (F. Muell.) Nielsen (Fabaceae - Mimosoideae) is a tree to 18 m high found in riverine and lowland subtropical rainforest. It is described by Harden (1991) [Harden, G.J. Archidendron, in Harden, G.J. (ed). Flora of NSW vol. 2. UNSW Press, pp. 393-4] as having "Leaves with one pair of pinnae; pinnules usually 6 per pinna, usually opposite but lower ones sometimes alternate, lanceolate to ovate, 4 - 13 cm long, 2 - 6 cm wide, apex blunt or acute, asymmetric, glabrous, concolorous, upper surface glossy, lower surface duller, petiole 1 - 3.5 cm long, sunken gland on petiole. Heads at least 10 - flowered, 6 - 8 cm diameter. Calyx 4 - 5 mm long. Corolla 10 - 15 mm long, creamy white. Stamens 25 - 35 mm long, creamish. Pod more or less oblong, curved, 4 - 6 cm long, 8 - 12 mm wide, orange outside, red inside; seeds c. 5 mm long. Flowers September - December."
2. Although Archidendron hendersonii flowers and fruits well, it is often represented by only single trees per stand, and seedlings are rare.
3. In New South Wales Archidendron hendersonii is restricted to the lowlands of the Richmond and Tweed catchments.
4. There are three occurrences in conservation reserves. All other known occurrences are on freehold land.
5. Given the small size of the known populations, and the small size of the stands of rainforest in which they are found Archidendron hendersonii is at risk from further fragmentation of rainforest and from degradation of stands from weed invasion and disturbance.
6. In view of 2, 3, 4 and 5 above, the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Archidendron hendersonii is likely to become endangered unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate and is therefore eligible for listing as a vulnerable species.
Proposed Gazettal date: 17/11/2000