NSW Scientific Committee - final determination
The Scientific Committee has found that:
1. Homoranthus binghiensis (Myrtaceae) is described in Flora of NSW Volume 2 (2nd edition) (in prep) as: an erect shrub to 3 m high; glabrous. Leaves laterally compressed, more or less oblanceolate, 7 - 17 mm long, < 1 mm thick and 1.5 - 3 mm wide, apex acute; petiole c. 1 mm long. Flowers usually in 2 - flowered pseudoinflorescences, mostly yellow, sometimes green - yellow or red; bracteoles 5 - 6 mm long, caducous; peduncles 0.5 - 1 mm long. Hypanthium cylindrical, 5 - 6 mm long, 1.5 - 2 mm wide, 5 - ribbed, glabrous between the ribs. Sepals 3.5 - 4 mm long, usually with 3 slender lobes at apex. Petals more or less obovate 2 - 2.5 mm long, margins entire. Style 5 - 6 mm long. Flowers Nov. - Dec. Grows in heath among granite outcrops on sandy soil.
2. The species is restricted to the Torrington area on the north western slopes of NSW. There are five known locations, all within the Torrington State Conservation Area. Total extent of occurrence is less than 16 km2 .
3. Homoranthus binghiensis occurs in small numbers at each location. Total population size is estimated at a few hundred individuals.
4. All locations are at threat due to grazing, particularly by goats. Other threats include regimes of high or low frequency fire, and the small size of all populations makes them susceptible to stochastic events.
5. In view of 2, 3 and 4 above, the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Homoranthus binghiensis is likely to become extinct in nature in New South Wales unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate.
Proposed Gazettal date: 15/03/02
Exhibition period: 15/03/02 - 19/04/02