Callistemon purpurascens has been described in the scientific literature as a Òshrub to 3Ð 7 m high (mostly c. 3.5 m), tending to branch above 1.5 m; bark slightly fissured, platy and flaking to peeling (in small sections), subpapery on the largest stems and trunks. Branchlets glabrescent to sericeous. Leaves alternate, 30Ð70 mm long, 5Ð8 mm wide, oblanceolate, and thickened at the margin and midrib; both surfaces usually glabrous, but lower surface with occasional silky brown hairs towards
the petiole. Leaf base finely tapered, thickened and often twisted.
a bottlebrush |
Callistemon purpurascens
Status: Critically Endangered on the EPBC Act list
Government evidence of impact of climate change:
-
Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Callistemon purpurascens
The main reasons that this species is eligible for listing are i) it has a very highly restricted geographic range; with an area of occupancy (AOO) of only 4km2 ii) it is known from only a single location iii) a continuing decline is estimated in the quality of habitat due to feral pig activity; browsing; invasive weeds and the effects of climate change iv) there are only 150 known mature individuals v) all subpopulations consist of less than 20 mature individuals.
The wetland habitat where Callistemon purpurascens occurs is also vulnerable to both drought and flooding events; which are predicted to become more frequent with climate change. c) Extreme fluctuations.
The effects of extreme rainfall flood events associated with climate change may lead to the erosion of the swampy floodplain habitat and an increase in prolonged and severe droughts may cause possible loss and degradation of habitat (Douglas and Wilson; 2015).
The effects of extreme rainfall flood events associated with climate change may lead to the erosion of the swampy floodplain habitat and an increase in prolonged and severe droughts may cause possible loss and degradation of habitat (Douglas and Wilson 2015).