Stuart's heathÊ  |  

Epacris stuartii

Status: Critically Endangered on the EPBC Act list

Southport heath is an erect or semi-prostrate multi-stemmed shrub growing to 1 m tall (Keith &
Ilowski 1999) with white flowers (Curtis 1963). The leaves of Southport heath are ovate to heart shaped; with younger plants have more ovate leaves. Leaves have a thick cuticle and three
parallel veins on the underside. The pointed tip of the leave is pungent. Southport heath has
white flowers that appear during later winter and early spring (Keith & Ilowski 1999).

Government evidence of impact of climate change:

Expand all Close all

  • Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Epacris stuartii

    An increase in extreme weather events associated with climate change poses a threat to the species; particularly if the population is recovering from fire; drought or disease.

    An increase in frequency and severity of drought associated with climate change poses a threat to the species.

    Threat factor Threat Evidence base type and status Fire Too frequent suspected Too frequent burning may reduce and deplete soil seedbank burning current and burn re sprouting seedlings; resulting in the population not being able to replace individuals at the same rate at which they are being destroyed.

    The last known fire to impact the population at Southport Bluff was in April 1994 (Keith Ilowski 1999; Schahinger 2008).

    Threats Southport heath is threatened by fires that are too frequent; P. cinnamomi and increase in the frequency and severity of drought and storms.

    downloadDownload
Return to Search