The gypsum goodenia is a ground-hugging or slightly ascending perennial herb which grows to about 9 cm tall (Brown et al 1998). The linear leaves are 20-65 mm long by 1-2.8 mm wide, are smooth, have recurved margins and are clustered in a whorl. The flowers are approximately 7 mm long with a yellow and brown corolla (group of petals) and are borne on flower stalks to about 8 cm long. Flowers are arranged in subumbels (flower arrangements in which the flower stalks do not quite spread from a central point). Its low-growing habit, yellow flowers with a brown throat, and unusual habitat on rises in salt-lakes distinguish the gypsum goodenia from other species (Brown et al 1998). However, due to its physical size, short flowering period, and response to seasonal environmental changes, gypsum goodenias can be difficult to locate in its natural habitat (Sandow 2012).
Gypsum Goodenia |
Goodenia integerrima
Status: Vulnerable on the EPBC Act list
Government evidence of impact of climate change:
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Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Goodenia integerrima
Effects on the species and its environment as a result of climate change Global potential In south west Western Australia; annual mean rainfall is climate current to projected to decrease strongly while there is strong confidence change long term in continued substantial increases in projected mean; maximum and minimum temperatures in the region as a result of predicted changes in the state of the global climatic system (CSIRO BOM 2015).
Other potential adverse effects of a drying climate in the region over the long term is increased frequency and or intensity of wildfire (Williams et al 2009); which is likely to kill mature individuals of the gypsum goodenia; and increased salinisation of the gypsum soils in which the species grows (DEC 2010 2011).
Effects on the species and its environment as a result of climate change o Preservation of germplasm is essential to facilitate assisted migration range shifts in response to climate change; facilitate the expansion of populations with low numbers; insure against potential local extinctions and protect the remaining genetic diversity of the gypsum goodenia. (Note that cuttings can also be used to propagate plants for translocations.) o Continue to undertake seed banking where storable gypsum goodenia seeds are available.
While the spread of wildfire is limited across unvegetated salt pans in Lake King Nature Reserve; Population 3 is located within 250 m of heathy vegetation on the western edge of the salt lake within the reserve (DEC 2010 2011) and is; therefore; potentially vulnerable to the effects of fire.
Nevertheless; the potential for frequent fire to be a threat to the species is currently low (DEC 2010 2011).
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