The harsh nematolepis is a small shrub growing to 4 m tall (more usually to 1 m tall), with smooth or glandular branches. Leaves are ovate to elliptic, 18 Ð 30 mm long and 6 Ð 10 mm wide, stiff and leathery with a rounded apex, the upper surface dark glossy green, smooth and hairless, the lower surface scaly covered with small, silvery, membranous scales. Inflorescences arise from the leaf axils, with 1 Ð 20 small, starry white flowers with yellow anthers. The calyx is cup-like, to 3 mm long with triangular lobes, hairless and with glandular dots, and the ovary is hairless. Fruiting follicles (up to 5) are slightly spreading and about 3 mm high (description from Walsh & Entwisle 1999; Wilson 1998).
Harsh Nematolepis |
Nematolepis squamea subsp. coriacea
Status: Vulnerable on the EPBC Act list
Government evidence of impact of climate change:
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Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Nematolepis squamea subsp. coriacea
Increased fire frequency may pose the greatest threat to the subspecies; as too frequent fire intervals may compromise the plants ability to reach reproductive maturity between fire events.
Threat factor Threat Evidence base type and status Fire Too frequent potential If burning occurred too frequently then plants may not reach fires reproductive maturity (Carter Walsh 2006).
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