Many-branched shrub to 2m tall with opposite, grey, densely hairy leaves and large, pink, tubular flowers that have darker pink markings in the lower lobe and in the throat and a darker pink calyx. Flowers appear from July to September. Plants are uncommon through the landscape, usually occurring as isolated clumps of individuals on very steep sandstone slopes. Most populations are small (<10 plants), although some contain relatively large numbers of individuals (>200 plants) (Woodman Environmental Consulting 2013). Dispersion through the landscape is dictated by the availability of suitable habitat. Pityrodia sp. Marble Bar is a long-lived species. It resprouts from woody rootstock following fire, even high-intensity fire, with seedlings also observed at a number of locations adjacent to resprouting individuals (Woodman Environmental Consulting 2013).
Pityrodia sp. Marble Bar |
Pityrodia sp. Marble Bar
Status: Endangered on the EPBC Act list
Government evidence of impact of climate change:
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Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Pityrodia sp. Marble Bar
Weeds suppress early plant growth by competing for soil moisture; nutrients and light; as well as increase the fire hazard due to the easy ignition of high fuel loads.
Future Altered fire regimes Whole population Severe Pityrodia sp.
If fire frequency is increased the soil seed bank could be depleted before juvenile plants have reached maturity.