Chamaesyce psammogeton (a prostrate herb) - endangered species listing
The Scientific Committee, established under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, has made a Final Determination to list Chamaesyce psammogeton (P.S. Green) P.I. Foster and R.J. Henderson, a prostrate herb, as an ENDANGERED SPECIES on Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Act. Listing of endangered species is provided for by Division 2 of Part 2 of the Act.
NSW Scientific Committee - final determination
The Scientific Committee has found that:
1. Chamaesyce psammogeton is a prostrate perennial herb which grows on foredunes and exposed sites on headlands.
2. Chamaesyce psammogeton was formally known in NSW under the names Euphorbia sparrmanii or Chamaesyce sparrmanii [e.g., Harden, G. (ed) 1990 Flora of New South Wales Vol.1. p.429 NSW University Press, Sydney]. The name Euphorbia psammogeton was published by Green in 1993. (Green, P.S. 1993, Kew Bulletin 48, 314) and was accepted for the Flora of Australia (Vol 49, p.235). Current practice in NSW is to recognize segregate genera within the Euphorbia complex so the appropriate name is Chamaesyce psammogeton.
3. Chamaesyce psammogeton has been recorded from the NSW coast from Jervis Bay northwards and from Lord Howe Island.
4. Although formerly recorded as widespread a recent survey of the NSW coast foundChamaesyce psammogeton at few sites leading Carolin & Clarke to conclude that the species is in danger of extinction in NSW. (Carolin, R. & Clarke, P.1991, Beach Plants of South Eastern Australia. Sainty & Associates, Sydney.)
5. Recent (last two decades) confirmed records are few and individual populations are small (one to a few plants). It is not known whether seeds persist in the soil seed bank, but seeds float so dispersal between beaches may occur.
6. Threats to the continuing survival ofChamaesyce psammogeton in NSW include disturbance to the foredune habitat and overgrowth by Chrysanthemoides monilifera (bitou bush).
7. In view of 4, 5 and 6 above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that the numbers of Chamaesyce psammogeton have been reduced to such a critical level that it is in immediate danger of extinction and therefore Chamaesyce psammogeton is eligible for inclusion on Schedule 1 Part 1 as an endangered species.
Gazetted: 13/3/1998