Hairy Anchor Plant Version Has Been Prepared for Web Publication

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This Action Statement was first published in 1993 and remains current. This Hairy Anchor Plant version has been prepared for web publication. It retains the original text of Discaria pubescens the action statement, although contact information, the distribution map and the illustration may have been updated.

Published by the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria. 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002 Australia Hairy Anchor Plant (Discaria pubescens) Distribution in Victoria (DSE 2002) This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its Description and Distribution employees do not guarantee The Hairy Anchor Plant (Discaria pubescens) (Willis 1955) and is considered endangered that the publication is in Tasmania (Coates 1991). In Victoria, the without flaw of any kind or is a densely-branched, spiny shrub 0.5 to 2 is wholly appropriate for m high. Plants are usually multi-stemmed species is now restricted to small fragmented your particular purposes at ground level or can have a main trunk populations in the eastern highlands and to and therefore disclaims all up to 15 cm in diameter. Flowering is from the west of Melbourne (Willis 1972, liability for any error, loss November to February (Leigh et al. 1984). Beauglehole 1980). or other consequence which Plants are known to have a life span may arise from you relying exceeding 30 years. on any information in this Conservation Status Regeneration is from seed. The shiny, light publication. Current Status to dark brown seeds are dispersed by Gullan et al. (1990) Vulnerable in explosive splitting of the seed pod (Hall & ISSN 1448-9902 Victoria Parsons 1987). Briggs & Leigh (1988) Rare in Australia The Hairy Anchor Plant usually occurs in SAC (1991) Threatened grassy open woodlands and forests in the east of Victoria (Hall & Parsons 1987) and The Hairy Anchor Plant has been listed as a stream and river valleys to the west of threatened taxon on Schedule 2 of the Flora Melbourne (Lunt 1987). The species and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. formerly had a widespread distribution in all the eastern Australian states. It has not been recorded from Queensland since 1898 Reasons for Conservation Status Senescence and Lack of Juvenile Recruitment In Victoria, the Hairy Anchor Plant is extremely rare. There As a direct result of zero juvenile recruitment, the major are approximately 1000 adult plants at 25 sites throughout ecological issue confronting the species in the wild is Victoria. In western Victoria it has been recorded from 13 senescence and eventual death of remaining individuals and sites but is now presumed locally extinct at four of these thus local extinctions. This pattern has been evident over many sites. At the remaining nine sites the species occurs in years. For instance, in 1942 J.H. Willis observed a small colony critically low numbers (1-10 plants per site except at Birchs at Birchs Creek near Clunes. In 1953 he described the Creek near Clunes, where there are approximately 70 remaining plant as 'a decrepit, moribund bush, unequal to its widely dispersed plants). Only one of the western Victorian battle for existence beneath encroaching tangles of introduced populations is within a public reserve (Turpins Falls Scenic broom' (Lunt 1987). By 1964 this plant had succumbed and Reserve, where two plants exist). The remaining eight Willis noted on an herbarium specimen that the species was populations are on private land or public water frontages. presumed extinct in the area. In eastern Victoria, the species is currently more secure. The longevity of the Hairy Anchor Plant is not known, but There are 16 recorded populations; seven in the Alpine plants have survived for over 30 years in the wild (Willis 1955). National Park, four in other reserves and five on private land. Grazing Throughout both Victoria and Australia, all remaining Extant populations in both western and eastern Victoria are plants are mature to senescent. Natural regeneration from exposed to grazing by domestic stock, brumbies and rabbits. In seed has never been observed. Given continuing pressure western Victoria, all known populations exist on private land from grazing and direct accidental destruction, together or public water frontages currently grazed under licence. In with lack of management to enhance survival at the eastern Victoria, populations within the Alpine National Park remaining sites, the pecies is in danger of being lost from are in areas where grazing is permitted. Light grazing of the the wild. Urgent management actions are required. species is not considered to have a major effect per se; however, In its final recommendations, the Scientific Advisory it may influence or hinder seedling establishment and adult Committee determined that the Hairy Anchor Plant is: growth as young shoots are particularly palatable to both • significantly prone to future threats which are grazing stock and rabbits (heavy grazing pressure may cause likely to lead to its extinction; considerable damage to adult plants). A degree of protection is • very rare in terms of abundance or distribution; afforded to mature plants by the tough and spiny nature of and older stems and branches. • the reproduction and recruitment of the taxon has seriously declined or is not occurring. Competition . Lunt (1987) reports that competition from naturalised Major Conservation Objectives herbaceous species such as Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus ) and The major conservation objectives are to: Canary-grass (Phalaris spp.) may inhibit regeneration where • protect known populations in eastern and western these species form dense swards preventing seedling Victoria from identified threats such as grazing establishment. pressure and accidental destruction; • reverse the decline in existing populations by Accidental Destruction actively encouraging natural regeneration; Additional threats to the survival of the Hairy Anchor Plant • determine the effects of grazing and fire by may arise from accidental destruction during weed eradication establishing grazing exclusion plots for both programs due to a superficial resemblance to the introduced domestic stock and rabbits and conducting weed Gorse. burning trials; and • establish at least five populations in western Fire Victoria of at least 1500 individuals by 1996 in The susceptibility of the Hairy Anchor Plant to fire is not geographically dispersed localities within the adequately known. Hall and Parsons (1987) report that mature former range of the species. plants will resprout after low intensity burns. However, frequent burning could hinder or prevent seed production and Management Issues thus seedling recruitment and eventually eliminate the species from local areas. Natural Regeneration Seedlings of the Hairy Anchor Plant have never been Wider Conservation Issues recorded in the wild despite detailed site inspections over Managing specific areas for the conservation of the Hairy many visits (Lunt 1987, Scarlett pers. comm., author pers. Anchor Plant will create opportunities to enhance populations obs.). It is unlikely that this is due to problems with seed of other threatened species occurring at the same sites (e.g. production or germination (Hall & Parsons 1987) as plants Rough Eyebright (Euphrasia scabra), Shining Anchor Plant in western Victoria produce viable seed that is readily (Discaria nitida), which have been listed under the Flora and collectable and has been germinated in the glasshouse after Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. It will also enable better management cold treatment (author pers. obs.).

2 of some stream or relevant frontages as flora and fauna not been relocated despite searches in the past two years (M. habitat, landscape quality and land protection values. James pers. comm.). Grazing continues at five other sites subject to monitoring the effect on native vegetation and Social and Economic Issues assessment of carrying capacity. A commitment to continue Social and economic issues associated with the research on the ecology, in particular fire ecology, of the management of the Hairy Anchor Plant are relatively species was also made. minor. The Tasmanian Department of Parks, Wildlife and Heritage • To protect adequately the known populations in prepared a recovery plan (Research Phase) for the species in western Victoria, a small number of grazing licences Tasmania (Coates 1991). Results from this project are likely to will need to be cancelled from public water frontages. have particular relevance for the management of the species on Given the small area of the land, the number of sites mainland Australia. and the nature of the frontages, the effect on state A single public frontage grazing licence over part of Clunes revenues or lost productivity will be minor. uncommitted land (Birchs Creek) was cancelled in 1991 to • Funds will be needed to fence frontages. Opportunities allow natural regeneration of the Hairy Anchor Plant and other exist through many state and commonwealth native vegetation to take place. incentives schemes to protect remnant native Consultations about management of the Hairy Anchor Plant vegetation (particularly threatened species) on private with two owners of private land adjacent to Birchs Creek have land where land protection benefits are evident. taken place. Grants under the Save The Bush Scheme have been • In eastern Victoria careful monitoring and made available to these landowners to assist with protection management of grazing pressure needs to be initiated. works. This may include a restabilisation program once Since 1989 the collection and subsequent propagation of seed herbivores are removed. from the Birchs Creek and Lal Lal populations have resulted in . approximately 1000 plants being introduced at 15 localities in The Hairy Anchor Plant also has historical value as the first western Victoria, including Mooramong Nature Reserve, Victorian record of the species was made by Major Thomas Creswick Creek and Carisbrook Reservoir. Mitchell in September 1836 while travelling in the vicinity of the Loddon River. The species is now thought to be Intended Management Action extinct at this locality. Critical Habitat • Prepare a critical habitat determination for the Hairy Management Action Anchor Plant by the end of 1994.

Previous Management Action Management • Assess land status, occupation and threat status at all Both the Hairy Anchor Plant and its primary habitat in known sites in western and eastern Victoria. western Victoria, Western (Basalt) Plains Grassland • Where practical, protect extant sites by appropriate Community, have been listed on Schedule 2 of the Flora and fencing of public land frontages after negotiation and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Soil erosion and vegetation consultation with adjoining landowners. These areas damage and disturbance in the alpine regions of Victoria will need to be stabilised after the removal of caused by cattle grazing has been listed as a potentially herbivores by removing environmental weeds. threatening process on Schedule 3 of the Act. • On current knowledge, all sites should be protected The status and distribution of the Hairy Anchor Plant west from burning except for experimental purposes. of Melbourne was investigated by Lunt (1987). The ecology • To avoid accidental destruction, signpost vulnerable of the genus Discaria was investigated by Hall & Parsons roadside populations (Bendoc area) after consultation (1987). with relevant statutory bodies and roadside users. In 1987, Dr Bob Parsons of La Trobe University Botany • Assess recruitment at all sites and facilitate seedling Department informed the Ballarat and Bendigo Regions of establishment by removing herbaceous competition the then Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands of from introduced grasses at seedfall (January to mid the presence of the species at several localities and the February) Assistance can be given by 'friends' groups urgent need for several management actions needed to be with support from the Adopt-A-Plant Scheme. taken. After negotiations with the Shire of Buninyong, • Eliminate competition from introduced woody plant protective fencing was erected at the Lal Lal Falls site in species at extant sites, ensuring that work crews can 1988. The Turpins Falls site was fenced in 1989. distinguish between weed species and the Hairy The management plan for the Alpine National Park (CFL Anchor Plant. Sensitive techniques must be employed 1989a, 1989b) recognised the presence of the Hairy Anchor while working close to Hairy Anchor Plants. Plant in the Cobberas-Tingaringy and Wonnongatta- Moroka units and made specific recommendations on the Monitoring management of these sites. Grazing was withdrawn from • Continue to survey areas of suitable habitat within the Bryces Plain in 1989 and protective fencing recommended species' former range, particularly the Loddon River for the Mount Dawson site. This population has, however,

3 area near Newstead, the Campaspe River and catastrophes such as repeated wildfire or accidental Middle Creek near Mount Cole (local FFG Officers destruction. to initiate). • Conduct annual monitoring of all existing Legislative Powers Operating populations to ascertain seedling recruitment, Legislation establishment and-success of different Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 provides for the protection management techniques. of flora and fauna in Victoria and the declaration of critical • Assess the effect of cattle grazing at extant sites in habitat. eastern Victoria. Crown Lands (Reserves) Act 1978 provides for reserving areas as • Assess reintroduction sites for success of previous public land and for making a specific reservation status for introductions. existing public land. Planning and Environment Act 1987 provides for the protection Liaison of native vegetation in the state section, and for regional • Consult with landowners and discuss appropriate planning controls in all planning schemes. management of stands on private land in eastern National Parks Act 1975 provides for the creation and and western Victoria. This may involve assisting management of National Parks and Reserves. landowners to apply for grants under programs such as Save the Bush, Native Vegetation Licence/Permit Conditions Retention Grants, and the Land for Wildlife. A protected flora permit to take or collect seed from the Hairy • Involve community groups such as Field Anchor Plant will be issued only for work which is in Naturalists and Australian Trust for Conservation accordance with the conservation objectives contained in this Volunteers to apply for grants through the Adopt- action statement. CNR will not approve any permit A-Plant Scheme and be actively involved in applications for the removal of the Hairy Anchor Plant under annual maintenance programs and seed collection the Native Vegetation Retention amendment to the Planning days. and Environment Act 1987. A permit under the National Parks Act 1975 is required to collect Research seed from the Alpine National Park. • . Conduct experimental trials in western Victoria to monitor the lack of natural regeneration. Trials to Consultation and Community Participation include a combination of grazing exclusion, To date, there have been: competition removal and experimental burning at • discussions and consultations with biology and selected sites. ecology experts (La Trobe University); • community consultation during the preparation of the Propagation Alpine National Park Management Plan; • . Collect sufficient seed to propagate 500 seedlings • liaison with the Shire of Buninyong regarding the from all known extant populations for future management of the Lal Lal Falls population; reintroductions into the former range of the • articles in local newspapers publicising the threat to species and inclusion in the Royal Botanical the species and the support of local conservation Gardens seed bank. groups in the reintroduction program; • monitoring and stand maintenance activities by three Reintroductions Field Naturalist Clubs; • Continue the reintroduction program in western • widespread interest by Landcare groups in plantings Victoria in areas of former distribution using on private land; and known provenance seedlings. Sites should have • interpretative displays at the Royal Melbourne conservation of flora and fauna as the primary Zoological Gardens. management objective and should not It is intended that there will be: compromise the integrity of remnant populations. • discussions and modifications of public water Reintroductions should not be restricted to public frontage grazing licences; land-private landowners are to be encouraged to • consultations with landowners regarding assist. Private land sites should be protected by management of the species on private land; and conservation covenants to ensure their long-term • further assistance from interest groups in seed viability. Suitable locations in eastern Victoria collecting and stand maintenance activities. should also be investigated for reintroductions as additional security for extant sites. Implementation, Evaluation and Review • Aim to establish self-perpetuating populations of CNR Staff in the Ballarat, Bairnsdale, Bendigo, Central the Hairy Anchor Plant in at least five areas by Gippsland and Orbost regional offices will coordinate the 1996 to ensure genetic viability and variability and implementation of action proposals and evaluate their prevent accidental loss of species through effectiveness in achieving conservation aims. The action statement will be reviewed in June 1997.

4 Contacts Management Flora and Fauna Guarantee Officers in the Ballarat, Bendigo, Bairnsdale, Orbost and Central Gippsland regional offices of CNR. Simon Cropper, National Parks & Public Lands, CNR. Biology N.H. Scarlett, K.F. Hall and R.F. Parsons, Botany Department, La Trobe University. Flora Section, Flora and Fauna Branch, CNR.

5 Compile•r References References RobertMansergh, K. Humphries I.M. (1984) • Beauglehole, A.C. (1980) Victorian Vascular Plant Checklists. 13 Study Areas and 24 Grid Distributions. Western Victoria Field Naturalists Association, Portland. Further information • Briggs, J.D. & Leigh, J.H. (1988) Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. Special Publication Further information can be No. 14. Aust. Nat. Parks & Wildlife Service, Canberra. obtained from Department • CFL (1989a) Proposed Management Plan Alpine National Park, Cobberas-Tingaringy Unit. of Sustainability and Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, Victoria. Environment Customer • CFL (1989b) Proposed Management Plan Alpine National Park, Wonnangatta-Moroka Unit. Service Centre on 136 186. Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, Victoria. • Coates, F. (1991) Discaria pubescens Flora Recovery Plan: Research Phase. Prepared for Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Program. Flora and Fauna Department of Parks, Wildlife and Heritage. Hobart, Tasmania, Guarantee Action • DSE (2002) Flora Information System (Electronic Flora Database). Parks, Flora & Statements are available Fauna, Department of Sustainability & Environment, East Melbourne. from the Department of • Gullan, P.K., Cheal, D.C. & Walsh, N.G. (1990) Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria Dept Sustainability and of Conservation and Environment, Melbourne. Environment website: • Hall, K.F.M. & Parsons, R.F. (1987) Ecology of Discaria (Rhamnaceae) in Victoria. Proc. http://www.dse.vic.gov.au R. Soc. Vict. 99(3): 99-108. • Leigh, J., Boden, R. & Briggs, J. (1984) Extinct and Endangered Plants of Australia. Macmillan, South Melbourne. • Lunt, I.D.(1987) The Australian Anchor Plant (Discaria pubescens): Distribution and Status West of Melbourne. Vict. Nat. 104: 68-75. • Scientific Advisory Committee (1991) Final recommendation on nomination for listing; Discaria pubescens (Nomination No 42). Scientific Advisory Committee, Flora and Fauna Guarantee. Department of Conservation and Environment, Victoria. • Willis, J.H. (1955) The Australian Anchor Plant (Discaria pubescens). Its distribution and present status, an occurrence along Creswick Creek, Vic., and notes on the fruiting structure. Vict. Nat. 72: 51-55. • Willis, J.H. (I 972) A Handbook to Plants in Victoria Vol II. Dicotyledons. MUP, Carlton, Victoria.

Personal Communications Neville Scarlett, Botany Department, La Trobe University. Simon Cropper, National Parks & Public Land Division, CNR. Max James, Flora and Fauna Guarantee Officer, CNR, Traralgon.