Smooth Darling Pea Swainsona Galegifolia

Action Statement Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 No. 76 Smooth Darling Pea Swainsona galegifolia

Description and Distribution 1987). However, surveys in 1993 found that this Smooth Darling Pea Swainsona galegifolia (Andr.) population comprises four stands (about 10,000 R. Br. is a renascent perennial which varies from a plants over 20 ha) within a 2 km long, 65 ha compact plant to 60 cm high to a more robust area of forested habitat on land managed by the shrub to 2 m, with many trailing or erect stems. Albury Wodonga Development Corporation Plants emerge from rootstock every autumn, (AWDC). Less than 5% of this population flower and seed in late spring and early summer, overlaps into an adjoining road reserve and die back to the ground in late summer. The managed by the Wodonga Rural City Council rhizomatous nature of the rootstock appear to be (WRCC). The Indigo Creek population (10,000 the primary means of spread. plants, 30 ha) was discovered in late 1993 in a Leaves are pinnately divided, 5–12 cm long, and 72 ha Bushland Reserve. A population of about consist of 21–25 closely spaced leaflets. Leaflets 100 plants seen as recently as 1985 on a are characteristically notched at the tip. Flowers roadside in the Indigo Creek catchment, about 6 are 12–16 mm long and have the characteristic km to the south-west, is now extinct. pea-family shape. They occur in dense terminal The Felltimber Creek population, first racemes about 20 cm long, on a slender stalk and a documented by naturalist Bruce Kirkwood of glabrous calyx. Throughout the range of the Chiltern in 1984, occurs on steep (up to 35°), species, the flower colour varies from pink to heavily timbered, south-facing slopes. Grassy shades of mauve, and many shades of red to Dry Forest (NRE 1996) dominates this site. maroon or yellow (Cunningham et al. 1981). In Characteristic species include Red Stringybark Victoria, flowers are mostly coppery red. Fruits are (Eucalyptus macrorhyncha) and Red Box (E. hairless, leathery, bladder-like, lime-green pods. polyanthemos) on drier upper slopes, but Apple Over summer, pods on dry stems ripen and release Box (E. bridgesiana) and, to a lesser degree, up to 30 small (2–4 mm) brown seeds. Long-leaf Box (E. goniocalyx) are more The Smooth Darling Pea occurs in south-eastern prominent on lower slopes and in gullies. In the Queensland; throughout New South Wales in highly densely timbered, steeper slopes, Smooth variable habitats including River Red Gum Darling Pea is the dominant feature of the (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and Black Box (E. ground flora. The associated vegetation is largiflorens) communities; and in north-eastern restricted to Rock Fern (Cheilanthes Victoria (Cunningham et al. 1981, Scarlett 1987 & austrotenuifolia), low sparse grasses, including Harden 1991). There is an unconfirmed record for wallaby-grasses (Danthonia spp.), and various South Australia (Black 1963). herbs. In more open and disturbed sites, introduced grasses and broad-leaf weeds In Victoria the species is known only from two dominate and Smooth Darling Pea is less populations, in the Indigo Creek and Felltimber prominent. A second population in this vicinity Creek catchments, 12 and 8 km respectively west was reportedly destroyed by road works of Wodonga. In the 1980s only one small (Scarlett 1987). population of 100 plants was known, on 0.5 ha adjoining Felltimber Creek (CNR 1985, Scarlett The Indigo Creek population occurs on drier • increase the number of wild plants from 20,000 northerly aspects on hill tops, slopes and gullies to 25,000 by 2006. dominated by Granite Hill Woodlands (NRE 1996). Blakely's Red Gum (E. blakelyi) and Drooping Management Issues Sheoke (Allocasuarina verticillata) and, to a lesser Ecological Issues Specific to the Taxon degree, White Box (E. albens) and Lightwood (Acacia implexa) are prominent within this section of the Bushland Reserve. Flower production, pollination and production of quantities of viable seed appear to occur annually. Conservation Status The results of propagation trials suggest that Smooth Darling Pea, like other Fabaceae (Pea Current Status family) members, may be fire-adapted. That is, fire CNR (1994) Vulnerable in Victoria stimulates regeneration of soil-stored seed, and is SAC (1992) Threatened usually required to induce significant seed Smooth Darling Pea has been listed as a threatened germination events. The rootstock also probably taxon on Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna resprouts after fire. Guarantee Act 1988. Past clearing and alteration of the surrounding Reasons for Conservation Status land may have resulted in the remaining Victorian Although the Smooth Darling Pea was first populations now only occupying marginal habitat recorded in Victoria in 1980, it seems to have once (e.g. steep, heavily forested slopes) rather than the been widespread in the upper watershed of the more fertile river flats. Furthermore, these Indigo Creek and throughout Felltimber Creek relatively small remnants persist in a highly catchment. According to locals it was common fragmented environment, surrounded by large before World War 2, especially on tailing heaps left expanses of relatively cleared farming land and after mining (Scarlett 1987). subject to associated edge effects.

The initial decline of the species in Victoria is St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), another attributed to clearing and subsequent cultivation renascent perennial, is a dominant or codominant and grazing after European settlement of north- species in the more open, previously disturbed eastern Victoria in the mid 1800s. The use of aerial sections, particularly in the Felltimber Creek application of superphosphate on steep hill population. Although established plants appear country — the last stronghold of the species — able to withstand such competition, Smooth after World War 2 has been linked to the Darling Pea germination and seedling recruitment subsequent decline of Smooth Darling Pea in the may be inhibited. Indigo Creek and Felltimber Creek catchments Where the plants occur together, St. John's Wort (Coyle pers. comm.). Competition from improved tends to intertwine with stems of Smooth Darling pasture species, the associated increase in Pea, making conventional weed control difficult. domestic and feral grazing pressure, and added However, inaction could lead to a decline in competition from weeds has significantly reduced Smooth Darling Pea in the more open sections of the distribution and abundance of the species in habitat. Victoria. Three biological control agents for St. John's Wort Although the AWDC land has been recommended are present in the area, although they appear to to be transferred to crown land, no formal have had little influence on its distribution and agreement exists regarding its conservation and abundance. Chrysomela beetles (C. hyperici and C. the land still subject to grazing. quadrigema) were first released in the district in Threats to the species include competition from the 1940s but provide only minor suppression of weeds, grazing, soil erosion, and compaction and growth in the more open areas and are virtually associated trail formation by domestic stock and absent in heavily forested sites. A gall midge other animals. (Zeuxidiplosis giardi) released in the 1950s is even less significant. The most promising agent is the Major Conservation Objectives French Mite (Aculus hyperici), which reputedly The major conservation objectives are to: exerts a significant impact in shaded areas such as those present in the Smooth Darling Pea habitat. • protect all populations of Smooth Darling Pea from threatening processes and encourage Competition from other weed species — Spear natural regeneration and expansion; . Thistle (Cirsium vulgare), Cat's Ear (Hypochoeris • re-establish the species in former habitats radicata), Toowoomba Canary-grass (Phalaris where the factors responsible for its decline are aquatica) and a host of annual grasses including no longer present; and . Large Quaking-grass (Briza maxima), Yorkshire Fog

2 (Holcus lanatus) and Wild Oat (Avena fatua) — also including the regionally significant Sand Goanna threaten the long-term viability of Smooth Darling (Varanus gouldii). Controlling St. John's Wort will Pea in more disturbed areas, particularly roadsides. promote the regeneration and re-establishment of less competitive native ground flora and provide Road widening and maintenance works threaten habitat for dependent ground fauna, including roadside habitat, particularly that below the level Burton's Snake-lizard (Lialis burtonis), which is also of the road formation, by clearing or smothering regionally significant. plants, disturbing associated native vegetation, and helping the spread of weeds. Protecting and signposting roadside habitat will promote greater community awareness of roadside The extent to which domestic stock graze Smooth conservation. Darling Pea appears to depend on factors such as seasonal influences, stocking intensity, and Social and Economic Issues amount and quality of alternative feed. Allen Achieving the conservation objectives will have few (1949) notes that in south-western Queensland it is adverse social and economic effects, and some often well-grazed. Everist (1974) refers to stock positive social outcomes are expected. developing a craving for the plant, however, Cunningham et al (1981) state that it is not readily Protection of roadside habitat is compatible with grazed. Scarlett (1987) cites a report from a farmer objectives of the local municipality and will in north-eastern Victoria indicating that Smooth enhance the roadside landscape. Increased Darling Pea would reshoot after being grazed by visitation may result in wildflower collection sheep but eventually died out under cattle grazing. pressure, although this is likely to be restricted to the roadside stand and not the vast majority of the The Felltimber Creek habitat is grazed periodically population which is difficult to access. However, by up to 70 Merino wethers. However, the relatively illegal collection may be minimised by signposting poor feed-value of the area, local observations that and public education. stock tend to avoid Smooth Darling Pea (Coyle pers. comm.), and the comparatively low stocking Improved community awareness and participation regime suggest that current grazing regimes have in threatened species monitoring management is little direct impact on the species. However, expected due to the close proximity of a roadside indirect effects of soil compaction and associated occurrence of the species to a large rural centre. weed spread by stock are considerable on steeper Opportunity costs associated with forgone stock slopes. grazing of the Felltimber Creek population are Eastern Grey Kangaroos (Macropus giganteus), likely to be low, since the carrying capacity of the utilise Smooth Darling Pea habitat, but their impact land is low. Conversely, there is evidence for a on the pea is not known. A mob of about 40 potential economic benefit from preventing periodically uses the Felltimber Creek area (Coyle domestic stock from grazing Smooth Darling Pea. pers. comm.). Whittet (1958) and Everist (1974) refer to stock becoming 'pea-struck' or 'loco', a disease in sheep, In recent years the number of Rabbits (Oryctolagus cattle and horses which have developed a craving cuniculus) appears to have been low, and they have for the plant to the point of addiction. Everist therefore had little impact on the pea. However, in (1974) notes that Smooth Darling Pea is quite 1983 rabbit grazing was reported to have had a nutritious, but that the pea-struck state results in a significant effect on a small, now extinct, loss of condition and alertness and stock become population in Indigo Creek (Scarlett 1987). unsteady and clumsy. According to Cunningham et Illegal trail bike riding within the road and al. (1981), the pea is poisonous to stock. The adjoining creek reserve is a recent threat, causing AWDC and current lessees support measures to trail formation, disturbance to native vegetation, protect the species. and the spread of weeds in the vicinity of Smooth Species of Swainsona, and Smooth Darling Pea Darling Peas. specifically, have a moderate horticultural and Wider Conservation Issues nursery trade potential and have been used successfully as garden ornamentals. The Achieving the conservation objectives will help propagation of the Victorian colour form can be protect steep, erosion prone, forested land that is achieved without adversely affecting the species' acknowledged by the Land Conservation Council conservation, and would contribute positively to (LCC 1986) to be important for land protection and the maintenance of its gene pool, allowing the re- landscape enhancement within the immediate establishment or replenishment of wild stands in vicinity of Albury–Wodonga. It will also help the event of a local extinction or decline. protect remnant Grassy Dry Forest and Granite Hill Woodlands vegetation that provides habitat and a movement corridor for a range of wildlife,

3 Previous Management Action The Indigo Creek catchment population discovered In 1985, La Trobe University submitted locality in 1993. Liaison commenced with Indigo Valley information and informed the LCC of the Landcare Group (IVLG) and a St. John's Wort significance of the species. In recognition of the control program initiated at this site. Propagation species significance the Department of trials were successfully undertaken between 1994 Conservation, Forests and Lands (CFL) enlisted the and 1996, and tubestock seedlings were made cooperation of the AWDC to exclude domestic available to IVLG members. stock from a 0.25 ha section of the population A study (incorporating Felltimber Creek site) of St. (approximately half the known area at that time) John's Wort in remnant forest has commenced. The adjoining the road reserve, through the erection of National Botanic Gardens (ACT) has been given a a stock-proof fence. Anecdotal evidence suggests permit for Smooth Darling Pea collection tor there has been a slight increase in the cover– taxonomic studies and flower colour coding. abundance of the species both inside and outside the exclosure since that time. On-site inspections have been undertaken with the local municipality regarding roadside site The LCC's Final Recommendations for the North protection. The AWDC, LCC and NRE have Eastern Area (Benalla – Upper Murray Review), discussed the delineation of key conservation published in 1986, included all the Smooth Darling zones from 'Revegetation' land originally Pea habitat and associated steep sloping forested recommended by the LCC to be transferred to land acquired by the AWDC in a 'Revegetation' public land status. Two parcels (81 and 134.5 ha category (i.e. land that was to become public respectively) supporting Felltimber Creek owned and to be managed by CFL). populations have been included in parcels In 1989, Road-widening works by the Rural City of delineated. Wodonga smothered roadside Smooth Darling Pea Intended Management Actions and result in weed spread. This area was outside the species' then known distribution. As well as the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, North East Region (NRE), The Department of Conservation and Environment responsibility for implementing the management (DCE) undertook a detailed flora survey of the area actions rests with the following organisations, known to support Smooth Darling Pea in 1990. A which have been consulted in the development of survey of the roadside at Long Gully failed to find the actions: any specimens. The department also liaised with the AWDC to re-affirmed its recognition of the The following organisations are prepared to assist site's significance, and to determine the current in implementing the actions: land tenure and lease arrangements, and • Albury–Wodonga Development Corporation determined past and present species distribution (AWDC) information and grazing management details • Roadside Conservation Advisory Committee through discussions with the lessee. Thistles were (RCAC) removed in recently disturbed sections of roadside habitat, and St John's Wort was hand-pulled the • Wodonga Rural City Council (WRCC) 0.25 ha stock exclosure and south of the road by • Albury–Wodonga Field Naturalist Club prisoners involved in the Victorian Prison (AWFNC). Industries Commission scheme. This precluded • Indigo Valley Landcare Group Inc. (IVLG) . seeding for that season but resulted in only a • La Trobe University — Wodonga Campus (LTU). short-term reduction in the abundance of these weeds. • North East Field Naturalists Inc. — Botany Group (NEFN) .. Further surveys in 1991 expanded the known • Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne (RBGM) distribution and abundance of the species from 0.5 ha supporting 100 plants to two main stands of 15 • Society for Growing Australian Plants — Albury ha with over 9000 plants. Combined botanical Wodonga Chapter (SGAP) surveys were undertaken with the Botany Group of Monitoring the North East Field Naturalist Inc. (NEFN). In 1992 NRE, NEFN, AWFNC, IVLG another two stands totalling 5 ha were discovered more than 1 km east of the main stands. French 1. Monitor populations annually and enter the Mite were released to control of St. John's Wort results onto the Victorian Rare or Threatened near the roadside stand. Moderate populations of Plant Population (VROTPop) database. the Chrysomela beetle, a biological control agent Establish permanent photo points and for St. John's Wort, were found. corresponding flora survey quadrats in each main stands, and map the distribution and abundance of key species.

4 Survey factors are no longer operating or can be NRE, NEFN, AWFNC, IVLG remedied.

2. Undertake surveys to ascertain the presence 8. Re-introduce Smooth Darling Pea into and abundance of Smooth Darling Pea in identified high priority sites. potential habitat in forested remnants within Liaison 10 km of the existing populations. NRE, community groups Land Transfer 9. Maintain liaison with community groups and NRE, AWDC, lessee adjoining landholders, encourage their 3. Facilitate the transfer of the two recommended participation in conservation works, Landcare land parcels supporting the Felltimber Creek activities, and promote the Land For Wildlife populations to NRE, to be managed for nature scheme. conservation. Other Desirable Management Actions Management Planning/Domestic Stock Management Ecological Burn NRE, AWDC, lessee NRE, LTU

4. Prepare a management plan to protect the 10. Undertake a small-scale controlled burn to natural features of the two land parcels when investigate the response of Smooth Darling they have been transferred to NRE. Maintain Pea (regrowth from existing plants and seed existing domestic stock grazing regimes until germination) to fire. If results indicate the land transfer is completed. Investigate, if benefits, delineate possible future ecological applicable, interim grazing arrangements burn prescriptions. beyond the transfer date, including delineation of areas where grazing would be permitted. Legislative Powers Operating

Pest Plants and Animals Legislation NRE, IVLG Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 — provides for the integrated management and 5. Assess the status and, where required, protection of catchments; participation of the establish viable populations of the French Mite community and a system of controls for noxious throughout the known distribution of Smooth weeds and pest animals. Darling Pea. Monitor weeds and rabbits and implement control programs when required. Conservation Forests and Lands Act 1987 — provides for the management of public land under the Act, the coordination of legislation Significant Roadside Area (SRA) Sign administered by NRE and for the preparation of codes of practice. NRE, RCAC, WRCC Country Fire Authority Act 1958 — provides for 6. Negotiate a Significant Roadside Area sign fire protection and suppression in country areas agreement delineating cooperative planning of and requires that authorities take practical steps road and roadside reserve works, including the for the prevention of fires. erection of SRA signs at the Felltimber Creek site. Consider formalising this a Public Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 — provides for Authority Management Agreement under the reserving areas as public land and for making a Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988). specific reservation status for existing public land.

Planting Fences Act 1968 — provides guidelines for the control, maintenance and repair of dividing fences NRE, IVLG, SGAP, NEFN, AWFNC for landholders. 7. Establish clear guidelines, consistent with Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 — provides prescriptions being developed by NRE, for the for the protection of flora and fauna in Victoria collection, recording of provenance, through a range of mechanisms including controls propagation, and re-introduction of Smooth over the handling or protected flora and listed fish. Darling Pea. One prerequisite for re- introductions will be the identification of the Forests Act 1978 — provides for the management factors that have caused the species' decline at of forests, and includes controls over the taking of each site and an assurance that these or other forest produce.

5 Local Government Act 1958 — provides for local CNR (1994) Victorian Flora Species List. council by-laws and conservation regulations (e.g. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Victoria. permit requirement for land clearing). Cunningham, G.M., Mulham, W.E., Milthorpe, P.L. Planning and Environment Act 1987 — provides and Leigh, J.H. (1981) Plants of Western New for land use controls and possible follow-up to South Wales. NSW Government Printer: Sydney. Interim Conservation Order controls, and the Everist, S.L. (1974) Poisonous Plants of Australia. establishment of covenants with local landholders Angus & Robertson: Sydney. and local governments. Gullan, P.K., Cheal, D.C. and Walsh, N.G. (1990) Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria. Licence/Permit Conditions Department of Conservation & Environment: Permits to collect Smooth Darling Pea will be East Melbourne. issued only for activities which are in accordance Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1991) Flora of New South Wales with the conservation objectives and prescribed (Vol 2). NSW University Press: Kensington, NSW. intended management actions. Land Conservation Council (1986) Final Recommendations, Benalla – Upper Murray Consultation and Community Participation Area (Review). VGPO: Melbourne. The following agencies and community groups SAC (1992) Final recommendation on a nomination have and will continue to be involved in the for listing: Smooth Darling Pea Swainsona conservation of Smooth Darling Pea: AWDC, WRCC, galegifolia (Nomination No. 236). Scientific RCAC, IVLG, NEFN, AWFNC, SGAP, Friends of Advisory Committee, Flora and Fauna Chiltern Park Inc. Local landholders and the Guaranteee. Department of Conservation and Environment: East Melbourne. general public, through media awareness campaigns, will also be involved in this process. Scarlett, N.H. (1987) Swainsona galegifolia. In Register of Rare or Endangered Native Plants in The North-East Catchment and Land Protection Victoria. Department of Botany, La Trobe Board will be kept informed of progress with the University: Bundoora, Victoria. implementation of this Action Statement. Whittet, J.N. (1958) The Farmer's Handbook Series: Weeds. NSW Department of Agriculture: Implementation, Evaluation and Review Sydney. This Action Statement sets out the program to protect and enhance Smooth Darling Pea habitat Compiled by Glen Johnson, Department of over the next 10 years. The Regional Manager, NRE Sustainability and Environment. North East Region, will be responsible for coordinating its implementation and annual Further information can be obtained from review. Department of Sustainability and Environment Customer Service Centre on 136 186. Contacts Flora and Fauna Guarantee Action Statements are Management available from the Department of Sustainability and Environment website: http://www.dse.vic.gov.au Flora and Fauna Coordinator, NRE Wodonga Chief Ranger, NRE Murray Parks Management Area This Action Statement was first published in 1997 Flora and Fauna Branch, NRE Melbourne and remains current. This version has been prepared for web publication. It retains the original Biology text of the action statement, although contact information, the distribution map and the illustration Neville Scarlett, Botany Department, La Trobe may have been updated. University Bob Parsons, Botany Department, La Trobe © The State of Victoria, Department of University Sustainability and Environment, 2004 Flora and Fauna Coordinator, NRE Wodonga Published by the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria. 8 Nicholson Street, References East Melbourne, Allen, G.H. (1949) Notes on the Plants of South- Victoria 3002 Australia Western Queensland. Mimeo. This publication may be of assistance to you but the Black, J.M. (1963) Flora of South Australia, Part II State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee (2nd edn). SA Government Printer: Adelaide. that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and CNR (1985) Report on preserving rare species. therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or Department of Conservation and Natural other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Resources, Wodonga, Victoria (unpubl.).

ISSN 1448-9902