Senecio Megaglossus Large-Flower Groundsel

PLANT Senecio megaglossus Large-flower Groundsel

AUS SA AMLR Endemism Life History 1986, 1992; Jessop and Toelken 1986; Leigh and Briggs 1992).4 V E E State Perennial Found on slopes of all aspects and grows in variable Family COMPOSITAE soils of yellow-red-grey-brown coloured loams (sometimes with layers of pebbles) and clay loams of pH 6.5-9. Scattered rocks and outcrops occur at several sites (Davies 1986,1992; Leigh and Briggs 1992).4

Associated vegetation communities include tall open- shrubland dominated by Pittosporum phylliraeoides, Heterodendrum oleaefolium, Cassinia laevis, Eremophila longifolia, Acacia calamifolia and Bursaria spinosa; and Callitris columellaris and Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodland and open-woodland with a very sparse shrub layer (Davies 1986, 1992; Leigh and Briggs 1992).4

Within the AMLR the preferred broad vegetation groups are Shrubland, Grassland and Grassy Woodland.3

Within the AMLR the species’ degree of habitat specialisation is classified as ‘Moderate-Low’.3 Photo: © Peter Lang Biology and Ecology Conservation Significance Flowers from late July to November (Davies 1986; Endemic to SA. The AMLR distribution is peripheral to Jessop and Toelken 1986; Leigh and Briggs 1992).4 the majority of the distribution in adjacent regions. Within the AMLR the species’ relative area of Aboriginal Significance occupancy is classified as ‘Extremely Restricted’.3 Post-1983 records indicate the entire AMLR distribution occurs in north-east Peramangk Nation.3 Description Glaucous, long-lived shrub, growing to 1 m high, with Threats bright yellow flower-heads (Jessop and Toelken 1986; Threats include limited regeneration due to weed Leigh and Briggs 1992).4 competition and grazing preventing establishment of seedlings, and general habitat disturbance.2 Distribution and Population In SA occurs in FR, EP, NL and MU regions.1 Somewhat Additional current direct threats have been identified peripheral to the AMLR, occurring on the north and rated for this species. Refer to the main plan eastern edge of the region. Largely confined to the accompanying these profiles. Southern Flinders Ranges and northern MLR. In 1986, one population of 43 plants was known, but in the ensuing nine years a further 32 populations, containing more than 1900 plants, were located (Davies 1986, 1995b).2,4

Pre- and post-1983 AMLR filtered records exist north of Edtham in the far north-east of the region.3

Habitat Largely confined to rocky creek banks and gorge/valley slopes, though has been recorded from a creek bed, in drainage lines, on the edge of an erosion gully, in "sandhills" and in "arid hills" (Davies

Further information: Biodiversity Conservation Unit, Adelaide Region Phone: (61 8) 8336 0901 Fax: (61 8) 8336 0999 http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/  Department for Environment and Heritage FIS 90346 May 2008 Prepared as part of the Regional Recovery Plan for Threatened Species and Ecological Communities of Adelaide and the Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia 2009 - 2014

Regional Distribution

Map based on filtered post-1983 records.3 Note, this map does not necessarily represent the actual species’ distribution within the AMLR.

References Note: In some cases original reference sources are not included in this list, however they can be obtained from the reference from which the information has been sourced (the reference cited in superscript).

1 Barker, W. R., Barker, R. M., Jessop, J. P. and Vonow, H. P., eds. (2005). Census of South Australian Vascular Plants, 5th Edition. Botanic Gardens of Adelaide & State Herbarium, Adelaide.

2 Davies, R. J.-P. (1986). Threatened Plant Species of the Mount Lofty Ranges and Kangaroo Island Regions of South Australia. Conservation Council of South Australia Inc., Adelaide.

3 Department for Environment and Heritage (2007). Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Regional Recovery Pilot Project Database. Unpublished data extracted and edited from BDBSA, SA Herbarium (July 2007) and other sources.

4 Department of the Environment and Water Resources (2007). Senecio megaglossus in Species Profile and Threats Database. Department of the Environment and Water Resources, Canberra. Available from http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat (accessed June 2007).