Population estimation of the parasitic herb 'Thesium australe' (Santalaceae) in Booroolong Nature Reserve, Northern Tablelands, NSW

Abstract

A survey of the population of the parasitic herb 'Thesium australe' R.Br. (family Santalaceae) in Booroolong Nature Reserve, northwest of Armidale, found it was restricted to an eastern facing lower slope on metasediments, within regenerating grassy woodland of 'Eucalyptus nova-anglica' H.Deane & Maiden (New England Peppermint) and a predominantly 'Themeda triandra' Forssk. (Kangaroo Grass) and 'Sorghum leiocladum' (Hack.) C.E.Hubb. (Native Sorghum) understorey. The population is in two clusters over a total area approximately 260 m long by 40 m wide and was estimated to be about 800 individuals at the time of survey (May 2014). Current threats include a maintenance trail, erosion of creek bank, stray cattle and sheep, rabbits and 'Rubus anglocandicans' A.Newton (Blackberry) invasion. It is recommended that further searches be conducted and that monitoring occur on a regular basis using the permanently marked sites and methodology used in this survey.