Grevillea brachystylis subsp. grandis explained

Grevillea brachystylis grandis, commonly known as large-flowered short-styled grevillea, is a subspecies of Grevillea brachystylis.[1]

Description

G. brachystylis grandis typically grows to a height of 0.3to, has non-glaucous branchlets and simple leaves 70to long and 2to wide. It produces irregular red inflorescence from August to September.

Distribution

The shrub is endemic to a small area along the west coast of the South West region of Western Australia. It grows among medium to high trees and shrubland in loamy or sandy soils. It occupies an area of approximately 10km2 in an area in the Whicher Range[2] south of Busselton mainly in areas infested with Watsonia meriana var. bulbillifera and Juncus microcephalus.[1]

Conservation

The subspecies is only found in six fragmented locations, road reserves between areas cleared for agriculture. It species is listed as Critically Endangered in Western Australia in 2002.[2] [3] In 2005 the estimated population following surveys was 176 plants.[2]

Translocation program

1000 seeds were collected from existing populations between 2009 and 2012. A total of 92 seedlings in 2012 and 172 in 2013 were planted at a secure site within a nature reserve close to the existing populations. The translocation worked well with 97 to 99% of the plants surviving after the first two years, 95% of them flowering and 80% bearing fruit.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Large-flowered short-styled grevillea (Grevillea brachystylis subsp. grandis) Interim Recovery Plan 2011 - 2016. 2011. 22 July 2016. Australian Government.
  2. Web site: Grevillea brachystylis subsp. grandis — Large-flowered Short-styled Grevillea. 23 July 2016. Species Profile and Threats Database. Department of the Environment.
  3. Web site: Large-flowered Short-styled Grevillea - National Recovery Plan. 2011. 23 July 2016. Department of Environment and Conservation.
  4. Web site: Recovery of critically endangered shrub through translocation. 23 July 2016. 9 January 2014. Department of Parks and Wildlife.