NSW Scientific Committee - final determination
The Scientific Committee has found that:
1. Melaleuca tamariscina subsp. irbyana (R. Baker) Barlow (Family Myrtaceae) is described in Harden 1991 (Flora of New South Wales Vol 2) as: a shrub or small tree to 8 m high with spongy, papery bark. Leaves alternate, appressed, elliptic to ovate, 2-3 mm long on short lateral shoots, 3-5 mm long on main shoots, 1-1.5 mm wide, apex acute to acuminate, glabrous; sessile. Inflorescences few- to many-flowered spikes 1-2.5 cm long; rachis sparsely hairy. Flowers mostly in threes within each bract, white to cream. Petals more or less circular, c. 1.5 mm long. Stamens 6-12 per bundle; claw 2.5-4 mm long. Fruit nearly globose, 3.5-4 mm diam., orifice 1-2 mm diam.; sepals more or less persistent. Flowers spring-summer.
2. It is known from north-eastern New South Wales and south-east Queensland. In New South Wales, the species is currently known from nine locations from south of Grafton to Casino. It is found in open eucalypt forest on poorly drained areas.
3. It is thought that there are less than 3000 plants with most of these confined to three populations. None of the known locations occur within a conservation reserve.
4. Melaleuca tamariscina subsp. irbyana is threatened by clearing, grazing, roadworks (including grading and slashing) and weed invasion.
5. In view of 2, 3 and 4, the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Melaleuca tamariscina subsp. irbyana is likely to become extinct in nature in New South Wales unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate.
Proposed Gazettal date: 23/7/99
Exhibition period: 23/7/99 - 27/8/99