NSW Scientific Committee - final determination
The Scientific Committee has found that:
1. Micromyrtus minutiflora (F. Muell.) Benth. (family Myrtaceae) is described, by Wilson, P. G. (2002) in Harden, G. (ed). Flora of New South Wales. UNSW Press. Vol. 2. 2nd edition p. 216 as: "Slender spreading shrub to 2 m high. Leaves oblong to ovate, 1-4 mm long, 0.5-1 mm wide, margins ciliate. Flowers solitary on a peduncle to 0.5 mm long, sometimes forming small terminal clusters; bracteoles c. 0.5 mm long, semipersistent. Hypanthium narrow-obconical, 1 mm long, with 5 ribs that branch below sepals. Sepals <0.5 mm long, membranous. Petals elliptic, c. 1 mm long, white. Stamens 5, to 0.5 mm long. Fruit only slightly enlarged from flower."
2. The species is a NSW endemic restricted to Tertiary sediments in western Sydney between Richmond and Penrith.
3. The total number of individuals is estimated to be as low as 1800. Only a single population of fewer than 50 individuals is known to occur within a conservation reserve (Castlereagh Nature Reserve).
4. The existing populations are highly fragmented due to clearing for agricultural and urban development and are threatened by further clearing, frequent fire and habitat degradation. Various activities are contributing to habitat degradation including illegal rubbish dumping, weed invasion, arson, grazing and trail bike riding.
In view of the above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Micromyrtus minutiflora (F. Muell.) Benth. 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: 20/12/02
Exhibition period: 20/12/02 - 07/02/03