Angle-stemmed myrtle
This table has 3 columns about scientific name, Queensland conservation status and local species status.
| Scientific name |
Gossia gonoclada |
| Queensland conservation status |
Critically endangered |
| Local species status |
Priority species for conservation |
What does it look like?
The angle-stemmed myrtle is a small to medium-sized tree, growing between 3 and 18 metres tall with a dense canopy of glossy, deep green foliage. The new leaves have a pink flush and the bark is pale red brown in colour and is either flaky or scaly. Often multi-stemmed because of its suckering nature, it can have a shrub like appearance. The branchlets are distinctly 4-angled, hence its name. The leaves are highly aromatic when crushed. Its white flowers can be seen from October to November. The fruits are a blue-black globular berry 7 to 10 millimetres in diameter, ripening from mid-January to February.
Where does it live?
The angle-stemmed myrtle was believed to be restricted to the Brisbane and Logan regions until new populations were recently discovered in the northern parts of the Gold Coast. Only 10 individual plants have been located across 4 sites within the natural areas we manage in Wongawallan and Maudsland.
Ecology & habitat
The angle-stemmed myrtle occurs in dry rainforest, with its preferred habitat along permanent tidal watercourses. It usually grows below the peak flood level, on steep slopes and at low elevations of 5 to 50 metres. It occurs on moderately well-drained clay soils, sandy loams and alluvial soils.
The flowers are likely to be pollinated by native bees. As the seeds are located within a sweet, soft and fleshy fruit, it is suspected that they are dispersed by animals, particularly birds and bats. The species reproduces both from seed and stem suckers following damage to the main stem (vegetatively). It is not known at what age or size the tree reaches maturity.
How is its survival threatened?
- Past clearing of dry rainforest for agriculture causing fragmented and isolated remaining populations
- Restricted distribution and small, isolated populations
- Low genetic diversity and risk of reduced genetic fitness
- Highly susceptible to myrtle rust (fungal disease) that impacts plant health and ability to reproduce
- Plants generally do not flower at the same time and fruit often does not ripen successfully on the tree, further limiting reproductive output
- Suffers from competition with invasive weeds, is prone to flood damage and can be harmed or destroyed by fire
How can we help?
- Improve knowledge of the species’ distribution through targeted surveys
- Protect existing populations and habitat areas
- Restore previously cleared and/or degraded habitat areas to promote the expansion of existing populations and the establishment of new populations
- Support improved conservation and management of the species on Council land
- Improve community (landowner) knowledge and appreciation for the species
Image credit: Glenn Leiper