Cunningham's jute
This table has 4 rows about scientific name, Queensland conservation status, Commonwealth conservation status and local species status.
| Scientific name |
Corchorus cunninghamii |
| Queensland conservation status |
Endangered |
| Commonwealth conservation status |
Endangered |
| Local species status |
Priority species for conservation |
What does it look like?
Cunningham’s jute is a small semi-herbaceous shrub that grows up to 1.5 metres. Leaves are 5 to 15 centimetres long with finely serrated margins, tapering to a point at the tip. Small, attractive bright yellow flowers are mainly produced during summer and autumn. This is followed by dark brown to black narrow capsules around 3.5 centimetres long that contain up to 90 individual seeds.
Where does it live?
Cunningham’s jute occurs from the Richmond River in North Eastern New South Wales to the Brisbane River in South East Queensland. On the Gold Coast, it has been recorded in Ormeau and Wongawallan.
Ecology & habitat
Cunningham’s jute inhabits in the transition area (ecotone) of wet and dry eucalypt forest and subtropical rainforest, or in sheltered areas in dry eucalypt forest (for example, in and around the edges of rock outcrops). It is often found on exposed, south-east facing exposed slopes and ridges of hilly to steep terrain at altitudes from 140 to 350 m.
It is a short-lived species (3 to 4 years) and reproduces only by seed. Seeds are mainly spread by gravity. Periodic intense fire and physical disturbance to soil appears to facilitate seed germination, but adequate soil moisture conditions following fire are needed for seedling survival and growth.
How is its survival threatened?
- Small area of distribution with important populations on private property
- Short-lived species with very low genetic variation
- Moderate intensity burns required for seed germination
- Competition with invasive weeds
How can we help?
- Protect all existing populations located on Council land
- Restore degraded habitat on Council land and promote seed germination during suitable environmental conditions
- Support improved management of population located on private land
Image credit: Glenn Leiper