Shaggy-leaved coleus

Shaggy leaved coleus by Glenn Leiper
This table has 4 rows columns about scientific name, Queensland conservation status, Commonwealth conservation status and local species status.
Scientific name Coleus habrophyllus
Queensland conservation status Endangered
Commonwealth conservation status Endangered
Local species status Priority species for conservation

What does it look like?

Shaggy-leaved coleus is a woody, square-stemmed herb that grows up to 40 centimetres tall. The fleshy leaves are aromatic, very hairy and oval-shaped and grow up to 5 cm long. It has pale purple flowers on spikes that reach around 20 centimetres, usually seen from late winter through to summer.

Where does it live?

Shaggy-leaved coleus has a very limited distribution and is known from only a few locations in South East Queensland between Ipswich and Ormeau. On the Gold Coast, it is found in Yatala and Ormeau Hills.

Ecology & habitat

This small plant occurs on rocky outcrops in shaded/sheltered areas of eucalypt woodland, often near vine forest. On the Gold Coast, the species is known from southern facing slopes in open forest comprised of mixed stringybark and ironbark tree species.

How is its survival threatened?

  • Small distribution with most populations on land owned by quarry operators
  • Small population size
  • Competition with invasive weeds, particularly lantana (Lantana camara)
  • Habitat loss and disturbance from urban development
  • Inappropriate fire regimes, such as frequent burning of forest habitat

How can we help?

  • Protect populations and habitat located on private and public land
  • Manage existing populations and increase the number of individuals on Council land
  • Restore disturbed habitat areas and promote the establishment of new populations on Council land
  • Support landowners to improve management of populations located on private property

Image credit: Glenn Leiper

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