Spiked sour-bush

Scientific name: Choretrum spicatum ssp. spicatum  

National status (EPBC Act 1999): Endangered

South Australian status: (NPW Act 1972): Rare

Description:

Erect semi-parasitic shrub to 1.5 m high with rigid and woody longitudinally ridged pale green to yellow branches. Tiny scale-like Leaves. Flowers white, clustered towards ends of the stems and along branches. Flowering between August and December.

Distribution:

Endemic to the western end of Kangaroo Island. Grows mainly in heath on sandy laterite soils.

Specific threats:

Threats to Choretrum spicatum ssp. spicatum include habitat loss and disturbance, inappropriate fire regimes (lack of fire or too frequent fires), soil-borne disease (Phytophthora  cinnamomi), weed invasion from Tasmanian blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) wildlings and climate change.