Coochin Hills grevillea

Using genetic analysis to help the Coochin Hills grevillea

The Coochin Hills grevillea only grows on 2 peaks in the Glasshouse Mountains. Its small population and narrow distribution make the plant vulnerable to threats that increase its risk of exinction.

Fast facts

Common name:  Coochin Hills grevillea
Scientific name: Grevillea hodgei Olde & Marriott
Family: Proteaceae
Status: Critically endangered
Habitat: mid-upper slopes in shrubby woodland

Species overview

The Coochin Hills grevillea is a native shrub that only occurs naturally in the Glass House Mountains, Queensland.

The species grows on Kabi Kabi Country in a very narrow range in the Beerwah area in South East Queensland. The population is restricted to two peaks in the Glasshouse Mountains, no more than 800m apart. One subpopulation is protected within the Glasshouse Mountains National Park, and the other occurs on the adjacent Rupari Hill.

This species was formally described in 1994 by Peter M Olde and Neil R Marriott from specimens that Marriott collected near the Coochin Hills in the Glasshouse Mountains. The plant’s scientific name (Grevillea hodgei) honours Mervyn William Hodge, renowned for his grevillea knowledge and for being the driving force behind the Horticultural Guide to Australian Plants.

Since the 1970s, grevilleas have become a common species to plant in gardens and parks and are commonly used in revegetation projects. Unfortunately, closely related grevillea species from outside South East Queensland have been planted as part of revegetation projects. It is suspected that they are crossbreeding with the Coochin Hills grevillea, which may be contributing to its decline.

Ecology

The Coochin Hills grevillea flowers year-round, with most flowers in March and October. Its creamy yellow flowers attract birds and other wildlife, which are believed to play a crucial role in pollinating the species.

The Coochin Hills grevillea thrives in full-sun or part-shade, in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils in open forests and woodlands. It has adapted to survive in nutrient-poor soils and harsh climatic conditions.

This species requires disturbance (such as fire) to regenerate. However, if fires are too frequent, the seedlings do not reach maturity or produce sufficient seed to replace the adult plants, and the population declines. Infrequent fires may also contribute to the plant’s decline as the population ages without regenerating.