Yarra Ranges Council and Cardinia Shire, along with environmental community volunteers have worked together since 2010 to increase knowledge of species distribution and biology, and to advocate for the protection and conservation of White Star-bush.
In October 2022, the Australian Federal Government (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) listed White Star-bush as critically endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999. This is the highest protective status in the country and acknowledges the likelihood of possible extinction without conservation protection measures. It is also listed as critically endangered in Victoria under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
White Star-bush (Asterolasia asteriscophora subsp. albiflora) is a slender upright shrub growing to 1.5 metres with obovate to circular leaves that are covered with stellate hairs, particularly rusty coloured on the under surface. It is distinguished by their vibrant star-shaped white flowers during spring.
Endemic to Victoria, and only growing in small clusters within this region, it appears to grow in specific areas within shrubby foothill forest. The continual loss and degradation of suitable habitat from vegetation clearance, inappropriate fire regimes and weeds highlights the threat and significance of this species. It's growth is restricted to the Dandenong Ranges, predominantly in the Emerald, Selby and Monbulk area. Several locations also exist in The Patch, Kallista, Menzies Creek and Belgrave South.
The advocacy to list this species for federal protection after the diligent work by our passionate community is a great testament, and will greatly serve to improve the health of White Star-bush and our biodiversity.
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