Hibbertia mathinnicola
Hibbertia mathinnicola
Description
Hibbertia mathinnicola is a small, upright shrub about 0.3–0.6 meters tall. It has several dense stems and a strong taproot. Leaves grow close together on the branches and are dark green when fresh. The plant has short petioles and small leaf blades (about 10–15 mm long). Flowers are solitary and sit directly on the stems, with paired bracts. Sepals are light green with occasional purple-brown patches and are about 4.5–6.5 mm long. The petals are bright yellow and fall off easily.
Taxonomy
Hibbertia mathinnicola was first described in 2021 by Mark Wapstra, based on specimens collected in the Scamander Forest Reserve in 1983. The name mathinnicola means “Mathinna dweller,” referring to the Mathinna Subgroup in northern Tasmania where the plant is found. The accepted scientific name is Hibbertia mathinnicola.
Habitat and distribution
This species is native to the Northeast region of Tasmania and has a very limited distribution. It mainly grows in dry sclerophyll forests, on ridges and nearby slopes in the Mathinna Subgroup. It lives at elevations of about 110–375 meters. The known range covers roughly 95 square kilometers, with an actual area of occupancy around 0.43 square kilometers. There are an estimated 15,000 plants in total within its habitat.
Threats and conservation
Hibbertia mathinnicola is found only on public lands in the Hinterlands area, with some populations in reserves. Much of its habitat lies in areas designated for forestry, which raises concerns for the species’ future. It is also at risk from trampling and from competition with other plants and weeds.
References
Key sources describe Hibbertia mathinnicola as a new Tasmanian endemic species described in 2021 (Wapstra, Swainsona) and include Institutional databases such as Plants of the World Online and APNI for taxonomic records. Local information notes the association with Future Potential Production Forest lands in Tasmania.
This page was last edited on 1 February 2026, at 19:15 (CET).