Grevillea caleyi (Toothbrush Grevillea)

Grevillea caleyi is one of the rarest plants in Australia. It exists only in small areas of Terrey Hills/Belrose and Duffys Forest in Sydney. 85% of its habitat has been lost. It is restricted to a 6 km radius around Terrey Hills. There are approximately 20 sites in which the Grevillea caleyi is found. It grows only on ridgetops in ironstone soils. Grevillea caleyi is a threatened species which is classified as endangered because of its very restricted distribution and the effects of land clearing and urban expansion.

Most of its natural habitat in the Sydney region has been destroyed by urban spread. It now only survives in small pockets where once it had continuous habitat.

The main threats nowadays are land clearing, weed infestation of growing sites, dumping of rubbish, destruction of habitat by vehicles, people on foot, horse riders and frequent fires.

If the Grevillea caleyi is lost, the animals that feed on its nectar and seeds will suffer and the bushland habitat will become severely degraded.

The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife funded efforts to reduce the impact of future bushfires, tackle weed invasion, reduce physical disturbance, increase community awareness and involvement and expand propagation and seed storage.

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