A rare and critically endangered shrub, Asterolasia rupestris subsp. recurva, has been found thriving on a private property near Armidale — the only known place in the world where it grows.

Landholders Stephen Walkden-Brown and Yvonne Langenberg discovered the bright-yellow flowering plant on their 200-hectare property after a visit from the Armidale Plant Society in 2020.

A survey by botanist Lachlan Copeland in 2021 identified 115 plants, and recent monitoring has revealed more than 600 seedlings, offering hope for the species’ recovery.

The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) is working with the couple to monitor and protect the population, highlighting the vital role private landholders play in biodiversity conservation.

Image credit: ABC New England North West: Brigitte Murphy

Read the full story by Brigitte Murphy for ABC New England here.