Assessment Notes

Justification

This species has not been reported for over a century, despite having being searched for. However, there are records of Melanoleuca species which it has not yet been possible to identify to species level. It is therefore assessed as Data Deficient.

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Geographic range

This species is only known from two collections at two nearby sites (within 5-10 km): Beaumont and Mount Lofty ranges in South Australia.

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Population and Trends

The two records from South Australia date from 1917. The fungus has not been reported from South Australia for over a century, despite having being searched for. However, there are records of Melanoleuca species which it has not yet been possible to identify to species level.

Population Trend: Unknown

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Habitat and Ecology

It was collected in open dry woodland with a grass understory.

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Threats

The site at Mount Lofty is protected, but it is heavily used for recreation. The second nearby site, at Beaumont, is largely urbanised. Both sites have been visited regularly by mycologists as they were known to be Cleland’s main collecting sites.

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Conservation Actions

Continued observation at the sites is recommended. Identification of the Melanoleuca specimens not currently identified to species level is needed.

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Use and Trade

The species is not utilized.

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Source and Citation

Leonard, P.L. 2019. Melanoleuca clelandii. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T154530249A154530264. Accessed on 23 November 2025.

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• Country occurrence