Bay River, a localised community of P. fragilis was found. It is amongst a group of vegetation communities including the Western Wet Scrub and the Eucalyptus nitida Wet Forest. The Patersonia fragilis, however, is in the Wet Heathlands. In this community of flora, it is dominated by the Swamp Heath Sprengelia incarnata that is surviving despite the dry ground. This plant grows to a maximum of 1.5 metres in height and is often surrounded by empty ground where there is a common absence of large shrubs and trees. P. fragilis is amongst other species of plants in wet heathland, and though the diversity of associated species is limited, the community commonly consist of the Leptocarpus tenax, Selaginella uglinosa, Melaleuca squamea and Xyris sp. Use in horticulture Patersonia fragilis can be propagated from seed but requires a constantly damp soil similar to its natural habitat. It can survive with either full or light sunshade and can only tolerate dry conditions for less than a week. Conservation The wet vegetation communities of the Patersonia fragilis may be subject to the plant pathogens of Phytophthora cinnamomic and Myrtle wilt, both naturally occurring in the wetland regions of South Australia. In areas receiving above 600mm of rainfall per annum, the roots of the Patersonia fragilis may be invaded by the Phytophthora that is a soil borne fungal pathogen. It starves the plant of essential nutrients and water, and this fungus can navigate naturally through the soil to affect an entire healthy community of plants. The spread of the Phytophtora through conducive soil can be transported for long distances by animals and humans where construction machinery or vehicles have passed. Additionally, if the habitat of the Patersonia fragilis is situated close to a deforested site, there is a chance for Myrlte wilt infection to the plant. Commonly caused by the naturally occurring wind born fungi known as Chalara australis, the Patersonia fragilis can be infected if it possesses any open wounds in its stem. This allows the fungus to enter the plant and attack the system by multiplying its spores inside the damaged plant. References fragilis Flora of the Australian Capital Territory Flora of New South Wales Flora of Queensland Flora of South Australia Flora of Tasmania Flora of Victoria (Australia) Asparagales of Australia Plants described in 1805 Taxa named by Jacques Labillardière