Acacia leptoneura was previously only known from a specimen collected by James Drummond during his revered botanical career from 1837 to 1848, but has now been rediscovered north of Dowerin.

The other species, Acacia torticarpa, was previously known from only a small handful of collections made by Charles Gardner during the period 1945-49, but has been rediscovered just north of Cunderdin.

Department of Environment and Conservation Yilgarn district flora conservation officer Joel Collins made the rare finds.

“I am really excited to have come across these species through my ongoing survey work in the Wheatbelt,” Mr Collins said.

“The discoveries highlight the need for continuing surveys of poorly known flora species.

“There are many road reserves that have not been thoroughly surveyed, with many more populations waiting to be discovered.”

The Acacia leptoneura find is only one plant on a mostly cleared road reserve north of Dowerin.

The plant grows to 60cm high and spreads to 2.2m.

“I discovered the plant from the cab of my vehicle, as it had a distinctive spreading habit that is similar to another rare acacia, so I stopped to take a closer look,” Mr Collins said.

“Due to the extreme rarity of this species, an on-site meeting with the Dowerin Shire was arranged.

“The shire was supportive of the protection of the species and would like to see more populations discovered in the area.”

The population of Acacia torticarpa consists of 120 plants and was found just north of Cunderdin.

Both species are currently ranked or in the process of being ranked priority one, described as species that are known from one or a few threatened populations.

Such species are under consideration for declaration as rare flora, but are in urgent need of further survey.

Staff from the Yilgarn District will undertake surveys to locate additional populations.

Seed collection is also planned.