NSW Scientific Committee - final determination
The Scientific Committee has found that:
1. The crimson spider orchid Caladenia concolor was first described in 1882 by Fitzgerald, and occurs on the south western slopes of NSW, with a record from last century from the southern tablelands.
2. The leaf of Caladenia concolor is up to 15 cm by 1.3 cm and is sparsely hairy. The flower stem is to 25 cm tall and dark purplish red in colour bearing 1 or 2 large flowers. The flowers are also purple/red with sepals and petals 4.5 cm long, and a purple labellum with curving marginal teeth to 3 mm long. C. concolor flowers in October to November and grows in sclerophyll forest on clay loams or gravelly soils.
3. The species is currently known from 3 populations in the vicinity of Cootamundra, Lake Burrinjuck and Albury. The species was recorded from the Tumbarumba area in 1899 but has not been collected there since. A total of only 131 plants are known.
4. None of the known populations are in a reserve.
5. The species is threatened by clearing, stock grazing, weeds, rabbits, rubbish dumping and arson.
6. In view of 3, 4 & 5 above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that the species is likely to become extinct in nature in NSW unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival cease to operate.
Associate Professor Paul Adam
Deputy Chairperson
Scientific Committee
Gazetted: 18/7/97