Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Diuris praecox
Profile last updated:
12 Jan 2021
Description
A terrestrial herb with two or three linear leaves, 15 - 35 cm long, 3 - 5 mm wide, folded flat together lengthwise. Raceme 20 - 40 cm high, 6 - 10-flowered. Flowers nodding, yellow with a few dark brown markings at the base of the dorsal sepal and labellum, ca 2.5 cm across. Dorsal sepal narrow-ovate, 9 - 11 mm long, 4.5 - 6 mm wide, obliquely erect. Lateral sepals linear to lanceolate, 12 - 15 mm long, 1.5 - 2 mm wide, bent sharply downward, parallel. Petals obliquely erect, widely divergent, curved backwards; lamina narrow-elliptic to ovate, 8 - 12 mm long, 5 - 6 mm wide; claw 4 - 6 mm long, blackish. Labellum (median petal) 9 - 12 mm long; lateral lobes linear to more or less obovate, 3 - 4 mm long, 0.8 - 1.4 mm wide.
Distribution
Known from between Bateau Bay and Smiths Lake.
Habitat and ecology
- Grows on hills and slopes of near-coastal districts in open forests which have a grassy to fairly dense understorey.
- Exists as subterranean tubers most of the year. It produces leaves and flowering stems in winter.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss and fragmentation of habitat through clearing for urban development.
- Weed invasion.
- Uncontrolled track expansion.
- Impacts from recreational use.
- Maintenance of easement by utility providers. Slashing at wrong times of year and herbicide spraying.
- Lack of distributional knowledge in some regions.
- Risk of fires that are too frequent or too intense or not frequent enough inhibiting growth or reproduction.
Recovery strategies
A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click
here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click
here
Activities to assist this species
- Implement management actions at sites to address threats eg restrict public access.
- Prevent further loss and fragmentation of habitat.
Information sources
- Jones, D.L. (1991) New taxa of Australian Orchidaceae. Australian Orchid Research 2, 1-207.
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IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|
| NSW North Coast | Karuah Manning |
Known
| Within the Parish boundaries of Forster, Eurunderee, Fens, Tomaree, Stowell and Stockton |
| Sydney Basin | Hunter |
Predicted
| Newcastle LGA |
| Sydney Basin | Wyong |
Known
| Within the Parish boundaries of Newcastle, Kahibah, Wallarah, Tuggerah and Kincumber |