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: Pterostylis saxicola
Gazetted date:
31 Oct 1997
Profile last updated:
26 Oct 2020
Description
A ground orchid with reddish brown and green translucent flowers on a slender stem to 35 cm tall. Plants have 5 - 8 rosette leaves (to 2.5 cm x 1.1 cm), and 2 - 4 closely sheathing stem leaves. Was previously regarded as a form of Pterostylis gibbosa but is now recognised as a distinct taxon. Features that distinguish it from P. gibbosa include: transparent flowers with a dark red-brown shiny lateral sepal; decurved lateral sepals with incurved free points; and broad obovate, dark red-brown labellum (middle petal) which is broadly grooved centrally and with a very large basal lobe.
Distribution
Restricted to western Sydney between Freemans Reach in the north and Picton in the south. There are very few known populations and they are all very small and isolated. Two populations occur within a conservation reserve (Georges River National Park; Scheyville NP).
Habitat and ecology
- Most commonly found growing in small pockets of shallow soil in depressions on sandstone rock shelves above cliff lines. The vegetation communities above the shelves where Pterostylis saxicola occurs are sclerophyll forest or woodland on shale/sandstone transition soils or shale soils.
- All species of Pterostylis are deciduous and die back to fleshy, rounded underground tuberoids. The time of emergence and withering has not been recorded for this species, however flowering occurs from October to December and may vary due to climatic conditions. The above ground parts of the plant whither and die following seed dispersal and the plant persists as a tuberoid until the next year.
- Typically occurs as scattered individuals or in small groups.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Habitat loss due to clearing for development.
- Grazing.
- Unauthorised collection.
- Weed invasion.
- Inappropriate fire regimes.
- Given extremely small population size and restricted distribution, susceptible to local extinction due to environmental and demographic stochasticity and catastrophic events.
- Local residents dumping rubbish / garden waste in or near areas where the species occurs.
- Areas where the species occurs have been slashed or maintained.
- Trampling from general activity of school students walking through the site.
- Unauthorised access; trail bike riding creating surplus of trails and tracks
- Lack of distributional information to ensure protection and best practice management.
- Need to understand the viability of seed and the relationship with symbiotic fungi. Need to collect seed from all known populations for storage at Mt Annan Botanical Gardens.
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
- Where developments or activities are planned in potential habitat, targeted survey should be conducted at an appropriate time of year and appropriate protection measures should be implemented if the species is present.
- Introduce measures to prevent habitat degradation related to unrestricted access to habitat.
- Undertake appropriate weed control activities when necessary.
- Protect known habitat areas from clearing and disturbance.
- Effective management of this species will require greater understanding of the role of fire in population persistence.
- Survey and monitor known populations to gain greater insight into the current status of the species.
Information sources
- Fairley, A. and Moore, P. (2000) Native plants of the Sydney district: an identification guide. 2nd Edition. (Kangaroo Press, East Roseville)
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