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: Chiloglottis platyptera
Gazetted date:
15 Dec 2023
Profile last updated:
15 Dec 2023
Description
Barrington Tops Ant Orchid is a small orchid with a single pale green to reddish-brown flower about 1 cm across. The large petal of the flower is trowel-shaped, and covered with many small, shiny, black protrusions. The single flower grows on a stem up to 10 cm long, with two leaves at the base. It usually flowers from July to October.
Distribution
Found along the eastern edge of the New England Tablelands, from Ben Halls Gap to east of Tenterfield, and also in the Barrington Tops area.
Habitat and ecology
- Grows in moist areas in tall open eucalypt forest with a grassy understorey, and also around rainforest edges.
- It generally occurs in rich brown loam soils.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Grazing by domestic stock.
- Weed invasion, particularly by the introduced Broom.
- Feral pigs eating orchid tubers and degrading habitat.
- Isolated habitat fragments risk extinction, impede genetic variability, and reduce the abundance of insectivores needed to suppress numbers of leaf eating insects.
- Adverse impact of roadworks and timber harvesting operations.
- Feral deer trample and browse on plants and disturb habitat creating erosion.
- Feral deer, pigs, goats, and rabbits trample and browse plants and disturb habitat creating erosion.
Recovery strategies
Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological
community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified
9 priority actions
to help recover the Barrington Tops Ant Orchid in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Assist with the control of feral pigs in habitat areas.
- Protect known populations and habitat areas from grazing stock.
- Assist with the control of weeds in habitat areas.
- Protect moist eucalypt forest and rainforest from clearing or development.
Information sources
- Bishop, T. (2000) Field Guide to the Orchids of New South Wales and Victoria. (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
- Copeland, L.M. and Hunter, J.T. (1999) Range extensions and conservation status of 18 restricted plant species in north-eastern New South Wales. Cunninghamia 6(2): 395-401
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Management Plan.
- Jones, D.L. (1993) Chiloglottis. Pp 190-4 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 4. (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Threatened Species of the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes of NSW. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
- NSW Scientific Committee (2001) Chiloglottis platyptera (a terrestrial orchid) - Vulnerable species determination - final.
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