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.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Dendrobium melaleucaphilum
Gazetted date:
27 Oct 2000
Profile last updated:
11 Oct 2022
Description
An orchid which grows on other plants (sometimes on rocks), with stems spreading to drooping, thin and wiry in the basal half, succulent, swollen and square in cross section in the upper half, tapering towards the tip, rooting only at the base, 6 – 45 cm long, 7 – 9 mm in diameter, with 2 – 4 leaves at apex. Roots are smooth and creeping. Leaves spreading to erect, elliptic in shape, 4.5 – 9 cm long, 15 – 25 mm wide, folded flat together lengthwise, gradually tapering to a point, thin, and smooth. Inflorescences (groups of flowers) 0.7 – 4 cm long, comprising 2 – 8 flowers. Sepals and lateral petals green to deep dull yellow with reddish margins or other markings; dorsal sepal 38 – 60 mm long, 2 – 5 mm wide; labellum cream with reddish striations, 10 – 16 mm long, 7 – 9 mm wide. Column 2.5 – 4 mm long; column foot 6 – 10 mm long. Very similar to the closely related D. tetragonum which has dorsal sepal 19 – 30 mm long and labellum only up to 10 mm long.
Distribution
Occurs in coastal districts and nearby ranges, extending from Queensland to its southern distributional limit in the lower Blue Mountains. In NSW, it is currently known from seven recent collections. There has been no subsequent confirmation from the locations of three earlier (pre-1922) collections and it is possible that these are now extinct.
Habitat and ecology
- Grows frequently on Melaleuca styphelioides, less commonly on rainforest trees or on rocks in coastal districts.
- Flowers July–October.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Illegal collecting and damage arising from bark stripping of host Melaleuca trees.
- Repeated burning, clearing and draining have resulting in habitat alteration and degradation.
- Land clearing for agricultural and residential development including development of horticultural crops.
- Lantana, mistweed and camphor laurel occur within the site outcompeting the species for resources.
- Direct take by orchid collectors as it is a highly sought-after species.
- Climate change altering rainfall patterns to be less frequent but more intense.
- Lack of knowledge of population size and species distribution.
- Timber harvesting of other species on which it grows, e.g. Melaleuca styphelioides
- Grazing by domestic stock on private land and in state forests.
- Alteration to the natural flow regimes of melaleuca wetlands
- Direct loss of individuals due to frequent fires.
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
0 priority actions
to help recover the Spider orchid in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Establish and maintain ex-situ collection of seed and plants.
- Protect areas of known and potential habitat from fire.
- Protect areas of known and potential habitat from clearing and fragmentation.
- Maintain confidentiality of locations to minimise illegal collection.
Information sources
- Clements, M.A. (1989) Catalogue of Australian Orchidaceae. Australian Orchid Research 1: 1-160.
- NSW Scientific Committee (2000) Dendrobium melaleucaphilum (an epiphytic orchid) - Endangered species determination - final
- Weston, P.H. (1993) Dendrobium. In: Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales Volume 4. New South Wales University Press, Sydney.
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