Sand Doubletail - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

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 arenaria

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 26 May 2000

Profile last updated: 12 Jan 2021

Description

Sand Doubletail is a small ground orchid. The light purple to mauve flowers appear between August and September and are 20-30 mm wide. There are usually two 15-50 cm long by 2-6 mm wide leaves that grow from the base of the plant.

Distribution

Sand Doubletail is known from the Tomaree Peninsula near Newcastle.

Habitat and ecology

This species occurs in coastal heath and dry grassy eucalypt forest on sandy flats.
Grows in gently undulating country in eucalypt forest with a grassy understorey on clay soil.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Risk of extinction due to small population size and restricted distribution.
Destruction, disturbance and fragmentation of heath and dry eucalypt forest habitat.
Reduce incidence of illegal dumping.
Accidental damage whilst maintaining the road verge, slashing and spraying of easements.
Risk of fires that are too frequent or too intense or not frequent enough inhibiting growth or reproduction.
Lantana, bitou bush and wildling pines compete for space and resources and the use of herbicide spray potentially damages plants in close proximity to control activities.
Potential disturbance/removal of populations due to road developments
Urban development causing fragmentation and destruction of habitat
Recreational activities causing accidental damage to the species (dirt bikes and bushwalkers).

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

Protect all known habitat from clearing or disturbance.
Report new records of Sand Doubletail to the DEC.
Survey in potential habitat.

Information sources

Bishop, T. (2000) Field Guide to the Orchids of New South Wales and Victoria. (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
Jones, D.L. (1999) Diuris arenaria (Orchidaceae), a vulnerable new species from New South Wales. The Orchadian 12: 12.
NSW Scientific Committee (2000) Diuris arenaria (a terrestrial orchid) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW North Coast	Karuah Manning	Known	Within Port Stephens LGA
Ocean	Hawkesbury Shelf	Known	None

Images

Flower, Sand Doubletail Image 1 of 5.
View slideshow.

Related information

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