Pale Yellow 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 flavescens

Conservation status in NSW: Critically Endangered

Commonwealth status: Critically Endangered

Gazetted date: 19 Dec 2008

Profile last updated: 13 Nov 2024

Description

A ground orchid belonging to the Doubletail, or Donkey Orchid, group, it is a small herb with two leaves to 17 cm long, at the base of the plant. In spring the plant produces a 20 cm flowering stem with up to six flowers. The mustard-yellow and brown flowers overlap vertically and are about 16 mm across. They have the typical yellow ‘donkey ear’ sepals bent back at the top, and narrow, darker sepals crossed below the flower forming the ‘doubletail’. An upper sepal projects over the flower like a veranda and has two brown markings, while the lower tongue-like petal has a slight ridged fold down its centre.

Distribution

Known only from the Wingham-Tinonee - Burrell Creek area, incl. Kiwarrak State Forest; on the mid north coast of New South Wales. Endemic to this area.

Habitat and ecology

Grows in grassy tall eucalypt forest with Kangaroo Grass and Bladey Grass on brown clay soil.
Flowers September to October.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

NSW North Coast

Threats

Illegal removal of plants by orchid enthusiasts.
Use of herbicides near known populations.
Mowing of habitat during the flowering season.
Clearing for rural residential development
Ongoing disturbance due to various activities by cemetery staff and visitors.
Regrowth of eucalypts and other flora encroaching on and colonising open areas of suitable habitat.
Infestation by invasive exotic grasses and other weeds.
Disturbance due to grazing by cattle, particularly during the flowering period.
Current or potential future land management practices do not support conservation.
Disturbance due to lessee activities on site.

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

Appreciate viewing and photographing native orchids but leave them in the wild.
Avoid mowing over the plants during the flowering season (spring).
Be careful in the use of herbicides near the known population, and consideralternatives where available.
Notify the OEH of any new occurrences of Pale Yellow Doubletail.
Ensure appropriate assessment prior to development and protect any populations found

Information sources

Bishop, T. (2000) Field Guide to the Orchids of New South Wales and Victoria. (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1993) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 4. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Lower North Coast of New South Wales. (NSW NPWS, Hurstville)
NSW Scientific Committee (1998) Diuris flavescens (a terrestrial orchid) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.