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: Diuris praecox
Profile last updated:
12 Jan 2021
Description
A terrestrial herb with two or three linear leaves, 15 - 35 cm long, 3 - 5 mm wide, folded flat together lengthwise. Raceme 20 - 40 cm high, 6 - 10-flowered. Flowers nodding, yellow with a few dark brown markings at the base of the dorsal sepal and labellum, ca 2.5 cm across. Dorsal sepal narrow-ovate, 9 - 11 mm long, 4.5 - 6 mm wide, obliquely erect. Lateral sepals linear to lanceolate, 12 - 15 mm long, 1.5 - 2 mm wide, bent sharply downward, parallel. Petals obliquely erect, widely divergent, curved backwards; lamina narrow-elliptic to ovate, 8 - 12 mm long, 5 - 6 mm wide; claw 4 - 6 mm long, blackish. Labellum (median petal) 9 - 12 mm long; lateral lobes linear to more or less obovate, 3 - 4 mm long, 0.8 - 1.4 mm wide.
Distribution
Known from between Bateau Bay and Smiths Lake.
Habitat and ecology
- Grows on hills and slopes of near-coastal districts in open forests which have a grassy to fairly dense understorey.
- Exists as subterranean tubers most of the year. It produces leaves and flowering stems in winter.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss and fragmentation of habitat through clearing for urban development.
- Weed invasion.
- Uncontrolled track expansion.
- Impacts from recreational use.
- Maintenance of easement by utility providers. Slashing at wrong times of year and herbicide spraying.
- Lack of distributional knowledge in some regions.
- Risk of fires that are too frequent or too intense or not frequent enough inhibiting growth or reproduction.
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
12 priority actions
to help recover the Rough Doubletail in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Implement management actions at sites to address threats eg restrict public access.
- Prevent further loss and fragmentation of habitat.
Information sources
- Jones, D.L. (1991) New taxa of Australian Orchidaceae. Australian Orchid Research 2, 1-207.
|
IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|
| NSW North Coast | Karuah Manning |
Known
| Within the Parish boundaries of Forster, Eurunderee, Fens, Tomaree, Stowell and Stockton |
| Sydney Basin | Hunter |
Predicted
| Newcastle LGA |
| Sydney Basin | Wyong |
Known
| Within the Parish boundaries of Newcastle, Kahibah, Wallarah, Tuggerah and Kincumber |