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 byronensis
Gazetted date:
07 Jul 2000
Profile last updated:
24 Jun 2019
Description
Byron Bay Diuris is one of the donkey orchids. It grows from a tuber, and no parts are visible above ground during the summer and autumn. In late winter a single stem and two grass-like leaves emerge. Stems grow to 35 cm tall, with up to seven flowers per stem. Each flower is about 18 mm across, and lemon or golden yellow with brown markings. Two petal-like structures stand erect, like ears, two others are narrow and directed downwards, and the central tongue is broad and lobed.
Distribution
This orchid is known from a single location only, at Byron Bay in north-east NSW. Only about 20 plants have been recorded.
Habitat and ecology
- Occurs in low-growing grassy heath on clay soil.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Risk of extinction because population and area of habitat is small.
- Loss of habitat for urban development.
- Weed infestation, particularly of garden escapes.
- Inappropriate fire regimes: hot, late spring–summer fires promote flowering, while cool, winter–early spring fires do not, and may damage plants in active growth.
- Very little is known about the species' ecology, distribution and potential threats.
- Pollution by run-off from urban areas.
- Illegal removal of plants by collectors.
- Damage to habitat by human visitation.
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
- Stay on established walking trails, rehabilitate unnecessary tracks and control erosion.
- View and photograph native orchids but leave them in the wild.
- Maintain natural fire regime of hot late spring to summer fires every 7-30 years.
- Minimise pollutant run-off from development and roads.
- Prevent ornamental plants and weeds from escaping from gardens into native heaths, and remove weeds already present.
- Protect areas of suitable habitat from destruction or disturbance.
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 Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
- NSW Scientific Committee (2000) Diuris sp. aff. chrysantha (an orchid) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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