Oaklands Diuris - 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 sp. (Oaklands, D.L. Jones 5380)

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 09 Feb 2001

Profile last updated: 13 Nov 2024

Description

Diuris is a large genus of terrestrial orchids, which are commonly called 'donkey orchids'. Oaklands Diuris is related to the Victorian species D. fragrantissima but differs from it in a number of characteristics: it is much more robust and has larger leaves; the flower-stem is to 50 cm tall, compared to 20 cm; there are up to nine flowers per flower-stem, compared to six; the flowers are slightly fragrant compared to being intensely fragrant with a strong spicy scent. It also has longer lateral sepals and a larger column. Unlike many species in the genus, which are yellow (often in combination with purple) in colour, the flowers of Oaklands Diuris are white and purple.

Distribution

Currently known only from the Oaklands-Urana region of southern NSW.

Habitat and ecology

Grows in White Cypress Pine (Callitris glaucophylla) Woodland, either among dense grasses in flat areas with associated eucalypts, or amongst sparse grasses and forbs on low sandhills.
Grows mostly on sandy loam soils.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Invasive weeds such as wild oats are outcompeting the species.
Dense cypress pine regeneration is likely to be impacting this species.
The species is susceptible to extinction via stochastic processes due to its small known population size.
Grazing by domestic stock may limit reproduction in this species and damage habitat.
The garden escapee Gazania is impacting this species at some sites.
Browsing by rabbits and/or hares is likely to be impacting this species.
Grazing by kangaroos may be impacting on this species.

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

Inform local government about populations on roadsides to ensure that plants are considered when roadworks and weed spraying activities are planned
Inform private land owners about the occurrence of this species on their land.
Ensure that this species is considered in all planning matters on land that contains or may contain populations
Erect roadside protection signs where appropriate
Monitor grazing pressure at known sites and if determined to be impacting on the species, alter grazing regimes.

Information sources

Bishop, T. (2000) Field Guide to the Orchids of New South Wales and Victoria. (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
NSW Scientific Committee (2001) Diuris sp. (an orchid) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.