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.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Diuris venosa
Profile last updated:
24 Jul 2019
Description
A ground orchid belonging to the Donkey Orchid group, the Veined Doubletail is a small colonial herb. It has three to five slender upright leaves to 12 cm long at the base of the plant. In summer the plant produces a flowering stem to 40 cm with up to four compact, nodding flowers. The white and deep red to purple flowers are about 25 mm across. They have two white sepals (petal-like structures) shaped like cow's ears at either side. An upper sepal, marked with purple lines and blotches, projects forward like a veranda over the flower, while the lower tongue-like petal is mainly purple, with white markings around the edge and on its central ridge.
Distribution
Veined Doubletail is widespread in sub-alpine areas on Barrington Tops and known from Nowendoc and Brackendale, and possibly extends to southern parts of the New England Tableland.
Habitat and ecology
- Veined Doubletail grows in moist tussock grassland or open shrubland around the margins of subalpine swamps.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Overgrazing/disturbance from feral horses.
- Invasion of habitat by introduced weeds, particularly scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) and ox-eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare).
- Feral pigs eating the underground orchid tubers.
- Degradation of habitat resulting from trampling by hikers.
- Poor knowledge of the species' full area of occupancy and population size.
- Potential for species' reproduction to be interrupted by insensitive mowing/slashing regimes.
- Potential for native vegetation regrowth to outcompete the species for space and impede recruitment.
- Degradation of habitat by recreational 4WD vehicles driving off designated tracks.
- Potential for loss of habitat and individuals due to road and track works.
- Invasion of habitat by the introduced ox-eye daisy.
- Illegal removal of plants by collectors.
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 trampling potential habitat by keeping to designated tracks and trails
- Help control pigs in areas of potential habitat.
- Assist in control and removal of English Broom from high altitude swamps.
Information sources
- Bishop, T. (2000) Field Guide to the Orchids of New South Wales and Victoria. (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Lower North Coast of New South Wales. (NSW NPWS, Hurstville)
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