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: Genoplesium vernale
Gazetted date:
05 Oct 2001
Profile last updated:
14 Apr 2022
Description
The East Lynne Midge Orchid has 10 to 25 flowers densely crowded onto a spike less than 4 cm long, on a thin round stem less than 25 cm tall. Individual flowers are approximately 4 mm across and are dark purplish-black, with two prominent petals pointing downwards. A flowering stem thus has a resemblance to a cluster of midge-like insects clinging to the top of the stem, hence the common name 'Midge Orchid' for this group of plants. Flowers appear from mid November to late December. Plants often produce a thin round erect non-flowering stem that resembles a seedling spring onion. Non-flowering plants can not be distinguished from other species in the genus Genoplesium. Although the flowering and non-flowering stems are often referred to as 'leaves', technically the true leaf is reduced to a small bract-like structure that is attached near the upper part of the plant's stem. Genoplesium is a genus of relatively inconspicuous ground orchids with clustered spikes of dark-coloured flowers that are non-resupinate (i.e. they are ‘upside down’ relative to most other orchids) and have a single flat, not tubular, leaf. This leaf distinguishes them from the very similar genus Prasophyllum, the leek orchids, their closest relatives.
Distribution
The East Lynne Midge Orchid is currently known from only a narrow belt, approximately 12 km wide, of predominantly Dry Sclerophyll Forest from north Moruya to 24 km north of Ulladulla. The species occurs primarily on National Park and Forests Corporation NSW estate.
Habitat and ecology
- The East Lynne Midge Orchid grows in dry sclerophyll woodland and forest extending from close to the coast to the adjoining coastal ranges.
- Confined to areas with well-drained shallow soils of low fertility, often occurring near the crests of ridges and on low rises where the ground cover is more open and sedge dominated rather then being shrubby.
- Each plant produces a single leaf-like stem that emerges from an underground tuber. The orchid stems can appear from late October and take only a few weeks to produce flowers. Many stems that emerge do not produce flowers.
- The species generally flowers between early November and mid December. The fruit then take several weeks to ripen.
- The old fruiting stems (as well as non fruiting stems) then persist until late winter, at which time they wither and the plant dies back to a small, dormant underground tuber.
- Has some limited ability to re-colonise previously disturbed sites.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Too frequent burning is likely to be a threat to the species.
- Works associated with maintaining or upgrading roads and fire trails could impact on adjoining populations of the orchid if not undertaken with care.
- Although the broad distribution of the East Lynne midge orchid is fairly well known, within its range there are likely to be many small populations that have not yet been recorded because access into some potential habitat is difficult. Further survey is particularly warranted in the Little Forest Plateau area because the species was not known from that disjunct northern site when most of the survey work was done in 2001.
- Works associated with the maintenance and upgrading of telecommunication and power utility facilities and infrastructure could adversely impact on known populations.
- In 2016 trail bike riders created a new track in Mogo State Forest that runs through a known population. Track construction and usage has destroyed many orchids and many plant marker pegs were removed from within a permanent orchid monitoring plot.
- The ecology of this species is now relatively well known and lack of knowledge is no longer considered a threat.
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
9 priority actions
to help recover the East Lynne Midge Orchid in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Protect known populations from changes to land use.
- Do not undertake road works that may affect populations.
- Follow terms within the Integrated Forestry Operations Approval for the Southern Region for this species.
- Mark sites and potential habitat onto maps used for planning (e.g. road works, rehabilitation and recovery).
- Search for new populations in potential habitat; surveys should be conducted in good flowering seasons in suitable habitat.
Information sources
- Jones, D.L. (2001) Six new species and a new combination in Genoplesium (Orchidaceae) from Eastern Australia. The Orchadian Vol. 13 (7), 293-307.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) East Lynne Midge Orchid (Genoplesium vernale) Recovery Plan. NSW NPWS, Hurstville NSW.
- NSW Scientific Committee (2001) Genoplesium vernale (a terrestrial orchid) - Vulnerable species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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