Pink Nodding Orchid - 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: Geodorum densiflorum

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 13 Jul 2001

Profile last updated: 04 Apr 2023

Description

Ground orchid that flowers in December and January and is dormant (the plant is not visible above the ground) during winter. It has three to five leaves that are 15 – 35 cm long, 4 – 8 cm wide and marked by three prominent ribs. The flowering stem is 15 – 30 cm long and has 8 – 20 white to deep-pink flowers.

Distribution

Widespread in many locations north of Corindi on the north coast and lowlands, including Yuraygir National Park, Bundalung National Park, and between Byron Bay and the Tweed Valley. The species also occurs in Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Habitat and ecology

Dry eucalypt forest, coastal swamp forest, and coastal dune shrublands at lower altitudes, often on sand.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Clearing and fragmentation of habitat for urban development.
Invasion of habitat by introduced weeds such as lantana, bitou bush, and ground asparagus.
Trampling by bushwalkers and fishers.
Illegal collection of orchids.
High frequency fire
Disturbance from forestry operations (e.g. logging and roading)
Monitoring is required to assess the species population trends over time

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Support local Landcare, Coastcare and bush regeneration groups.
Stay on established walking tracks to avoid trampling plants.
View and photograph orchids but leave them in the wild.
Prevent ornamental plants and weeds from escaping from gardens into native bushland.
Protect areas of coastal eucalypt and swamp forest from clearing or development.
Report new records of Pink Nodding Orchid to the DPE.

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 (2001) Geodorum densiflorum (a terrestrial orchid) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

NSW North Coast	Yuraygir	Known	None
Ocean	Tweed-Moreton	Known	None
Other State	QLD	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Sandstones	Known	North of the Gwydir Highway
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Known	None

Images

Flowers, Pink Nodding Orchid Image 1 of 5.
View slideshow.

Related information

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