Dark Greenhood - 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: Pterostylis nigricans

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 30 Aug 2018

Description

The Dark Greenhood is a small autumn-flowering ground orchid that grows from a tuber. A rosette of about seven leaves is produced at ground level, and a separate flowering stem grows to 35 cm tall, with three to five leaves and two to six small flowers about 3 cm apart. The flower parts are fused into a hood-like structure, which gives this orchid group its common name of greenhood. In this species, the hood is olive-green with white stripes at the base, while the upper parts are chocolate-brown.

Distribution

The Dark Greenhood occurs in north-east NSW north from Evans Head, and in Queensland.

Habitat and ecology

Coastal heathland with Heath Banksia (Banksia ericifolia), and lower-growing heath with lichen-encrusted and relatively undisturbed soil surfaces, on sandy soils.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

South Eastern Queensland

Threats

Loss of habitat for coastal development and agriculture.
Invasion of habitat by introduced weeds.
Damage to habitat by human visitation.
Pollution by run-off from urban areas.
Potential for disturbance from road/track maintenance activities
Potential for fire during flowering period to disrupt reproduction.
Limited understanding of the species distribution and abundance across its geographic range.

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 4 priority actions to help recover the Dark Greenhood in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Support local Landcare groups and bush regeneration teams.
Stay on established walking and vehicle tracks in heath to avoid damage to plants.
Protect coastal heath adjoining urban areas from pollution.
Prevent ornamental plants and weeds from escaping from gardens into native heath.
Control of introduced weeds in coastal heath areas.
Protect areas of suitable habitat from destruction or disturbance.

Information sources

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

South Eastern Queensland	Burringbar-Conondale Ranges	Known	Within 10 km of coast
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Predicted	Within 10 km of coast
South Eastern Queensland	Sunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands	Predicted	Within 10 km of coast
South Eastern Queensland	Woodenbong	Known	None

Related information

NSW Flora Online - Pterostylis nigricans

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