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: Sarcochilus weinthalii
Profile last updated:
22 Nov 2018
Description
The Blotched Sarcochilus is an orchid that grows on rainforest trees, either projecting or partly hanging from the trunks. It has fleshy aerial roots and short stems with several thin leathery leaves. The flowering stems are pendulous, or hanging, up to 7 cm long with 3 to 12 flowers. Each flower is 15 mm across, cream to greenish with purple to reddish blotches. The fruit is a yellow-green, elongated ribbed capsule up to 6cm in length.
Distribution
The coastal and sub-coastal ranges predominantly north from the Richmond River in north-east NSW, to south of Gympie in Queensland. May occur as far south as Dorrigo National Park.
Habitat and ecology
- Rainforest, wet schlerophyll, dry rainforest and drier scrubs, often in isolated patches, from 300 to 900 m in altitude.
- Can occur on Basalt-capped plateaus, shelves and escarpments.
- In dry rainforest habitats may occur as a twig epiphyte and has been recorded growing on rocks.
- Depend on mycorrhizal fungi for the early stages of seed germination and development.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Illegal collection particularly in areas where the species is accessible
- Inappropriate fire regimes (too severe, too intense, at the wrong time of year, or in the wrong area) including risk from uncontrolled fires due lightning strikes and prescribed burning. The species is sensitive to fire but favours drier gullies where fire risk is high.
- Risk of extinction due to low numbers and limited habitat.
- Loss of rainforest habitat for agriculture and development.
- Private native forestry operations and land clearing (e.g. fences, paddocks and infrastructure) degrading and removing habitat for the species
- Insufficient understanding species distribution
- Climate change resulting in changes to habitat structure and ecological processes on which the species relies.
- Lack of knowledge of the ecological requirements of the species.
- Habitat degradation by weed invasion which changes species diversity, soil chemistry and moisture, increases fire risk and promotes bell miner associated dieback.
- Lack of knowledge about the species vulnerability to climate change impacts (including extended drought, sporadic rainfall, increased fire intensity and frequency) reducing soil moisture for plants and germination of seedlings. The species restricted distribution may further exacerbate these impacts.
- Lack of knowledge about pollinator requirements of the species, and the role of pollinators in the species population size, health and recruitment, particularly for those populations farther from core habitat areas (i.e. near Queensland)
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
1 priority actions
to help recover the Blotched Sarcochilus in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Observe and photograph orchids but never pick or collect them.
- Buy plants only from licensed nurseries.
- Protect rainforest and dry scrub edges from fire.
- Protect areas of suitable rainforest and dry scrub from clearing or logging.
- Undertake research into ecology and reproduction requirements.
- Expand and connect remaining remnants of habitat.
- Undertake survey to confirm distribution of the species and identify population locations.
- Monitor sale of the species to ensure there is no unauthorised trade in wild stock.
Information sources
- Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1993) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 4. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
- Jones, D.L. (2006) A complete guide to native orchids of Australia including the island territories. (Reed New Holland, Frenchs Forest NSW.)
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
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