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 superbum
Gazetted date:
25 Nov 2005
Profile last updated:
13 Nov 2024
Description
The Superb Midge Orchid has flower spikes to 6 cm long, with 4-18 flowers on each spike. Individual flowers have dark pinkish-purple labellum and sepals of orange to purple, with pinkish-mauve cilia (hairs) on the sepal. They are approximately 12 mm across although sometimes larger. Flowers appear late February-March, generally in response to reasonable spring/summer rains. 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 Superb Midge Orchid is restricted to the Central and Southern Tablelands of NSW where it has been recorded from 2 locations near Nerriga, c. 20 km apart, and north of Wallerawang. Some plants occur in Morton National Park.
Habitat and ecology
- The Superb Midge Orchid occurs predominantly in wet heathland on shallow soils above a sandstone cap but has also been found in open woodland interspersed with heath and dry open shrubby woodland.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- This species is threatened by environmental and demographic stochasticity due to its small population size and limited distribution.
- Damage by roadworks, vehicular access, habitat degradation and illegal collection associated with its proximity to roadsides.
- Southern populations are located near a recent, large, and expanding infestation of ox-eye daisy. In the absence of control, this orchid species is likely to be affected by interspecific competition with this invasive ox-eye daisy in the coming years.
- Grazing of suitable habitat, including loss of flowering specimens prior to seedset.
- Lack of genetic diversity and long-term viability due to small population sizes.
- Little is known about the pollinator of this species.
- Damage and predation on the species by native herbivores.
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
- Protect populations near roads from accidental damage using barriers
- Population habitat should not be subject to planned fire more than once in any 8 year period, and not within 8 years of any unplanned fire.
Information sources
- Jones, D.L. (1993) Genoplesium. In Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 4 (New South Wales University Press: Sydney).
- NSW Scientific Committee (2005) Genoplesium superbum - endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
- NSW Scientific Committee (2005) Genoplesium superbum - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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