Diuris bracteata - 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: Diuris bracteata

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Extinct

Gazetted date: 21 Oct 2005

Profile last updated: 12 Jan 2021

Description

Diuris bracteata is a terrestrial ‘donkey’ orchid with yellow flowers with blackish markings. The petals of the flowers (above the centre of the flower) are widely spaced and look somewhat like donkey ears. The lateral sepals (below the centre of the flower) are 9 mm long and 1.5 mm wide and turn abruptly downward and are crossed over. Flowers have been recorded from August to September.

Distribution

For over 100 years Diuris bracteata was known only from the original collection made near Gladesville in northern Sydney. The complete absence of records for most of the 20th Century resulted in this species being listed as 'presumed extinct' on Part 4 of Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. This listing status was updated in 2005 to Endangered under the Act after several specimens were found in the Sydney Basin (Duffy's Forest, Mount White and Kulnura).

In recent years, however, these specimens are considered to have been incorrectly identified and are considered to be Diuris platichila (Peter Weston May 2013).

The species is considered to be extinct, though the listing status under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 does not yet reflect this status.

Habitat and ecology

Dry sclerophyll woodland and forest with a predominantly grassy understorey.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Sydney Basin

Threats

Several occurrences are on roadsides and are at risk from earthworks, herbicide spraying, slashing/mowing and illegal collection.
The small population sizes and limited area of extent means that survival is threatened by environmental and demographic stochasticity.
Insufficient understanding of taxonomy.
Insufficient understanding of distribution.

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

Monitor reproduction and mortality levels in the populations.
Ensure that roadside populations are not subjected to inappropriate management and protect from illegal collection.
Increase community awareness of the status, ecology and management of the populations.

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, Sydney)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Sydney Basin	Pittwater	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Wyong	Known	None

Images

Flower, Diuris bracteata
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Related information

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