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: Caladenia porphyrea
Gazetted date:
21 Jul 2006
Profile last updated:
20 Jul 2023
Description
Caladenia porphyrea is synonymous with Caladenia quadrifaria and was delisted from the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 on 5/8/2016. Caladenia quadrifaria is an endemic Australian orchid. Its leaves are linear 12–20 cm long, 3–5 mm wide and are sparsely hairy. The flower stems are 15–35 mm high and hairy. Flowers are solitary, 30-40 mm in diameter, usually bright pink to purplish pink internally, sometimes white, externally the flower is greenish white to brownish purple. Sepals and lateral petals are 1.3–2 cm long; the outer surfaces have a narrow greenish pink dark stripe. The inner surfaces are pale to deep pink, often strongly scented (musky to soapy). The labellum (lip) is 3-lobed, broad, pink with reddish purplish bands and a yellowish orange tip.
Distribution
In NSW, Caladenia porphyrea has a highly restricted geographic distribution. It has been recorded from 2 localities in the Wyong Local Government Area north of Gosford approximately 2 km apart. At these locations it covers areas of about 2 ha and 0.2 ha respectively.
Habitat and ecology
- Caladenia porphyrea grows in coastal sclerophyll forest on sandy soils.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Illegal collection and removal of tubers.
- Excavation of tubers by bandicoots.
- Decline in habitat quality caused by competition from invasive weeds such as Chrysanthemoides monilifera and Lantana camara.
- Soil disturbance from trail bikes and occasionally other motor vehicle activity.
- The populations are further threatened by demographic and environmental stochasticity due to their small size and area of occupancy.
- Invasion of habitat by exotic weeds
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
- Promote awareness amongst orchid collectors about the damaged caused by and the possible legal consequences of illegal removal and collection of tubers.
- Control invasive weeds to retain habitat.
- Consider installing bollards or fencing to block unauthorised vehicle access.
- Investigate the ecology of the species.
Information sources
- Bernhardt, P. (1993) Caladenia. Pp 196-209 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 4. (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
- Jones D.L. (2006) A complete guide to native orchids of Australia including the Island Territories. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
- Jones, D.L. (1999) Eight new species of Caladenia (Orchidaceae) from eastern Australia. The Orchadian 13: 4-24
- NSW Scientific Committee (2006) Caladenia porphyrea - Endangered species determination - final.
|
IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|