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: Corybas dowlingii
Gazetted date:
09 Nov 2007
Profile last updated:
08 Mar 2024
Description
Red Helmet Orchid is a tuberous orchid species which grows in clonal colonies. The orchid has a solitary dark green heart-shaped to circular leaf 15-35 mm long and 15-35 mm wide ending in a sharp point. The solitary, erect flower grows close to the ground and is dark purplish red with whitish areas in the labellum. Flowering occurs primarily from June to July with outliers in August (i.e., if undertaking targeted surveys, then optimal survey is June to July, using a reference population as a guide [to be discussed with DECCEW), however, peak flowering at the main population at Soldiers Point occurs in the first two-three weeks of June.
Distribution
Corybas dowlingii is restricted to the central coast and Hunter regions of New South Wales where it is currently known from the Port Stephens, Bulahdelah, Lake Macquarie and Freemans Waterhole areas. It is known from the local government areas of Cessnock, Great Lakes, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens. More recently the species has been recorded from the Wauchope and Port Macquarie areas.
Habitat and ecology
- Sheltered areas such as gullies and southerly slopes in tall open forest on well-drained gravelly soil at elevations of 10-200 m; though the species has been recorded from sandy soils in swamp forest areas (e.g., Medowie, Anna Bay, Wauchope and Port Macquarie).
- Pollinated by flies
- lowering occurs primarily from June to July with outliers in August (i.e., if undertaking targeted surveys, then optimal survey is June to July, using a reference population as a guide [to be discussed with DECCEW prior to surveying), however, peak flowering at the main population at Soldiers Point occurs in the first two-three weeks of June.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Environmental stochasticity due to the species' highly restricted geographic distribution and small number of locations.
- Loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat from vegetation clearance for residential or industrial expansion, and the construction or maintenance of mining infrastructure.
- Too-frequent hazard reduction burns, particularly fires during the growing and winter flowering season may affect survival of adult plants and reduce seed production.
- Damage and loss of habitat due to the invasion of perennial environmental weeds (for example lantana).
- Physical damage to plants and/or habitat due to recreational activities, such as bushwalkers and rubbish dumping.
- Herbivory by native species such as Australian brush turkeys and bandicoot species may damage and eat tubers of this species.
- Damage to the foliage and tubers of the species by pest animal (feral deer) browsing and soil disturbance.
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
- Avoid further clearing and degradation of habitat.
- Control invasive weeds which threaten to degrade the habitat.
- Support ongoing ecological, biological and genetic research on the species.
- Protect populations from unintentional trampling by people.
- Raise awareness about the damage caused by illegal orchid collection.
- Support existing translocation programs.
Information sources
- Bell, S.A.J. (2009) Vegetation and floristics of Columbey National Park, lower Hunter Valley, New South Wales. Cunninghamia 11(2): 241-275
- Jones D.L. (2006) A complete guide to native orchids of Australia including the Island Territories. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
- Jones, D.L. (2004) Corybas dowlingii (Orchidaceae), a new species from north-eastern New South Wales. The Orchadian 14: 418-420
- NSW Scientific Committee (2007) Corybas dowlingii - Endangered species determination - final.
- Okada, S. (2006) The Distribution and Abundance of Callistemon linearifolius and Corybas dowlingii at Stoney Ridge Reserve, Soldiers Point NSW. Report to Port Stephens Council.
- Roads and Traffic Authority (2004) Bulahdelah Upgrading the Pacific Highway, Environmental Impact Statement. Technical Paper 7, Ecological Assessment and Species Impact Statement. (Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW)
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