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: Prasophyllum canaliculatum
Gazetted date:
10 Aug 2007
Profile last updated:
06 Nov 2023
Description
The summer leek orchid is a tuberous terrestrial orchid growing singly or in groups of 2 to 4 plants. The single leaf is tubular, 25 to 40 cm long, 3 to 5 mm wide and bright green. The leaf base is 2 to 3 mm across, and is reddish to purplish. The flower spike is moderately dense, and 5 to 11 cm long. The fragrant flowers are 7 to 9 mm across, and red, greenish-red or brownish-red in colour.
Distribution
The summer leek orchid is endemic to Australia and has a very highly restricted geographic distribution. In NSW, the species has been recorded in two locations on the Monaro Tableland east of Cooma. It is found on a roadside in the Kybeyan area and south-east of Nimmitabel in the South East Forests National Park. This species is also found in the Australian Capital Territory, where a single population occurs on forestry land.
Habitat and ecology
- Only found in relatively undisturbed areas amongst intact Kangaroo Grass dominated grassland or grassy groundlayer of woodland.
- Like other leek orchids, this specis is difficult to locate outside of the flowering season as its leaves blend with the grasses in its habitat.
- This species, like others in its genus, may lie dormant for several years if conditions are not right for it to emerge.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- In NSW, only occurs in small scattered groups in two swamps in South East Forests National Park.
- Foraging and disturbance by feral pigs.
- Grazing and disturbance by feral deer.
- Competition from invasive weeds.
- Competition and shading from dense growth of native species.
- Browsing by native herbivores.
- Insufficient understanding of the threatening process.
- Access by unauthorised vehicles.
- Grazing and disturbance by rabbits.
- Low pollination rates/survival of flowering stems to seed dispersal.
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
- Feral pig and deer control programs need to be undertaken to reduce grazing pressure and habitat destruction.
- The Nimmitabel and Kybeyan populations could be fenced out to prevent fuel reduction mowing and illegal vehicle access.
- Weed control programs at both sites are needed to prevent weed invasion and subsequent competition for nutrients, water and light.
- Continual monitoring of both known populations are required to investigate population declines or growth and to identify further threats to the populations.
- Investigate regeneration, including seed-set, germination and seedling survival.
- Conduct searches for further populations.
Information sources
- Jones, D.L. (1997) Prasophyllum canaliculatum, an endangered new species of Orchidaceae from southern New South Wales. The Orchadian 12, 124-127.
- McPherson, P. (2004) Prasophyllum canaliculatum Kybeyan and Tantawangalo Targeted Flora Survey Report. NGH Environmental unpublished report.
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