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: Prasophyllum sp. Moama
Gazetted date:
31 Aug 2008
Profile last updated:
02 Mar 2022
Description
Prasophyllum sp. Moama is a terrestrial herb of the Leek Orchid genus. It has a single erect tubular tapering leek-like leaf, up to 30 cm tall and about 2-3 mm in diameter, through which the inflorescence spike breaks, leaving a free segment of leaf above.
Distribution
Prasophyllum sp. Moama is known in NSW from only one locality, discovered in 2005, near Moama. The site is in the Murray Local Government Area. Several previous surveys of Riverina grassland and regional Travelling Stock Reserves in New South Wales did not detect the species. The species is not endemic to New South Wales, occurring also in Victoria in small to moderate-sized populations within 50 km of Echuca. The Moama site is currently managed, under short-term funding, as a high conservation value area on a Travelling Stock Reserve (TSR), but remains subject to discretionary grazing.
Habitat and ecology
- Occurs in forb-rich natural grasslands on flat alluvial plains.
- Occurs on reddish calcareous clay-loam soils.
- Average annual rainfall between 405-465 mm
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- It is probable that overgrazing, particularly after rain, would have negative effects on the orchid and its habitat.
- Annual exotic grasses and Romulea spp. are encroaching on the orchid habitat, mainly from disturbed soil in or adjacent to a road table drain and from an easement on the site.
- The highest risk of the sudden spread of weed species within the site probably lies in a coincidence of a rain event with heavy grazing and trampling by cattle, leading to intensive soil disturbance over a wide area.
- The species is susceptible to extinction via stochastic processes due to its small known population size and restricted distribution.
- Physical disturbance associated with maintenance of power line and vehicle access leading to some arson.
- Insufficient understanding of taxonomy.
Recovery strategies
Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological
community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified
3 priority actions
to help recover the Prasophyllum sp. Moama in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Prasophyllum sp. Moama at the Moama site appears to be strongly dependent for maintenance of its numbers and habitat on the continuation of suitable site management practices.
- It is likely that some grazing may be beneficial for the native vegetation of the site.
- Estimation of numbers can be difficult as Prasophyllum species die back annually to a tuber, and may exhibit great variation in vegetative sprouting and especially in flowering from year to year, probably in response to rains in the previous winter and/or fires in the previous summer.
Information sources
- Backhouse, G.N. and Jeanes, J.A. (1995) The Orchids of Victoria. (The Meigunyah Press, Melbourne)
- Bishop, T. (2000) Field Guide to the Orchids of New South Wales and Victoria. (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, Frenchs Forest NSW.)
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