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: Thelymitra kangaloonica
Gazetted date:
28 Oct 2011
Profile last updated:
13 Nov 2024
Description
Thelymitra kangaloonica (Thelymitra sp. Kangaloon) is a sun orchid. It is described as having a leaf with thickness 150-350 x 5-25mm. The flower stem is 200-560 high x 2-3.5 mm wide and there are 2-15 flowers per spike. The flowers are 15-30 mm across, deep blue with darker veins, externally brownish. Sterile bracts 2-3, large, lowest bract leaf-like. Sepals and petals 8-18 x 4-8 mm. Column 5.5-6.5 x 2.5-3.5 mm, white to pale blue; post-anther lobe 1.5-2.5 x 1.5-2 mm, yellow with dark purple collar, curved, slender, notched, lobes toothed; column arms 1.5-2.3 mm long, obliquely erect; hair-tufts mop-like, dense, white, with hairs 1-1.6 mm long.
Distribution
Thelymitra kangaloonica (Thelymitra sp. Kangaloon) is only known to occur on the southern tablelands of NSW in the Moss Vale / Kangaloon / Fitzroy Falls area at 550-700 m above sea level. It is known to occur at three swamps that are above the Kangaloon Aquifer. These swamps are a part of the ecological community "Coastal Upland Swamp" which is listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 as an Endangered Ecological Community, also known as “Temperate Highland Peat Swamps on Sandstone” which is listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
The majority of known plants are located on land managed by the Sydney Catchment Authority. It is likely that the number of mature individuals of Thelymitra kangaloonica (Thelymitra sp. Kangaloon) is very low, with less than 250 plants known
Habitat and ecology
- It is found in swamps in sedgelands over grey silty grey loam soils
- It is thought to be a short-lived perennial, flowering in late October and early November
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss, alteration and disturbance to habitat.
- Small population size - low levels of genetic diversity and restricted distribution.
- Low level of seed produced.
- Alteration of water flows to upland swamp habitat.
- Inappropriate fire regimes.
- Future drying out of swamps from hydrological disturbance is a potential threat.
- Longwall coal mining beneath upland swamp habitat is a potential threat.
- Illegal collection.
Recovery strategies
A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click
here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click
here
Activities to assist this species
- Undertake survey work in suitable habitat and potential habitat at flowering time (during October and November)
- Monitor known populations to identify key threats
- Manage any changes to hydrology that may result in changes to water table levels and/or increased run-off, sedimentation or pollution
- Investigate formal conservation arrangements such as the use of covenants, conservation agreements or inclusion in reserve tenure
- Control access routes to suitably constrain public access to known sites on public land
- Manage sites to prevent introduction of invasive weeds
- Keep domestic stock out of upland swamp habitat
- Determine and implement appropriate fire regimes
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