Alpine Sun-orchid - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

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 alpicola

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 02 Oct 2015

Profile last updated: 21 Sep 2021

Description

Glabrous terrestrial herb. Leaf linear to linear-lanceolate, 6–25 cm long, 4–13 mm wide, erect, dark green with purplish base. Scape 15–50 cm tall, 1–3.7 mm diam., straw-coloured to purplish. Pedicels 3–18 mm long, slender. Flowers 1–6, 15–34 mm across, deep purplish blue with darker longitudinal striations, opening freely in warm weather. Labellum obovate to oblanceolate, often slightly broader than petals, acute to obtuse. Capsules obovoid, 10–18 mm long, 4–8 mm wide, erect, ribbed.

Distribution

Thelymitra alpicola is distributed in south–eastern New South Wales and north–eastern Victoria. The northernmost populations are in the upper Blue Mountains. The remainder of the New South Wales distribution is from the Snowy Mountains extending north–west to Bago State Forest and to the eastern part of the Great Dividing Range south from Braidwood.

Habitat and ecology

In Kosciuszko National Park and the Bago plateau the species occurs in wet heaths and adjacent to Sphagnum bogs between 1000-1500 metres. Associated species include Hakea microcarpa, Leptospermum myrtifolium, Baeckea utilis, Baeckia gunniana, Epacris breviflora, Epacris paludosa, Baloskion austral and Empodisma minus. Apparently the species does not occur in Sphagnum where Thelymitra cyanea is more likely to occur. Near Clyde Mountain the species has been found in wet heaths with Banksia paludosa and Baeckea utilis near a creek. The habitat described on the collection notes at Kanangra-Boyd NP were swamp/heath, and swamp. The only other information was "under Leptospermum" and open sites "between sedges". Flowering occurs from late November to mid December with fruits taking about a month to ripen.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Rooting by feral pigs has the potential to impact the species and its habitat.
Feral horses affect the population on the Bago plateau and Kosciuszko National Park.
The distribution of populations is not well understood. Several populations have not been relocated.
Forestry activities may affect populations on forestry estate, although wetlands are buffered during forestry operations.
Road maintenance has potential to impact a population in Kosciuszko National Park.

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

Survey all populations to better understand the distribution and threats affecting populations.
Reduce the impact of feral horses on populations.
Ensure sites are protected during forestry operations in Bago and Maragle State Forests
Ensure habitat near road in Kosciuszko NP is appropriately managed
If habitat becomes too dense prescribed fire may be appropriate.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Australian Alps	Snowy Mountains	Known	None
South East Corner	South East Coastal Ranges	Known	None
South Eastern Highlands	Bondo	Predicted	None
South Eastern Highlands	Kanangra	Predicted	None
South Eastern Highlands	Kybeyan-Gourock	Known	None
South Eastern Highlands	Oberon	Known	None