Slender Greenhood - 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: Pterostylis foliata

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 16 Dec 2016

Profile last updated: 18 Oct 2022

Description

Pterostylis foliata is a greenhood orchid with 3-6 roughly ovate leaves 2–5 cm long, 8–16 mm wide. The flowering stem is up to 30 cm high and is smooth. The flower is about 2 cm long, dark green and white with brown in the galea. The lateral sepals tightly embrace the galea; sinus broadly to deeply V-shaped when viewed from the front, protruding in a shallow curve when viewed from the side; free points linear-tapered, about 15 mm long, erect, divergent. The labellum oblong, 9–12 mm long, and about 3 mm wide, brown, obtuse, distal third protruding from the sinus.

Distribution

Pterostylis foliata is found in NSW, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand (type location). In NSW the species occurs mainly in the Southern Tablelands south from Batlow.

Habitat and ecology

In NSW, Pterostylis foliata grows in eucalypt forest amongst an understorey of shrubs, ferns and grasses. It grows on loam or clay loam soils found on sheltered sloping to steep ground and populations may be found in localised open seepage areas. Flowering occurs from August to January.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Feral horses are widespread in Bago and Maragle State Forests
Pigs occur in low numbers throughout the distribution and can have severe localised impacts.
Blackberry is an increasing problem in Bago and Maragle State Forests
Invasive grasses such as Anthoxanthum odoratum (Sweet vernal grass) may become an issue, especially after disturbance such as fire.

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

A comprehensive survey should be undertaken to better understand the distribution in NSW.
The species is in the partnership stream in SOS since only 25 of the 516 records for the species are in NSW.