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: Danhatchia copelandii
Gazetted date:
05 Apr 2024
Profile last updated:
14 Oct 2024
Description
Rhizomatous, underground, mycoheterotroph. Leaves totally lacking. Inflorescence to 20 cm tall, reddish-brown, bearing numerous short glandular hairs, with 4–5 paler sterile bracts bearing conspicuous red-brown veins. Flowers 2 to 6, each with a closely sheathing elliptical fertile bract, flowers 5–5.5 mm long, segments spreading to6.5–7.5 mm across, 'opening freely'; dorsal sepal oblong-obovate, 4.5–5 mm long by 1.5 mm wide, brown externally with whitish distal margins, dark median stripe and marginal stripes visible, apex upturned, obtuse; lateral sepals spreading, oblong-elliptical, 5–5.5 mm long by 2 mm wide, asymmetrical, margins incurved, whitish, apex obtuse; petals linear-obovate around 5 mm long and 1 mm wide, cream with pale brown medial band, apex obtuse, imbricate with dorsal sepal and labellum; labellum sessile, margins incurved, enclosed by dorsal sepal, almost broad-oblong, lemon-yellow with cream then hyaline margin, domed orange-yellow callus in distal two-thirds, base pouched and with four groups of fleshy hairs on either side, often in pairs or threes, median line thickened; fleshy and stiff toward tip, and tuberculate externally. Ovary glandular hairy. Capsules erect, broadly obovate.
Distribution
Danhatchia copelandii is endemic to New South Wales and is currently only known from a single population on private land near Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast (Jones and Clements 2019).
Habitat and ecology
- It occurs in lowland subtropical rainforest that has a dense canopy to a height of c. 20-25m and a sparse ground layer that is covered with a deep layer of leaf litter (Jones and Clements 2019). Dominant trees in the rainforest are Sloanea australis (Maiden’s Blush), Niemeyera whitei (Rusty Plum) and Archontophoenix cunninghamiana (Bangalow Palm). The soil is a moderately fertile clay loam derived from metasediments. Danhatchia copelandii may occur in other topographies, vegetation communities and edaphic conditions.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Clearing of habitat
- The main weeds that threaten the species are Lantana camara (Lantana), Ageratum houstonianum (Billy Goat Weed), Solanum capsicoides (Devil’s Apple) and Paspalum mandiocanum (Broad-leaf Paspalum).
- There is also a projection for increased intensity of extreme rainfall events Storms may damage the rainforest canopy, altering the habitat and allowing in additional light which would in turn favour weed invasion of the site.
More frequent storm events may decrease the recovery time between disturbances. Intense rainfall and subsequent runoff may erode leaf litter exposing soil and semi-exposed rhizomes
- Loss of organic materials including wood debris, which may be eliminated during intense or repeated fires, may contribute to the decline in the species.
An increased risk of fires in the habitat is likely to impact the survival of rainforest trees and lead to increased weed establishment, changing the habitat characteristics that currently support the species.
- Small population size
- Dieback of trees in the habitat of D. copelandii is a potential future threat through loss of sensitive tree and shrub species. These species provide habitat structure, shade and important nutrient resources for D. copelandii and the ecosystem.
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
0 priority actions
to help recover the Danhatchia copelandii in New South Wales.
Activities to assist this species
- Control of weeds such as Lantana
- Develop and implement a targeted seed or other germplasm collection program
- Protect site from fire
- Limit impacts of native and feral herbivores that may consume plants/rhizomes. This may require exclusion fencing, depending on potential adverse disturbance impacts of installation of fencing into the habitat.
- Develop and implement phytosanitary guidelines (such as those outlined in the Arrive Clean, Leave Clean guidelines (DOE 2015)) for access to the wild site.
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