Small Snake 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: Diuris pedunculata

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Profile last updated: 02 Nov 2023

Description

The Small Snake Orchid is a member of the ‘Donkey’ orchid group, with bright yellow striped flowers and two drooping side petals. The flowering stem is less than 10 cm tall and has one or two flowers with dark stripes. The top petal is more orange than the rest of the flower and has a bright purple centre. The two thin leaves are up to 16cm long.

Distribution

Confined to north east NSW. It was originally found scattered from Tenterfield south to the Hawkesbury River, but is now mainly found on the New England Tablelands, around Armidale, Uralla, Guyra and Ebor.

Habitat and ecology

The Small Snake Orchid grows on grassy slopes or flats.
Often on peaty soils in moist areas.
Also on shale and trap soils, on fine granite, and among boulders.
It flowers during late September-October.
Pollination is mostly by sexual deception, with the Small Snake-orchid attracting mostly males of an native bee Halictus lanuginosus. However, the flowers produce nectar and emit a strong scent that attracts a range of other pollinators.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Clearing and fragmentation of habitat for agriculture and development.
Grazing and trampling by domestic stock.
Destruction and disturbance of habitat for roadside maintenance works.
Weed invasion.
Illegal plant removal by orchid collectors.
Feral pigs disturbing or eating orchid tubers.
Frequent fire, or fire during the active growth period (spring-autumn).
Risk of local extinction due to small, scattered populations.

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

Enjoy viewing and photographing native orchids but leave them in the wild.
Assist with the control of feral pigs in habitat areas.
Protect areas of known habitat from frequent fire.
Protect known populations and habitat areas from grazing stock.
Identify roadside populations and protect during road maintenance activities.
Assist with the control of weeds in habitat areas.
Protect areas of known or potential habitat from clearing or disturbance.

Information sources

Bishop, T. (2000) Field Guide to the Orchids of New South Wales and Victoria. (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
Harden, G.J. (ed.) (1993) Flora of New South Wales Vol. 4. UNSW Press, Kensington, NSW.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Threatened Species of the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes of NSW. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

New England Tablelands	Armidale Plateau	Predicted	None
New England Tablelands	Bundarra Downs	Predicted	None
New England Tablelands	Deepwater Downs	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Eastern Nandewars	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Ebor Basalts	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Glenn Innes-Guyra Basalts	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Moredun Volcanics	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Northeast Forest Lands	Predicted	None
New England Tablelands	Round Mountain	Predicted	None
New England Tablelands	Walcha Plateau	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Yarrowyck-Kentucky Downs	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Upper Manning	Known	None