Pterostylis riparia - 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 riparia

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Profile last updated: 20 Oct 2020

Description

The Barrington Tops population represents a new species, Pterostylis riparia. It is a small 'greenhood' ground orchid with a loosely formed rosette of five to eight leaves. A solitary flower is formed on a stem up to 20 cm high in October or November. The flower is green, white and reddish brown.

Distribution

Only known from Barrington Tops.

Habitat and ecology

Grows on the edge of small streams under shrubs.
Forms small clonal colonies.
May be inundated during times of high flow.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Displacement by the introduced weed English Broom (Cytisus scoparius).
Risk of local extinction due to low numbers.
Illegal removal of plants by collectors.
Disturbance of habitat by feral pigs and grazing stock.
Inappropriate fire regimes.
Insufficient understanding of distribution.
Insufficient understanding of threats.

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

Appreciate viewing and photographing native orchids but leave them in the wild.
Assist with removal of feral pigs.
Protect subalpine forest and woodland of Barrington Tops from fire during the flowering season (spring).
Exclude cattle from streambanks in areas of habitat.
Assist with control and removal of English Broom.
Notify the DEC of any new occurrences of Leafy Greenhood.

Information sources

Jones, D.L. (2006) Miscellaneous new species of Australian Orchidaceae. In Jones, D.L. and Clements, M.A. New taxa of Australian Orchidaceae. [Australian Orchid Research vol. 5]. (Australian Orchid Foundation, Essendon, Vic)
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Lower North Coast of New South Wales. (NSW NPWS, Hurstville)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

New England Tablelands	Walcha Plateau	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Barrington	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Mummel Escarpment	Known	None

Related information

NSW Flora Online - Pterostylis riparia

Get involved

Report a sighting

Nature conservation

Threatened species