Nature conservation

Threatened species

Blotched Sarcochilus - 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: Sarcochilus weinthalii
Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable
Commonwealth status: Vulnerable
Profile last updated: 22 Nov 2018

Description

The Blotched Sarcochilus is an orchid that grows on rainforest trees, either projecting or partly hanging from the trunks. It has fleshy aerial roots and short stems with several thin leathery leaves. The flowering stems are pendulous, or hanging, up to 7 cm long with 3 to 12 flowers. Each flower is 15 mm across,  cream to greenish with purple to reddish blotches. The fruit is a yellow-green, elongated ribbed capsule up to 6cm in length.

Distribution

The coastal and sub-coastal ranges predominantly north from the Richmond River in north-east NSW, to south of Gympie in Queensland. May occur as far south as Dorrigo National Park.

Habitat and ecology

  • Rainforest, wet schlerophyll, dry rainforest and drier scrubs, often in isolated patches, from 300 to 900 m in altitude.
  • Can occur on Basalt-capped plateaus, shelves and escarpments.
  • In dry rainforest habitats may occur as a twig epiphyte and has been recorded growing on rocks.
  • Depend on mycorrhizal fungi for the early stages of seed germination and development.

Regional distribution and habitat

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


Threats

Recovery strategies

Activities to assist this species

Information sources

IBRA Bioregion IBRA Subregion Known or predicted Geographic restrictions region
South Eastern QueenslandBurringbar-Conondale Ranges Predicted None
South Eastern QueenslandScenic Rim Known None
South Eastern QueenslandSunshine Coast-Gold Coast Lowlands Predicted None