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.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Thelymitra atronitida
Gazetted date:
09 Nov 2007
Profile last updated:
12 Jun 2024
Description
The Black-hooded Sun Orchid is a terrestrial orchid, with a solitary basal grass-like or lance-like leaf, 15 to 35 cm long and 5 to 12 mm wide. The single flowering stem is 30 to 50 cm tall. Flowers are 2 to 8 (rarely to 16) in number, each 14 to 26 mm across, dark blue with darker veins. There is a tuft of white hairs in each flower's centre. There is a hooded lobe that is distinctly glossy black in colour with a yellow apex in the flower's centre too. The species is capable of self-pollination. This species flowers from August to December.
Distribution
In New South Wales, The Black-hooded Sun Orchid is known from Cape Solander in Botany Bay National Park in southern Sydney. The known occurrences in this state fall in parts of the Sutherland Local Government Area. The species also occurs in eastern Victoria.
The size of the Cape Solander population is not known with certainty but it is known to be very small.
Habitat and ecology
- At Cape Solander this species is recorded from shallow black peaty soil in coastal heath on sandstone.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Environmental and demographic stochasticity due to the small population sizes and disjunct distribution of populations.
- Damage to the population from heavy rains affecting the skeletal soil at Cape Solander.
- Rooting by feral pigs at Bago.
- Grazing and trampling by cattle at Bago.
- Disturbances from forest harvesting operations at Bago.
- Weed invasion at Bago site.
- Possible illegal collection at Bago and Cape Solander.
- Grazing and trampling by wild horses at Bago.
- Insufficient understanding of distribution.
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
- Encourage the use of fencing to protect seedlings from grazing and soil disturbance.
- Seek long term protection of both populations.
- Conduct searches for additional populations.
Information sources
- () Thelymitra atronitida (an orchid) - critically endangered species listing
- Jeanes, J.A. (2000) Two new species of Thelymitra (Orchidaceae) from southeastern Australia. Muelleria 14, 91- 97.
- Jeanes, J.A. (2004) A revision of the Thelymitra pauciflora R.Br. (Orchidaceae) complex in Australia. Muelleria 19, 19-79.
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