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: Prasophyllum keltonii
Gazetted date:
28 Mar 2008
Profile last updated:
18 Oct 2022
Description
Kelton's Leek Orchid is a terrestrial orchid with a single erect bright green tubular leaf 20 to 35 cm long and 3 to 5 mm wide, often withering at the tip in flowering stage. 8 to 15 cm of the leaf is free above the point of attachment of the inflorescence (flower spike). The inflorescence is a dense spike 5 to 9 cm long, with 12 to 22 stalkless fragrant flowers, each 7 to 9 mm across. The flower colour is green or brownish-red or purplish with green tinges.
Distribution
Kelton's Leek Orchid is known from a single population that occurs in a small area known as McPhersons Plain, about 30 km north-west of Cabramurra and about 17 km south of Talbingo, in the Tumbarumba Local Government Area. The known population, which is intermingled with the Bago Leek Orchid, is recorded as comprising approximately 400 plants, of which about 380 occur on the Brandy Marys State Forest Crown Leases, and about 20 on an adjacent private property. Surveys over six years up to 2005 have found no plants in the adjoining Bago State Forest. The species is not known to occur in any conservation reserves.
Habitat and ecology
- The species is known only from a highly restricted habitat on the treeless McPhersons Plain, an area that includes sub-alpine garssland, sphagnum bogs, and open heathland, at an elevation of 1,100 m. The species has a preference for grassland.
- The species apparently has a preference for moderately boggy ground, though not sphagnum-dominated areas, but also occurs on some drier patches.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Threats to this species include environmental and demographic stochasticity due to small population size
- Possible additional adverse processes may include slashing of vegetation for fire asset protection and illegal collection.
- Rooting by pigs, possibly for orchid tubers, has been observed in the only known colony of the species on at least one occasion, and pigs are reported to still be able to access the Crown Lease part of the population despite fencing.
- Weeds - existing (Sweet Vernal grass and Sulphur cinquefoil) and potential (ox-eye daisy)
- Grazing from stray animals - horses and cattle.
- Current or potential future land management practices do not support conservation
- Potential for dams to be built upstream. This would increase the pressure of drought on the species.
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
- Monitor population size.
- Reduced grazing pressure by fencing or feral animal control.
- Do not slash vegetation for fire control.
- Maintain fencing and undertake feral pig control within the region.
Information sources
- NSW Scientific Committee (2008) Prasophyllum keltonii (terrestrial leek orchid) - critically endangered species. Final determination DECCW (NSW), Sydney.
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