Musty Leek 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: Prasophyllum pallens

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 12 Feb 2010

Profile last updated: 20 Dec 2022

Description

Prasophyllum pallens is a terrestrial herb of the Leek Orchid genus. Plants are up to 40 cm high and up to 30 flowers are crowded on an inflorescence up to 50 mm tall. Flowers are a pale tawny green to whitish with a 'rather unpleasant musty fragrance' that is very noticeable in warm to hot weather. Flowering is from November to December. P. pallens was first described from a specimen from Mount Banks in Blue Mountains National Park. Prior to this, the species had been included within a broadly defined P. fuscum. Recent research has shown that P. fuscum, in the strict sense, is restricted to an area south-west of Sydney. Although similar, P. fuscum can be distinguished by having paler-coloured flowers).

Distribution

P. pallens is endemic to New South Wales where it is known only from the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. The species is presently known from four distinct populations: Mt Banks and Mt Hay in Blue Mountains National Park, and near the townships of Blackheath and Wentworth Falls. Historical records suggest that it once occurred near Leura, Bell and Mount Victoria, although these townships have expanded since the species was collected and it is unclear whether these populations persist.

Habitat and ecology

P. pallens grows in dense low heath, often along seepage lines, in moist to wet shallow sandy soils over sandstone, mostly at altitudes greater than 900 m above sea level.
Like many ground orchids, P. pallens has a dormant phase during late summer and resprouts from an underground tuber in Autumn to form a short leaf. This leaf may develop further and plants may flower from November to December. The fire response of P. pallens is well known with flowering being strongly promoted by fires that occur during the previous summer season. Like most Australian terrestrial orchids, the species is believed to be semi- or fully dependent on a mycorrhizal symbiont.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Sydney Basin

Threats

This species has a highly restricted geographic distribution and occurs as small populations so is vulnerable to stochastic events.
Inappropriate fire regime characterised by too frequent fires during the flowering period in late spring.
Road and track works disturbing habitat and individuals.

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.