Horned Greenhood - 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 bicornis

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Vulnerable

Gazetted date: 09 Dec 2011

Profile last updated: 21 Nov 2018

Description

A small, deciduous, terrestrial orchid growing in colonies and reproducing vegetatively by daughter tubers formed at the end of long fleshy roots. The plant forms a rosette with 3–7 leaves which are 4–7 mm in length and 3–5 mm wide, bright green, fleshy and flat. Flowering stem is 60–100 mm tall with 3–4 stem leaves and 1-2 flowers. Flowers are inward-facing, 8-10 mm long, dark green, white and brown. The species is readily distinguished from other species in the genus by the presence of horn-like tips on the petals. The species is also known as Petrorchis bicornis.

Distribution

Known from four locations, three in Queensland adjancent to the NSW border and a single location in NSW near Woodenbong.

Habitat and ecology

Grows in small humus pockets among moss and lichen in shallow and skeletal soil in heathy forest or heathland.
Flowering is reported from June and July, although it has been seen flowering as early as mid-March in Queensland.
Pollinated by tiny male gnats.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

South Eastern Queensland

Threats

Illegal collection.
Low numbers and a limited distribution put the species at risk of extinction through natural catastrophes or environmental change.
High fire frequency is a threat in Queensland, although it is unknown if this is a threat to the NSW population.
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

Monitor the known population and conduct surveys for new populations.
Report any new populations to conservation agencies.

Information sources

Jones, D.L. (2006) A complete guide to native orchids of Australia including the island territories. (Reed New Holland, Frenchs Forest NSW.)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

South Eastern Queensland	Scenic Rim	Predicted	None
South Eastern Queensland	Woodenbong	Known	None

Related information

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