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: Diuris eborensis
Gazetted date:
02 Oct 2015
Profile last updated:
02 Nov 2023
Description
Terrestrial orchid with 3-6 linear, grass-like leaves, often forming small, clonal clusters of plants so may appear to have many more leaves. Inflorescence arises from the centre of the leaf cluster, erect, to 40 cm tall (usually much less) bearing 1 to 6 flowers which may be creamy to yellow, usually marked with purple or red lines and suffusions, or heavily marked with these darker colours. Flowers tend to be outward facing to nodding, and are subtended by relatively large bracts. The labellum is much larger than the other petals and as large as or larger than the dorsal sepal, with a large and prominent channeled callus forming two prominent ridges on the labellum, a third ridge nearer the apex between these, and a scalloped margin to the labellum mid-lobe.
No clear dormant period is observed, although most active growth occurs in autumn and spring, with flowering in later half of spring into very early summer.
Distribution
Found mainly in damp grassland and woodland sites or in areas of sedge and swampy sites. Main locations are higher altitude sites in the eastern New England Plateau, with known locations in the Ebor, Yarrowitch and Backwater areas.
Typically in brown clay loam soil over an igneous substrate (basalt most commonly in the sites visited, but not always), but the soil may have large amounts of organic matter.
Habitat and ecology
- Grassy woodland
- Damp grassland
- Sedge-swamp of the tablelands
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Potential for overgrazing or grazing at inappropriate times to disturb populations during flowering and disrupt reproduction.
- Invasive weeds such as ox-eye daisy competing for space and preventing population growth.
- Pigs degrading areas of swamp habitat.
- Some habitat degradation due to 4WD access into swamp areas where the species occurs.
- Potential for mowing/slashing of some populations (e.g. in cemeteries) at inappropriate times to disrupt reproduction.
- Potential for degradation or removal of roadside populations due to disturbance by vehicles or road maintenance activities.
- Incomplete knowledge of the species' distribution and abundance across its range.
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
- Management of some sites will require good liaison and compassionate management from the adjacent landholders and others using the TSR network.
- Manage grazing at sites to avoid grazing at times when developing inflorescences or seeding may be occurring (exclude access June to January).
- Feral animals (pigs in particular, also rabbits) pose a threat to the species from browsing and digging of the habitats.
- Weed competition poses a threat to the species, as does inappropriate use of herbicide to control weeds in sites occupied by the species.
- Avoid slashing the sites between June and January to allow the development of flowers and seeds.
- Fire should be avoided in the sites where the species occurs, especially during the June - January period of main growth, but also to avoid burning peat-rich soils.
Information sources
- Bishop, T. (2000) Field Guide to the Orchids of New South Wales and Victoria. (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
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