Alpine 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 alpina

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 05 Aug 2016

Profile last updated: 18 Oct 2022

Description

Pterostylis alpina is a greenhood orchid. There is a rosette of 3-5 basal leaves, ovate to obovate, 2–6 cm long, 10–15 mm wide. The flowering stem is rough and to 30 cm tall. The flower is about 3 cm long, erect, dark green and white. The apex of galea is flat or slightly decurved, with the dorsal sepal acute to subacute. The lateral sepals loosely embrace the galea leaving a lateral gap; sinus broadly notched when viewed from the front, protruding prominently in an abrupt curve when viewed from the side; free points linear-tapered, c. 20 mm long, reflexed behind the galea. The labellum narrow-ovate to lanceolate, 13–18 mm long, c. 3 mm wide, brown, curved forwards above the middle, subacute, with about one third protruding from the sinus.

Distribution

The Alpine greenhood grows in moist forests on foothills and ranges, extending to montane areas in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria. In NSW the species occurs in the Southern Tablelands south from Bondo State Forest.

Habitat and ecology

The Alpine greenhood is often found on sheltered southern slopes near streams in rich loam. The species flowers from August to October.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Feral horses occur throughout Bago and Maragle State Forests, with fewer numbers in Bondo SF.
Blackberry is a potential issue after fire
Exotic grasses such as sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) are a potential threat
Climate change may adversely affect the species, for example with more frequent droughts.

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

A comprehensive survey of NSW populations should be undertaken. There is no definitive data on the size or extent of NSW populations.
The species is in the Partnership stream in SOS due to the vast majority of records (479 of 521) being in Victoria.