Caladenia arenaria (a terrestrial orchid) - endangered species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list Caladenia arenaria Fitzg., a terrestrial orchid, as an ENDANGERED SPECIES on Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act.

NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. The spider orchid Caladenia arenaria was first described in 1882 by Fitzgerald, from the south western slopes and plains region of NSW.

2. Caladenia arenaria has a linear to lanceolate leaf to 15 cm long and 18 mm wide. The leaf is densely hairy and reddish at the base. The flower stem is up to 40 cm high and usually consists of 1 flower up to 8 cm across. The sepals and petals are a pale straw colour with red-brown tips. The labellum is ovate to cordate, c. 18 mm long and 10 mm wide with margins of linear teeth.  C. arenaria flowers in September to November and grows in sclerophyll forests on sandhills, often in association with Callitris.

3. The species is found only in NSW and is currently known from only 2 populations, north of Narrandera, on the south-western slopes of NSW, and near Lake Urana, on the south western plains of NSW. It has previously been found in the Narrandera - Griffith region and near Adelong, although recent searches have failed to find any extant populations in these areas.

4. Only a total of approximately 25 plants are known and none occur in a reserve.

5. The species is threatened by grazing, collecting of plants, and disturbance from quarrying.

6. In view of 3, 4 & 5 above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that the species is likely to become extinct in nature in NSW unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival cease to operate.

Associate Professor Paul Adam
Deputy Chairperson
Scientific Committee

Gazetted: 18/7/97