Sarcochilus dilatatus (an epiphytic orchid) - endangered species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list the epiphytic orchid Sarcochilus dilatatus F. Muell. as an ENDANGERED species on Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Act. Listing of endangered species is provided for by Part 2 of the Act.

NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. Sarcochilus dilatatus F. Muell. (Orchidaceae) is described in Flora of New South Wales Volume 4 by P. H. Weston as "Semi-pendent epiphyte, usually with 1 shoot; stems 0.7-3 cm long. Leaves asymmetrically narrow-obovate to narrow-elliptic, 3-6 cm long, 4-10 mm wide, lightly channelled, sometimes spotted. Inflorescence 1.5-7 cm long, 2-12 flowered, semi-pendent; rachis shorter to longer than peduncle; pedicel plus ovary 2-4 mm long. Flowers not campanulate; dorsiventral dimension of flower conspicuously greater than lateral dimension. Sepals and lateral petals narrow-oblong, often markedly dilated near the tip, green to deep brown. Labellum 2-4 mm long, about half as long as dorsal sepal, glabrous; lateral lobes almost semicircular. Column c. 1 mm long, about half as long as column foot, set almost at right angles to it. Flowers Sept.-Oct. Grows on trees in rainforest; coastal ranges to c. 400 m alt., north of the Richmond R., rare."

2. The species occurs in Queensland and New South Wales. In NSW, the only recent record is from a single location in the far northeast of the State (Steenbeeke 1999). It is not known from a formal conservation reserve. A favoured host plant is Araucaria cunninghamii (Hoop Pine).

3. Threats to the species include collecting, loss of host plants, changes to land use and possibly fire.

4. In view of 2 & 3 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 or evolutionary development cease to operate.

Proposed Gazettal date: 09/02/01
Exhibition period: 09/02/01 - 16/03/01

Reference

Steenbeeke, G. (1999). Confirmation of Sarcochilus dilatatus F. Muell. (Orchidaceae) in New South Wales, and an extension in range. Cunninghamia 6(2): 379-381