Species at risk: Blue-tongued greenhood

Feb 25, 2019 | Species at risk: Native plants

Blue-tongued greenhood. Photo: Richard Hartland © | CC BY 3.0

Blue-tongued greenhood. Photo: Richard Hartland © | CC BY 3.0

 

Blue-tongued greenhood

Pterostylis oreophila
Endangerd: Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016
Critically Endangered: Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

In NSW, the blue-tongued greenhood is known from a few small populations within Kosciuszko National Park, and a population of about 40 plants (possibly now extinct) in Bago State Forest and adjoining Crown Leases south of Tumut.

Its known distribution includes parts of the Snowy River, Tumbarumba and Tumut areas. The Blue-tongued greenhood is also known from the ACT (Brindabella Range) and in montane areas of far north-eastern Victoria.

It grows along sub-alpine watercourses under mountain tea-tree in muddy ground very close to water. It also grows in sphagnum bogs.

 

Threats

  • Grazing and trampling by feral pigs and horses.
  • Permanent seepage areas may become degraded and allow colonisation of species typical of drier vegetation.