Pterostylis tasmanica

Key Features

  • An erect orchid to 10 cm high, growing from a basal rosette. The flower is hooded with narrow lobes projecting downward, and has a protruding, threadlike ‘tongue’ that is covered with yellow hairs and has a dark brown knob on its tip.

Distribution and Habitat

  • North and South Islands, in the far north, around Cook Strait and in northwest Nelson.
  • Occurs in open sites under partial shade of forest.

Threats

  • Lack of fires; this species requires frequent disturbance, usually from fires, to maintain an open habitat.
  • Competition from weeds, particularly gorse.
  • Over-collection by orchid enthusiasts.

Management Opportunities

  • Survey for new locations.
  • Mark known sites.
  • Protection of habitat.
  • Translocate to appropriate sites within plantation forest.

Monitoring Options

  • Check existing populations annually.
  • Report new locations to DOC, NZPCN.

Further Information and Support

  • New Zealand Plant Conservation Network (NZPCN). http://www.nzpcn.org.nz
  • Weed control - Department of Conservation, Regional Councils.
  • References
    • St George, I. (1999). The nature guide to New Zealand native orchids. Random House, Auckland.
    • Hollard, V. & Clements, N. (1994). A beginner’s field guide to the native orchids of New Zealand. Published by the authors.
    • Peter de Lange, Peter Heenan, David Norton, Jeremy Rolfe and John Sawyer (2010). Threatened Plants of New Zealand. Canterbury University Press, Christchurch. 472 pp.