Pale Chandelier Orchid  |  

Acriopsis emarginata

Status: Vulnerable on the EPBC Act list

Acriopsis javanica, Family Orchidaceae, also known as Pale Chandelier Orchid, is an epiphytic orchid with dense, onion-shaped pseudobulbs and a mass of white aerial roots. This species has 2–4 dark green leaves, up to 20 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. Many flowers are born on the wiry, branched panicles. Flowers are 5 mm across, cream or pinkish, with a white, three-lobed, triangular labellum (modified petal at the front of the flower). Flowering occurs between June and November. Flowers last 2–4 days and are pollinated by native bees. The species is listed under the EPBC Act as Acriopsis javanica, however, the Australian taxon was described as Acriopsis emarginata in 2006. As the result of taxonomic investigations, A. javanica is no longer an accepted name: south-east Asian specimens are referred to as A. liliifolia (J.König) Ormerod and Australian specimens are referred to as Acriopsis emarginata.

Government evidence of impact of climate change:

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  • Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Acriopsis emarginata

    Threats The main potential threats to Acriopsis javanica include illegal collecting; changed fire regimes; weed invasion; and habitat degradation from settlement pressures (Landsberg and Clarkson; 2004).