Windswept Helmet-orchid  |  

Nematoceras dienemum

Status: Critically Endangered on the EPBC Act list

The Windswept Helmet-orchid is a small, tuberous terrestrial orchid, which forms small clonal groups. Its leaves are flattish, fleshy and solitary with dark green colouring above and silvery-green colouring below. The flowers are erect and green with purplish-red markings.

Government evidence of impact of climate change:

Expand all Close all

  • Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Nematoceras dienemum

    This species is eligible for listing as critically endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth) (EPBC Act) as it has a very restricted geographic distribution which is precarious for its survival due to its isolated location and a range of current and potential threats; such as rabbits; climate change and seal wallows (TSSC; 2009).

    The main potential threat to the Windswept Helmet orchid is climate change.

    Climate change is having a significant effect on Macquarie Island with an increase in temperatures of over half a degree in the past 50 years (DEW; 2007).

    As the Windswept Helmet orchid only occurs in moist areas; any drying out of these areas is likely to negatively impact on the species.

    downloadDownload

  • Australian Government, Listing Advices, Nematoceras dienemum

    The main potential threat to the species is from climate change.

    Climate change is having a significant effect on Macquarie Island with an increase in temperatures of 0.5 C in the past 50 years (DEW; 2007).

    The species is also subject to current and potential threats from rabbits; climate change and seal wallows.

    The Committee considers that the species has a very restricted geographic distribution; which is precarious for the survival of the species due to the impacts of rabbits; climate change and sea wallows.

    The Windswept Helmet orchid has a very restricted geographic distribution which is precarious for its survival due to its isolated location and being subject to a range of current and potential threats such as rabbits; climate change and seal wallows.

    As the Windswept Helmet orchid only occurs in moist areas; shaded by larger plants; any drying out of these areas is likely to negatively impact on the species.

    downloadDownload
Return to Search