Calochilus Cupreus Copper Beard-Orchid

PLANT Calochilus cupreus Copper Beard-orchid

AUS SA AMLR Endemism Life History records from McLaren Vale.2

- E E AMLR Perennial Habitat Restricted to dry coastal sands between McLaren Vale Family ORCHIDACEAE and Sellicks Beach.1

Within the AMLR the preferred broad vegetation group is Coastal.4

Within the AMLR the species’ degree of habitat specialisation is classified as ‘High’.4

Biology and Ecology Flowers between October and early November.1

Observed being pollinated by a black scollid wasp.1

Aboriginal Significance Post-1983 records indicate the entire AMLR distribution occurs in south-western Kaurna Nation.4

Threats Threats include human pressures due to the closeness of residential development, recreational activities, inadequate recruitment and inappropriate fire regimes.3

Photo: © Ken Bayley The main threat is considered to be small population Conservation Significance size. Perennial Veldt Grass is spreading throughout Endemic to the AMLR where the species’ relative Aldinga CP. Grazing by Kangaroos and Brush-tail area of occupancy is classified as ‘Extremely Possums may also be a threat (R. Bates pers. comm.). Restricted’.4 Limited occurrence within the AMLR, however the Potential taxonomic issues. Conservation status is majority of its known distribution occurs within 2 km of unsure due to confusion with similar species, but confirmed or suspected Phytophthora infestations.4 retains an endangered rating (R. Bates pers. comm.).1 Additional current direct threats have been identified and rated for this species. Refer to the main plan Description accompanying these profiles. Tall, slender stemmed orchid with a well formed leaf at flowering. Flowers are often numerous.1

Synonyms: previously included in Calochilus campestris and C. herbaceous.1,2

Distribution and Population Distribution and habitat are uncertain due to confusion with a similar species, Calochilus campestris.1 Considered extinct due to clearing of habitat for vines, but rediscovered in 2000 at Aldinga Scrub CP.1 Only ten plants are known to exist (J Quarmby pers. comm. 2009). There are historical

Further information: Biodiversity Conservation Unit, Adelaide Region Phone: (61 8) 8336 0901 Fax: (61 8) 8336 0999 http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/  Department for Environment and Heritage FIS 90346 May 2008 Prepared as part of the Regional Recovery Plan for Threatened Species and Ecological Communities of Adelaide and the Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia 2009 - 2014

Regional Distribution

Map based on filtered post-1983 records.4 Note, this map does not necessarily represent the actual species’ distribution within the AMLR.

References Note: In some cases original reference sources are not included in this list, however they can be obtained from the reference from which the information has been sourced (the reference cited in superscript).

1 Bates, R. J., ed. (2007). South Australian Native Orchids. Electronic version, August 2007. Native Orchid Society of South Australia.

2 Department for Environment and Heritage Electronic Flora of South Australia species Fact Sheet: Calochilus cupreus. Available from http://www.flora.sa.gov.au (accessed October 2007).

3 Department for Environment and Heritage. (2007). Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Regional Recovery Pilot Expert Flora Workshop, Unpublished Notes. Participants: Bickerton, D., Croft, T., Jury, T., Lang, P., Prescott, A., Quarmby, J. and Smith, K., Adelaide.

4 Department for Environment and Heritage (2007). Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Regional Recovery Pilot Project Database. Unpublished data extracted and edited from BDBSA, SA Herbarium (July 2007) and other sources.