Listing Statement for Pterostylis cucullata cucullata subsp. cucullatasubsp. (leafy cucullata greenhood)

leafy greenhood

T A S M A N I A N T H R E A T E N E D S P E C I E S L I S T I N G S T A T E M E N T

Image by Matt Larcombe

Scientific name: Pterostylis cucullata R.Br., Prodr . 327 (1810) subsp. cucullata Common name: leafy greenhood (Wapstra et al. 2005) Group: vascular , , family Name history: Pterostylis cucullata

Status: Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 : endangered Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 : Vulnerable

Distribution: Endemic status: Not endemic to Tasmanian NRM Regions: Cradle Coast, North

Figure 1 . Distribution of Pterostylis cucullata subsp. Plate 1. Pterostylis cucullata subsp. cucullata cucullata within Tasmania (image by Richard Schahinger)

1 Threatened Species Section – Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Listing Statement for Pterostylis cucullata subsp. cucullata (leafy greenhood)

IDENTIFICATION AND ECOLOGY dark brown, oblong and 14 to 17 mm long, and Pterostylis cucullata subsp. cucullata is a terrestrial is shortly curved near the apex. orchid with a loose basal rosette of large dark- [description by Jones et al. 1999, Jones 2006] green, elliptical leaves and an underground tuber. It has a flowering stem up to 12 cm tall Taxonomic issues with a solitary semi-nodding flower (Jones Pterostylis cucullata subsp. cucullata is a short 2006). The species can be identified when coastal subspecies of Pterostylis cucullata , a taxon flowering from October to November, with a described originally from a specimen collected peak in early November (Wapstra et al. 2008). at Port Dalrymple in northern Tasmania Pterostylis cucullata subsp. cucullata belongs to a sometime prior to 1810 (Jones et al. 1999). group of orchids commonly known as Pterostylis cucullata is now considered to comprise greenhoods because the dorsal and three subspecies (DEWHA 2009) including a are united to form a predominantly green, tall subspecies from forests in inland Victoria hood-like structure that dominates the flower. and South ( Pterostylis cucullata subsp. When triggered by touch, the labellum flips sylvicola ), and a yet to be described species from inwards towards the , trapping any Barrington Tops, New South Wales. insect inside the flower, thereby facilitating pollination as the insect struggles to escape Confusing species (Jones et al. 1999). None in Tasmania (Jones et al. 1999). The specific pollination vector for the species is unknown, although greenhood flowers in DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT general are pollinated by gnats and occasionally On mainland Australia Pterostylis cucullata subsp. by mosquitoes in larger species. Some species cucullata occurs in southern Victoria where it is may also be self-pollinating. considered to be extremely rare and in South Australia where it is thought to be extinct Pterostylis cucullata subsp. cucullata grows on (Jones 2006, DEWHA 2009). calcareous dunes in near-coastal areas, and generally occurs in shaded sites. Wind and salt In Tasmania Pterostylis cucullata subsp. cucullata is pruning contribute to the maintenance of known from near-coastal areas in the habitat suitable for the species in more exposed northwest, including King Island, Hunter areas, while grazing by native animals and fire Island and , with an are likely to play significant roles in suppressing outlying occurrence on Flinders Island potentially invasive dune scrubs. (Figure 1). There are also nineteenth century records from the north coast at Circular Head Description and George Town, though these sites are now Pterostylis cucullata subsp. cucullata has 5 to 7 presumed to be extinct (Table 1). fleshy dark green leaves in a loose, stem- encircling basal rosette. The leaves are oblong Pterostylis cucullata subsp. cucullata grows on near- to elliptical, 40 to 100 mm long and 15 to 30 coastal calcareous dunes and sand-sheets, mm wide. The solitary, semi-nodding flower is within closed scrubs dominated by either 35 to 40 mm long and 20 to 25 mm wide, on a Leptospermum laevigatum (coast teatree) or Beyeria stout stem, 5 to 12 cm tall, with the uppermost lechenaultii var. latifolia (pale turpentine-bush). leaf sheathing the base of the flower. The Associated species include Leucopogon parviflorus flowers are green, white and dark reddish (coast beardheath), Poa poiformis var. poiformis brown. The hood is curved forward in a (coastal tussockgrass) and Poa rodwayi (velvet semicircle with the shortly hairy, lateral , tussockgrass). The sites are typically sheltered, loosely embracing the hood. The lateral sepals facing south or south-easterly to westerly, with are fused at the base, with the free ends often seasonally damp but well-drained humus-rich curved and 9 to 12 mm long. The labellum is sandy loams, often with moss and deep leaf litter. 2 Threatened Species Section – Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Listing Statement for Pterostylis cucullata subsp. cucullata (leafy greenhood)

In Tasmania the species grows within an CONSERVATION ASSESSMENT altitude range of 10 to 30 m above sea level. It Pterostylis cucullata subsp. cucullata was listed as has a linear range of 350 km, an extent of Pterostylis cucullata 2 rare (as ) on the original occurrence of 31,400 km (which includes large schedules of the Tasmanian Threatened Species areas of sea), and an area of occupancy of about Protection Act 1995. It was uplisted to 80 ha (Table 1). endangered in 2002 when the species was thought to be extinct on mainland Tasmania (Jones et al. 1999).

THREATS, LIMITING FACTORS AND MANAGEMENT ISSUES The greatest threats to the known Pterostylis cucullata subpopulations in northwestern Tasmania and the islands are land clearance, cattle grazing and inappropriate fire regimes. Climate change and stochastic events also pose a threat to the species, while browsing Plate 2. Pterostylis cucullata : coast teatree habitat on by garden snails may have a local impact. King Island (image by Richard Schahinger) Habitat loss: Considerable areas of potential habitat on the northwest coasts of Tasmania are likely to have been lost in the past as a result of POPULATION ESTIMATE dune destabilisation in the 19 th century triggered Pterostylis cucullata subsp. cucullata is known from by a combination of cattle and fire (Stockton at least 16 extant subpopulations in Tasmania, 1982), with the subsequent planting of the with a total of around 10,000 to 11,000 introduced marram grass ( Arenaria ammophila ) (Table 1). The subpopulations on King Island creating habitat unsuitable for the species. In appear to be the most extensive, with an addition, available habitat along Tasmania’s absolute count of over 6,500 individuals in northern coastal strip has been reduced 2008/2009 (Branson 2008; Threatened Species significantly as a result of past agricultural and Section surveys). Flowering plants typically urban development. comprise about 10% of any given All known subpopulations on King Island and subpopulation, with fewer flowers in more Flinders Island are on private land, and exposed situations. consequently are at risk from a range of activities that can lead to degradation and loss The plant numbers cited above are considered of habitat. to be conservative due to the difficulties associated with locating the species in its Cattle grazing and fire: Much of the species’ shrubby habitat. It is also likely that additional preferred habitat in Tasmania has been burnt at subpopulations occur in large areas of frequent intervals to maintain grasslands and unsurveyed potential habitat on private grassy shrublands suitable for cattle grazing. property on both King and Flinders Island, and Cattle grazing and associated activities may lead in large areas of reserved habitat on Three to physical trampling of the species, as well as Hummock Island. causing dune destabilisation, nutrient enrichment and the introduction of weeds. Cattle continue to be an issue of concern for RESERVATION STATUS the subpopulations on King and Hunter Pterostylis cucullata subsp. cucullata is reserved in Islands, as well as the Possum Banks Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area, Hunter subpopulation in Arthur-Pieman Conservation Island Conservation Area and Three Hummock Area. Island State Reserve.

3 Threatened Species Section – Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Listing Statement for Pterostylis cucullata subsp. cucullata (leafy greenhood)

Table 1. Population summary for Pterostylis cucullata subsp. cucullata in Tasmania

Subpopulation Tenure NRM 1:25 000 Year last Area of Number of region mapsheet (first) seen * occupancy plants (ha) 1 King Island Private Cradle Wickham 2009 (2009) 1 (Rocky Point) Coast 2 King Island Private Cradle Wickham 2009 (1998) 1 ^ 1700–1900 (Cape Wickham) Coast 3 King Island Private Cradle New Year 2008 (2008) 5 ^ 2000 (Yellow Rock north) Coast 4 King Island Private Cradle New Year 2009 (2009) 27 ^ 1700 (Yellow Rock middle) Coast 5 King Island Private Cradle New Year 2009 (1998) 21 ^ 1060 (Yellow Rock south) Coast 6 Three Hummock Island State Reserve Cradle Rochon 2002 0.12 76 (North) Coast 7 Three Hummock Island State Reserve Cradle Kerauden 2002 0.02 20 (South) Coast 8 Three Hummock Island State Reserve Cradle Kerauden 2008 1 32 (West Telegraph) Coast 9 Hunter Island Conservation Cradle Cuvier 2002 0.02 150 (3 sites) (Lighthouse Dune system) Area Coast 10 Hunter Island (Cuvier Bay Conservation Cradle Cuvier 2002 0.001 10 track) Area Coast 11 Hunter Island Conservation Cradle Cuvier 2002 100 (Homestead Lagoon) Area Coast 12 Hunter Island Conservation Cradle Cuvier 2002 9 ^ 900 (7+ sites) (Homestead Dune Area Coast system) 13 Hunter Island (South) Conservation Cradle Cuvier 2001 2+ Area Coast 14 Arthur-Pieman Conservation Cradle Bluff 2007 (2001) 0.004 23 (Gardiner Point) Area Coast 15 Arthur-Pieman Conservation Cradle Temma 2007 (2002) 9 ^ 2000–3000 (Possum Banks) Area Coast 16 Flinders Island Private North Tanner 2008 (2005) 0.0004 11 (Tanners Bay) 17 Marrawah Cradle Marrawah 1906 (1906) Presumed extinct Coast 18 Circular Head Cradle Stanley 1900? (1837) Presumed extinct Coast 19 Near George Town North Bell Bay 1844 (prior Presumed extinct to 1810)

* first collected from King Island in 1888, Three Hummock Island in 1944 and Hunter Island in 1971; ^ Area of occupancy taken to be the subpopulation’s extent of occurrence.

4 Threatened Species Section – Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Listing Statement for Pterostylis cucullata subsp. cucullata (leafy greenhood)

Cattle grazing on Hunter Island is currently the Pieman Conservation Area (PWS 2002, subject of negotiations between the Tasmanian 2003). Parks and Wildlife Service and a preferred • Potential habitat in the Arthur-Pieman leaseholder, while the agistment of cattle in the Conservation Area between Preminghana Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area is governed and the Interview River was surveyed in by prescriptions in the Arthur-Pieman 2001 and 2004 (Schahinger 2002, 2005). Conservation Area Management Plan (PWS 2002). • Extension surveys of suitable habitat were Fire management of the species’ coastal dune undertaken in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Target habitat may be a pertinent issue in less exposed areas included the Arthur-Pieman sites, with the likely development of invasive Conservation Area, King Island, Three scrub vegetation in the absence of targeted Hummock Island and Flinders Island. The ecological burns. In terms of those surveys revealed the presence of significant subpopulations on public land, only those new subpopulations on King Island and within the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area Three Hummock Island, and increased the have a fire management plan in place (PWS number of known plants in the Arthur- 2003). Prescriptions are being developed for Pieman Conservation Area. Hunter Island Conservation Area as part of a grazing lease, while passive fire management is • The species was included in the Flora expected to continue into the foreseeable future Recovery Plan: Threatened Tasmanian Orchids for Three Hummock Island State Reserve. 2006–2010 (TSU 2006). Browsing by garden snails : The introduced brown garden snail ( Helix aspersa ) was cited as a Management objectives threat to the Hunter Island subpopulations by The main objective for the recovery of Pterostylis Jones et al. (1999), though more recent surveys cucullata subsp . cucullata is to prevent the by Threatened Species Section personnel have inadvertent destruction of subpopulations, not revealed any substantive impact (Dalgleish maintain the viability of existing & Schahinger 2006). subpopulations, and promote conditions for its Climate change & stochastic events: A successful recruitment. reduction in rainfall associated with global climate change may lead to a diminution of What is needed? suitable habitat and also exacerbate the risk of fire, while the small size of some of the • provide information and extension support subpopulations exposes them to a stochastic to the Cradle Coast and Northern Natural risk of extinction. Resource Management committees, relevant local councils, government agencies and the MANAGEMENT STRATEGY local community on the locality, significance and management of known What has been done? Pterostylis cucullata subsp . cucullata subpopulations and areas of potential • Baseline surveys of known sites were habitat; conducted in 2002 (Dalgleish & Schahinger 2006). • undertake extension surveys to determine the species’ full extent on King, Three • The Possum Banks site in the Arthur- Hummock and Flinders islands (including Pieman Conservation Area has been determining the status of all reported but identified as a cattle exclusion area undescribed subpopulations, and the (Schahinger 2002). It is anticipated that an identification of management issues); area containing about half the known plants will be fenced in the near future. • pursue increased security and improved management of subpopulations on private • A management plan and fire management land through private land conservation plan has been published for the Arthur- programs; 5 Threatened Species Section – Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Listing Statement for Pterostylis cucullata subsp. cucullata (leafy greenhood)

• prepare and implement fire and grazing management recommendations . Nature management plans for Hunter Island and Conservation Report 02/10, Nature Three Hummock Island to take the Conservation Branch Department of requirements of the species into account; Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart. • monitor known subpopulations at two- yearly intervals to determine the level of Schahinger R. (2005). Completion of identifying recruitment and/or plant loss and to better priority lowland temperate grasslands in the Cradle- inform management prescriptions; Coast NRM region . A report to the Threatened Species Unit, Department of • implement the threatened orchid recovery Primary Industries, Water and Environment, plan (TSU 2006) and include the species in Hobart. any revision of the plan. Stockton, J. (1982). Fires by the seaside: historic BIBLIOGRAPHY vegetation changes in northwestern Tasmania. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Branson, M. (2008). King Island threatened species Society of Tasmania 103: 53–66. report. An unpublished report to the Threatened Species Section, Department of TSU (Threatened Species Unit) (2006). Flora Primary Industries and Water, Hobart. Recovery Plan: Threatened Tasmanian Orchids 2006–2010 . Department of Primary Dalgleish, A., & Schahinger, R. (2006). Pterostylis Industries and Water, Hobart. cucullata. Tasmanian Baseline Surveys . Unpublished report, Threatened Species Wapstra, M., Roberts, N., Wapstra, H. & Section, Department of Primary Industries Wapstra, A. (2008). Flowering Times of and Water, Hobart. Tasmanian Orchids: A Practical Guide for Field Botanists . Self-published by the authors (April DEWHA (Department of the Environment, 2008 version). Water, Heritage and the Arts) (2009). Pterostylis cucullata in Species Profile and Wapstra, H., Wapstra, A., Wapstra, M., & Threats Database, Department of the Gilfedder, L. (2005). The Little Book of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Common Names for Tasmanian Plants . Canberra. Accessed 12 February 2009 from: Department of Primary Industries, Water http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat . and Environment, Hobart. Jones, D.L. (2006). A Complete Guide to Native Orchids of Australia, including the Island Prepared in 2009 under the provisions of the Territories. New Holland Publishers Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. (Australia) Pty Ltd, Sydney. Approved by the Secretary and published in July 2010. Jones, D., Wapstra, H., Tonelli, P., & Harris, S. (1999). The Orchids of Tasmania . Melbourne Cite as: Threatened Species Section (2010) University Press. Listing Statement for Pterostylis cucullata subsp. cucullata (leafy greenhood), Department of PWS (Parks and Wildlife Service) (2002). Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area: Management Environment, Tasmania. Plan. Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Tourism, Parks, Heritage and the Arts, View: Hobart. www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/threatenedspecieslists PWS (Parks and Wildlife Service) (2003). Contact details: Threatened Species Section, Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area: Fire Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Management Plan . Parks and Wildlife Service, Water and Environment, GPO Box 44, Hobart, Hobart. Tasmania, Australia 7001. Ph (03) 6233 6556; fax (03) 6233 3477. Schahinger, R.B. (2002). Near-coastal native grasslands of northwestern Tasmania: community Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, description, distribution & conservation status, with damage or destroy this species unless under permit. 6 Threatened Species Section – Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment