A note of thanks to
Alan W Stephenson (conservation officer, Australian Orchid Council) for providing us with the elusive info about the rare orchid which is presumably threatened by lyrebirds : the Elbow Orchid, Arthrochilus huntianus.
Alan wrote : "Personal comments from a Tasmanian contact indicate at this stage there is no reason to be alarmed about the well-being of the orchid."
At this web address, http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/a-huntianus-nothofagicola.html
the following info is provided :
"The species exists in extremely low numbers, five mature individuals in a single population. The geographic distribution, area of occupancy being 0.5ha and extent of occurrence, 0.005km2, is precarious for the survival of the species. The population is in an easily accessible location and continuing decline in the species is likely due to the vulnerability of small populations to stochastic disturbance events."
See a photo of a flower :
http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/crowan/OutNow%20January05/IMGP3556crop.jpg
******* Regards,
Viateur
_______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
