Dendrobium melaleucaphilum (an epiphytic orchid) - endangered species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list Dendrobium melaleucaphilum M.A. Clem & D.L. Jones, an epiphytic orchid, as an ENDANGERED SPECIES on Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Act. Listing of Endangered Species is provided for by Part 2 of the Act.

NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. Dendrobium melaleucaphilum M.A. Clem & D.L. Jones (Orchidaceae) was first described in 1986 and was previously known as the "large-flowered paperbark form" of Dendrobium tetragonum.

2. Dendrobium melaleucaphilum has been described in Flora of New South Wales, Volume 4 (1993) as: an epiphyte or occasionally an epilith, stems spreading to pendent, thin and wiry in the basal half, succulent, swollen and square in cross section in the upper half, tapering towards the tip, rooting only at the base, 6-45 cm long, 7-9 mm diam., with 2-4 leaves at apex; roots smooth, creeping. Leaves spreading to erect, elliptic, 4.5-9 cm long, 15-25 mm wide, conduplicate, acuminate, thin, smooth. Inflorescences 0.7-4 cm long, 2-8 flowered. Sepals and lateral petals green to deep dull yellow with reddish margins or other markings; dorsal sepal 38-60 mm long, 2-5 mm wide; labellum cream with reddish striations, 10-16 mm long, 7-9 mm wide. Column 2.5-4 mm long; column foot 6-10 mm long. Flowers July-Oct. Grows frequently on Melaleuca styphelioides, less commonly on rainforest trees or on rocks in coastal districts; north from the lower Blue Mountains.

3. The species occurs in coastal districts and nearby ranges, extending from Queensland to its southern distributional limit in the lower Blue Mountains. In New South Wales, it is currently known from seven recent collections. There has been no subsequent confirmation from the locations of three earlier collections (pre 1922) and it is possible that these are now extinct.

4. The main threat to Dendrobium melaleucaphilum is illegal collecting and damage arising from bark stripping to host Melaleuca trees. Repeated burning, clearing and draining have resulted in habitat alteration and degradation.

5. In view of 3 & 4 above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that the species is likely to become extinct in nature in New South Wales unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate.

Proposed Gazettal date: 27/10/00
Exhibition period: 27/10/00 - 1/12/00