Leafy Greenhood

Coastal populations occur from Wilsons Promontory in the east to Nelson in the west including Mornington Peninsula (Cape Schanck, Rye and Tootgarook), Cape Otway, and Portland (Bridgewater Lakes and Cape Bridgewater).

Inland it is found in the Central Highlands (Lake Eildon, Howqua River and Licola)the Strathbogie Ranges and East Gippsland (Serpentine Creek, Buchan and Benambra), with one small population in a remnant of the lowland Gippsland plains at Moormurng Reserve east of Bairnsdale. The Moormurng area is closely allied vegetatively to coastal areas despite being geographically inland. There is also a record of the Leafy Greenhood at Broadmeadows (Beardsell 1984-6, Tribe pers. comm.).

The typical habitat of coastal populations is stabilised sand dunes under open to closed

of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria.

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ISSN 1448-9902

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Distribution in Victoria (DSE 2002)

scrub of Coast Tea-tree (Leptospermum laevigatum) or Moonah (Melaleuca lanceolata) with an open ground stratum. The sites are usually sheltered, south-east to west facing, with seasonally damp but well-drained humus-rich sandy loams, often with moss and deep leaf litter (Beardsell &Scarlet 1986, Walsh, pers. comm.). Dune swales with dense herbaceous ground strata, dry dune crests or areas of young regrowth vegetation are unsuitable for the species (Beardsell & Scarlett 1986).

Some coastal populations of Leafy Greenhood also occur in Coast Manna Gum (Eucalyptus pryoriana) woodland with a sparse shrub layer.

The habitat of the Moormurng population is dominated by a Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis) forest on clay loamy soils with a grassy understorey of Branched Wallaby-grass (Danthonia racemosa) and Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoides) as well as Spiny-headed Mat Lily (Lomandra longifolia) and Thatch Saw-sedge (Gahnia radula).

The numerous populations at Licola represent the most important known occurrence of the orchid in the state (James 1992). Most of them are in the Alpine National Park, although some occur on nearby private property. These populations are often found protected from hot sun on southerly or easterly aspects of steep river banks amongst a diverse herbfield under an open canopy of Apple Box (E. bridgesiana). A few taller shrubs are present in places. Other Leafy Greenhood populations at Licola are found in herbfields on alluvial flood plains beneath a canopy of Apple Box and other eucalypts such as Yellow Box (E. melliodora), Red Stringybark (E. macrorhynca), Manna Gum (E.viminalis) and Blue Gum (E. globulus ssp. pseudoglobulus). Populations at Lake Eildon and the Strathbogie Ranges occur in similar habitats; that is, shaded sites on both alluvial flats and easterly slopes close to creeks.

The number of populations in any one location varies significantly. Existing populations are as follows:

Geographic Area	Locality
Coastal	.
Wilsons Promontory	Yanakie Isthmus
Mornington Pensinsula	Cape Schanck
.	Rye
.	Tootgarook
Cape Otway	Cape Otway
South West	Bridgewater Lakes
.	Cape Bridgewater
.	*Nelson
Inland
Strathbogie Ranges	Strathbogie Ranges
Central Highlands	Lake Eildon
	Licola
East Gippsland	Benambra
	Buchan
	*Moormurng
	*Serpentine Creek

* Only one known population in these locations.

To minimise the risk of trampling by enthusiasts and the likelihood of collection, the precise location of the orchid populations will remain confidential.

Briggs & Leigh (1988) Vulnerable (Australia)

Gullan et al. (1990) Vulnerable (Victoria)

SAC (1991) Threatened


Reasons for Conservation Status
The Leafy Greenhood is more secure inland than in coastal areas where it is presumed extinct at Frankston, Hampton, Nelson, Queenscliff and Sorrento.

Human habitation has caused most of the decline in coastal populations through habitat clearing for development, weed invasion and the change in species composition of remnant habitat.

Several populations at Wilsons Promontory are thought to have been eliminated by grazing rabbits and by clearing Coast Tea-tree from beside paths (Beardsell & Scarlett 1986). Part of a known population's Coast Tea-tree habitat was slashed in a program of grassland and open woodland restoration on Yanakie Isthmus.

About half the remaining coastal populations are on private property. Possibly the last coastal strongholds for Leafy Greenhood on public land are several populations on Yanakie Isthmus, in Wilsons Promontory National Park and Tootgarook, Mornington Peninsula. With future surveying Cape Otway may also be found to be a significant coastal area.

The Moormurng population is in an area with a history of light grazing that has rarely been burnt and is relatively free of weeds.

Of the inland populations on public land, only that at Frys Hut on the Howqua River, is thought to have disappeared. Weed invasion in the last 20 years, accelerated by the presence of stock and intensive recreation pressure nearby is believed to be partly responsible.

A range of threats face remaining inland and coastal populations: urban development, roadworks, vehicle movement, recreational activities, weed invasion, introduced animals and trampling of habitat and collection by enthusiasts.

Many populations are more vulnerable to natural catastrophes and changes in environmental factors over time because of their small size (Schaffer 1981).

The Leafy Greenhood is endangered in other states (Carr pers. comm.). Populations on the Bass Strait islands near north-east Tasmania are threatened by cattle trampling and grazing by introduced snails (Zeigler pers. comm.). South Australia's Mt. Lofty Ranges have most recorded populations, of which more than half are extinct (Davies 1986).

In its final recommendations, the Scientific Advisory Committee (1991) determined that the Leafy Greenhood Orchid is significantly prone to future threats likely to result in extinction.

Major Conservation Objectives

• 
  To secure all remnant populations of Leafy Greenhoods and allow for their expansion by controlling threats to their survival.
  
• 
  To secure the range of genetic variation held within threatened or small populations (less than 100 individuals).
  
• 
  To expand the knowledge of the ecological requirements of Leafy Greenhood as a basis for informed future management decisions.
  

Little is known about the Leafy Greenhood's rate of vegetative reproduction. In cultivation the rate appears slower than with some other Greenhoods, which produce a replacement for the parent tuberoid and up to four extra (daughter) tuberoids each year (Carr pers. comm.).

The daughter tuberoids have a delicate water balance as they are often only a few cm under the surface. Consequently there is a decrease in survival rates of daughter tuberoids in dry seasons (Beardsell pers. comm.). Greater recruitment has been noted after wetter summers (Carr pers. comm.).

The Leafy Greenhood is regarded as having a relatively low potential for seed production. Estimates of the number of individuals which flower in a colony vary from 5 to 25% (Carr, Clements, Eichler, pers. comm.). This is partly explained by the time it takes to reach flowering maturity and partly by climatic effects. It may take three seasons for a plant to flower under optimal conditions in cultivation and subsequent flowering only occurs if conditions are favourable (Carr pers. comm.). Some commercially available forms of Leafy Greenhood from South Australia apparently flower more freely (Backhouse pers. comm.).

Conditions under which seedling recruitment occurs are not known. Soil disturbance may enhance seedling establishment but as with many other Greenhoods it is unlikely that the Leafy Greenhood is dependent on it (Carr pers. comm.).

Management priorities Maintaining genetic variation is vital to the long-term survival of a species (Frankel & Soule 1981). It is likely that the amount of genetic variation within any particular colony is limited by this species' propensity for vegetative reproduction. Since the number of individuals is not indicative of the level of genetic significance, a population's rarity is more important. This is determined by the number of populations in an area and their location with respect to the overall distribution. Leafy Greenhood populations at Moormurng, Nelson and Serpentine, are significant because of their geographic isolation even though they are small.

Small populations of clonal species have a greater potential to remain genetically viable in the long term, given their capacity for vegetative reproduction, than species reliant on sexual reproduction.

Setting priorities for the Leafy Greenhood's conservation should therefore be determined on factors other than population size (Refer to the discussion of management of clonal species in the Brittle Greenhood Action Statement).

No attempts should be made to cross Leafy Greenhood populations from widely separated parts of the state as it may be deleterious to their long-term survival (refer to Enhanced Recruitment and ex situ Conservation under Wider Conservation Issues).

• 
  Cattle threaten the Leafy Greenhood at Bridgewater Lakes, Cape Otway and Licola by trampling and grazing the orchid.
  
• 
  At Cape Otway, horses on private property have trampled one of the larger coastal populations and when last inspected in the mid 1980s the population was in serious decline (Beardsell pers. comm.).
  
• 
  Grazing of flowers by introduced snails (Theba pisana and Helix aspera) has been recorded at Nelson and Cape Otway (Beardsell, Allen, pers. comm.). Plants are at risk from secondary viral and/or fungal infection from mollusc grazing apart from losing their potential for seed dispersal with flower destruction (Daniel pers. comm.). Introduced molluscs may also threaten the Tootgarook population on the Mornington Pensinsula with the increase in shelter and food on a newly developed adjacent block.
  
• 
  Grazing by rabbits is considered a threat at Cape Otway and Wilsons Promontory.
  

Recreation

• 
  Ad hoc camping, 4WD, trail bikes, horse riding, and trampling threaten populations at Lake Eildon, Licola, Cape Bridgewater and Tootgarook.
  
• 
  Trees have been removed around Wellington River populations, presumably for firewood. The removal of firewood may threaten the orchid near these campsites in the long term by stimulating weed invasion and through alteration of the natural habitat.
  

Urban Development

• 
  Development threatens several populations of Leafy Greenhood on uncleared privately owned lots on the Mornington Peninsula. The survival of many populations on private property will depend on the cooperation of landholders. Translocation to public land where other Leafy Greenhoods occur, while not desirable, may be a last resort.
  
• 
  One of the largest known coastal populations is in relatively intact habitat on the Mornington Peninsula at Tootgarook on public land. Part of this population was destroyed when a house was built on adjoining private property. The impact of the new residents on the remaining colonies immediately adjacent to the property is a potential threat that needs management, as does partial revegetation near the rear of the property (see Previous Management Action).
  

Several management issues were found in need of resolution for the management of the Leafy Greenhood and other threatened flora. Some entail the need to formulate policy and guidelines for population management, others deal with conflicts of land management. The issues are outlined below under population management and land management. One other threat, grazing by introduced molluscs, is also discussed.

Seedling recruitment of the Leafy Greenhood may be enhanced through artificial (hand) pollination as individuals do not naturally self-pollinate but rely on fungus gnats (Mycetophilid species (Bates 1989)). Such intervention is controversial but has been promoted particularly where habitat modification is believed to have either reduced or eliminated the orchid's pollinators. It is not recommended that this approach be undertaken in the absence of a policy or guidelines for using artificial pollinators for threatened plants.

An alternative is to remove one or several tuberoids and cultivate these for propagating other tuberoids for re-establishment or translocation. Some of these

orchids may need to be maintained ex situ (off-site) as a safeguard against loss of genetic diversity. Policy and guidelines are needed for ex situ conservation, re-establishment and translocation. (Refer to Management costs under Social and Economic Issues.)

The use of inappropriate herbicides for weed management poses a threat, as does manual removal where disturbance affects the tuberoids or facilitates further weed invasion. Weed management policy guidelines are needed for sensitive areas with threatened species such as the Leafy Greenhood.

Populations of several other threatened orchids and other plant species have been affected elsewhere by a variety of land management agencies. CNR must ensure that all information is fully taken into account when operations, both within and outside the department, are planned and undertaken. Management agreements may also be needed with other authorities.

Instances of conflicting land management are given below.

• 
  (Benambra) In November 1991, an area with the Leafy Greenhood and the Enigmatic Greenhood at Benambra was sprayed at the time of flowering with a herbicide (GrazonÒ) to protect the general habitat from English Broom (Cytisus scoparius). The impact of this action is unknown. Further control of the English Broom is needed.
  
• 
  (Wilsons Promontory) In 1992 a slashing operation by CNR for Coast Tea-tree (Leptospermum laevigatum) resulted in the disturbance of a known Leafy Greenhood population.
  
• 
  (Lake Eildon) The management of weeds and ad hoc camping and recreation in parts of Lake Eildon is difficult because of the ambiguous land status and lack of clear legislative controls. The Leafy Greenhood is found in the 200 m strip of land between full supply level of Lake Eildon and the Eildon State Park. An agreement is needed between CNR and the RWC over the management of this strip of land.
  
• 
  (Licola population) Campers have been allowed to collect their own firewood in the Alpine National Park along the Wellington River provided it is collected away from camping areas. This has proved impossible to enforce and trees within the camping areas have been removed-a threat to at least one population of Leafy Greenhoods. It is likely that other flora and fauna have also been adversely affected, particularly as habitat trees are being removed and conditions favouring weed invasion are enhanced. The removal of hollow bearing trees is recognised as a Potentially Threatening Process. Alternative arrangements for firewood should be investigated.
  

The potential for seed production for those dozen or so individuals remaining at Nelson has not been realised for many years due to snails eating the flowers. The Leafy Greenhood was far more common in this area before recreationists and development destroyed habitat. Establishing colonies in other suitable habitat, if any remains, would greatly enhance the orchid's prospects of survival in this region.

Introduced molluscs may be a threat to other flora species (Parsons pers. comm.). Grazing of native flora by introduced molluscs may therefore be eligible for listing as a potentially threatening process.
Social and Economic Issues
Achievement of the major conservation objectives raises social and economic issues.

Management costs There may be some benefit in undertaking genetic comparisons of populations of this species to ensure that the most effective protection is achieved for minimum economic and social cost.

Ex situ conservation may be necessary as an interim measure in instances where management is unlikely to secure a population or where the costs are prohibitive. This approach is a safeguard in light of the absence of knowledge of the orchidÕs genetic variation.

Management of recreation activities Human activities will be modified near a population on Cape Bridgewater. Campsites along the Wellington River and Lake Eildon will also be managed to protect the orchid, and alternative facilities should be provided.

Exclusion of Animals

• 
  Cattle are likely to damage the indigenous vegetation communities in the Alpine National Park, including habitat of the Leafy Greenhood near Licola, by selective grazing and weed introduction (James 1992). Removal of stock from populations of the Leafy Greenhood in this area is recommended.
  
• 
  Horses may also need to be excluded near several populations, thus affecting recreationists (see Intended Management Action).
  

(Licola) In 1991, to conserve the 'last bridge' campsite population along the Wellington River which at the time was known as the largest inland population, bollards and signs were used to limit access to the vegetation around the orchid and tracks were closed to restrict campers and their vehicles. Monitoring in the following two years indicated successful management.

(Lake Eildon) The Upper Goulburn Field Naturalists assisted CNR with a survey in 1993. A site reported to CNR was visited and a habitat description made.

(Licola) Decades of unregulated camping along the Wellington River in the Alpine National Park has lead to significant environmental damage. Plans to develop the 'last bridge' campsite along the Wellington River were halted following drafting of this action statement. A two-week survey for Leafy Greenhoods was undertaken during November 1992 to ascertain the status and distribution of the orchid along the Wellington River and its environs for future management decisions. Local field naturalists and other members of the community assisted with the survey. Thirty-three new locations for the orchid were discovered and a total of over 15 000 flowering plants counted for the area. Future surveys are likely to uncover other populations as time and resource constraints limited the areas surveyed.

(Strathbogie Ranges) The Upper Goulburn Field Naturalists, who originally found the population in 1982, assisted CNR in 1993 with its relocation and the recording of details. The population is large and has over 1,000 individuals. It is threatened with erosion of a roadside and the Ancona LandCare Group have offered to help with the stabilisation of the road batter.

(Tootgarook) CNR surveyed the coastal population at Tootgarook in 1992 and 1993. A general flora description of the site was recorded and ten 1 m2 subplots established for permanent population monitoring.

Translocation (Rye) In the late 1980s some 40 orchids were moved from private property at Rye, with the owners approval, to two suitable sites on public land at Cape Schanck. Monitoring of these two populations over several years indicates survival but no additional recruitment.

Visitor management (Spring Creek-Buchan) A walking track was realigned in 1991 to direct walkers away from the Leafy Greenhood area.

Weed control (Licola) In 1991, RoundupÒ was sprayed at the Wellington River 'last bridge' campsite to control blackberries (Rubus sp.) and wild roses (Rosa sp.). As a precaution Roundup¨ was only sprayed over half the population in summer when the orchids had died back. The results could be a useful indicator of the effectiveness of this approach despite it not being a controlled experiment. Subjective monitoring has indicated no deleterious effects on the orchid.

(Bridgewater Lakes) Local field naturalists have assisted CNR with weed management.

Public Authority Management Agreement

• 
  CNR will reach an agreement with the Rural Water Corporation for the management of the strip of land between the existing Eildon State Park and the full supply level of Lake Eildon.
  
• 
  CNR will reach an agreement with VicRoads to ensure that proposed road construction does not interfere with the Tootgarook population.
  

• 
  Monitor all populations annually during flowering period. Adopt methods for monitoring and assessment advised by Flora and Fauna Branch of CNR.
  
• 
  Assess threats and evaluate success of any previous management.
  
• 
  Register all monitoring data on relevant department data base.
  

• 
  Search appropriate habitat near historic locations of the orchid where there is uncertainty about the orchid's existence. Search in areas where other populations are likely to occur but are not yet recorded. To ensure populations are easily locatable for future monitoring, record locations with Global Positioning System device (GPS).
  
• 
  In areas likely to undergo extensive modification or management, consult with Flora and Fauna Branch for assistance with surveys and/or encourage community participation. This affects populations at Lake Eildon and Howqua River; Licola; Moonlight Head, Wonthaggi, Cape Schanck, private property on the Mornington Peninsula, Orbost Serpentine Creek, Bay of Islands Coastal Reserve and Wilsons Promontory.
  

• 
  Evaluate the situation annually and where necessary protect populations with barriers/fences or exclude animals or people totally from the area. On public land that contains the orchid, incorporate orchid protection details d into management plans.
  
• 
  Fence site to prevent cattle entry at Bridgewater Lakes.
  
• 
  Evaluate the need for planning in areas with ad hoc camping and recreational use at Lake Eildon near the Leafy Greenhood population.
  
• 
  Investigate options for camping areas, horse riding and car-park development along the Wellington River with an emphasis on preservation of existing populations and any other good quality sites considered potential habitat..
  
• 
  Prevent cattle disturbing habitat at Licola. Investigate and implement actions to improve and monitor conservation of hollow-bearing trees in and near camping areas.
  
• 
  Redirect sightseers to an alternative vantage point at Cape Bridgewater.
  
• 
  Evaluate likely impact of changes in hydrology of Serpentine Creek from upstream logging. Incorporate prescriptions for protecting the population into the East Gippsland Forest Management Plan.
  
• 
  Erect barrier to protect orchids from inadvertent damage from residents at Tootgarook. Discuss issue with VicRoads and private landholders before erecting a fence.
  
• 
  Other populations in need of immediate evaluation are at Howqua River, Cape Otway, Rye, Cape Schanck, Cape Bridgewater, Nelson and Wilsons Promontory.
  

• 
  Assess weed problem annually and determine management action, especially at Bridgewater Lakes, Cape Otway, Lake Eildon, Licola, Serpentine Creek, Spring Creek, Tootgarook and Wilsons Promontory..
  

• 
  Undertake measures to reduce the threat posed by rabbits at Wilsons Promontory and Cape Otway and snails at Cape Otway and Nelson.
  

• 
  Secure genetic variation of threatened or small populations (i.e. less than 100 individuals) at Cape Otway, Moormurng, Nelson and Rye. The options may include:
  
• 
  enhancing seedling recruitment through artificial pollination.
  
• 
  restocking populations with tuberoids propagated ex situ
  
• 
  re-establishing orchids in other suitable habitat by either direct translocation of tuberoids (with precautions against disease transfer) or by using tuberoids propagated ex situ.
  
• 
  Continue monitoring the translocated populations at Cape Schanck.
  

• 
  Provide information to private landholders at Cape Otway, Tootgarook, Rye, Cape Schanck and Bridgewater Lakes on how to manage the Leafy Greenhood. Encourage or provide incentives to landholders to conserve the Leafy Greenhood. Encourage them to consider planning agreements, conservation covenant and/or to consider registering their properties with the 'Land for Wildlife' scheme..
  

• 
  Encourage local conservation groups to participate in the conservation of the species by assisting with surveys or other activities such as weeding. This species is a high priority for Botanic Guardian funding to community groups..
  

• 
  Encourage research by tertiary institutions into the biology of the Leafy Greenhood, looking at the demography, genetic variation, and recruitment.
  
• 
  Evaluate the impact of introduced molluscs on other threatened species for nomination as a potentially threatening process.
  

• 
  R
  References
  
  • 
    Bates, R. (1989) Pollination Biology and Ecology of the orchid Pterostylis cucullata (Leafy Greenhood) in South Australia, South Australian Naturalist, Vol. 63, No. 3..
    
  • 
    Beardsell, C. (1984Ð86) Record Sheets: A Register of Rare and Endangered Native Plant Species in Victoria, Botany Dept., La Trobe University. .
    
  • 
    Beardsell, C. & Scarlett, N.H. (1986) Summary Sheet: A Register of Rare and Endangered Native Plant Species in Victoria. La Trobe University..
    
  • 
    Briggs, J.D. & Leigh, J.H. (1988) Rare and Threatened Australian Plants. Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Canberra..
    
  • 
    Davies, R.P. (1986) Threatened Plant Species of the Mount Lofty Ranges and Kangaroo Island Regions of South Australia, Conservation Council of South Australia..
    
  • 
    DSE (2002) Flora Information System (Electronic Flora Database). Parks, Flora & Fauna, Department of Sustainability & Environment, East Melbourne.
    
  • 
    Frankel, O.H. & Soule, M.E. (1981) Conservation and evolution. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK. .
    
  • 
    Gullan, P.K., Cheal, D.C. & Walsh, N.G. (1990) Rare and Threatened Plants in Victoria. Department of Conservation and Environment, Melbourne. .
    
  • 
    Nicholls, W.H. (1969) Orchids of Australia, Nelson Pty. Ltd., Australia. .
    
  • 
    James, J. M. (1992) Report on a survey for the Leafy Greenhood (Pterostylis cucullata) carried out in the Alpine National Park. 9-20 Nov., 1992. Central Gippsland Region, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. .
    
  • 
    Jones, D. (1988) Native Orchids of Australia, Reed books, Pty.Ltd., Australia. .
    
  • 
    Jones, D. & Clements, M.A. (1993) New species of Pterostylis R. Br. (Orchidaceae) from Victoria and New South Wales. Muelleria 8 (No. 1): 73-5. .
    
  • 
    Melbourne Water (1991) Water and Catchment Hydrology Research, Status Report. .
    
  • 
    Scientific Advisory Committee (1991) Final recommendation on a nomination for listing: Pterostylis cucullata (Nomination no: 25). Flora and Fauna Guarantee. Department of Conservation and Environment, Victoria. .
    
  • 
    Schaffer, M.L., (1981) Minimum Population Sizes for Species Conservation, Bioscience 31 (No 2): 31-3.
    .
    
  
  Personal Communications
  Adams, M., Southern Peninsula Branch of Indigenous Flora and Fauna Association.

  Allen, B., Ranger, Soutwest Area.

  Beardsell, C., Consultant; Cottlesbridge.

  Backhouse, G., Biologist, CNR.

  Bennett, L., Ph D student, Melbourne.

  Carr, G., Consultant, Ecology Australia Pty Ltd.

  Clark, R., Naturalist, Lakes Entrance.

  Clements, M., Botanist, Australian National Botanic Gardens.

  Clift, B., Flora Conservation Officer, Mornington Shire.

  Daniel, A., Assistant Lecturer, La Trobe University.

  Eichler, J., Senior Strategic Planner, Cranbourne Shire.

  Jeanes, J., Naturalist, authority on orchids, Melbourne.

  Jones, D., Botanist, Australian National Botanic Gardens.

  Parsons, B., Reader in Botany, La Trobe University.

  Scarlett, N. Botanist, La Trobe University.

  Tribe, G., President, Geelong Field Naturalists.

  Whelan, J., Head Ranger, Wilsons Promontory.

  Zeigler, D., Botanist, Dept Parks, Wildlife and Heritage, Tasmania.

  
  
  
  Compiler
  

  Hugh Bramwells
  
  Further information

  
  Further information can be obtained from Department of Sustainability and Environment Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

  Flora and Fauna Guarantee Action Statements are available from the Department of Sustainability and Environment website: http://www.dse.vic.gov.au

  
  
  eferences