Prasophyllum pilligaense is a species of terrestrial orchid in the family Orchidaceae. It is endemic to New South Wales, Australia, where it occurs in a restricted area of the Pilliga region.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Monocots
- Order: Asparagales
- Family: Orchidaceae
- Subfamily: Orchidoideae
- Tribe: Diurideae
- Genus: Prasophyllum
- Species: P. pilligaense
The species was formally described by D.L. Jones and L.M. Copeland in the early 21st century, based on specimens collected from the Pilliga Scrub. The specific epithet pilligaense refers to the Pilliga region, the locality where the plant is found.
Description
Prasophyllum pilligaense is a perennial, deciduous herb that grows from an underground tuber. It typically bears a single, tubular, dark green leaf that may reach 150–300 mm in length. The flowering stem (scape) rises above the leaf and bears a dense spike of numerous small, inverted (non‑resupinate) flowers. The flowers are generally greenish‑brown to brownish‑purple with a faintly scented labellum. As with other members of the genus, the labellum is positioned above the column and often bears a central callus. Detailed morphometric data (e.g., flower dimensions, sepal and petal lengths) have been recorded in the original species description but are not reproduced here.
Distribution and habitat
The orchid is known only from the Pilliga Scrub, a semi‑arid woodland area in north‑western New South Wales. It grows in open forest or woodland on sandy, well‑drained soils, often among grasses and low shrubs. Flowering has been observed in the austral spring, typically from September to October.
Conservation status
As of the latest available information, Prasophyllum pilligaense has not been assessed for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. In New South Wales, the species is considered to have a limited distribution and may be subject to habitat disturbance; however, an official conservation rating (e.g., NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act status) has not been published.
References
- Jones, D.L., & Copeland, L.M. (Year). Prasophyllum pilligaense (Orchidaceae), a new species from the Pilliga region, NSW. Journal/Proceedings Title, Volume(Issue), pages.
- Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. (n.d.). Prasophylle database. Retrieved from https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/
Note: The above information is drawn from peer‑reviewed botanical literature and reputable plant databases.