Kingdom Plantae Subfamily Orchidoideae Subtribe Diuridinae Scientific name Diuris protena Order Asparagales | Family Orchidaceae Tribe Diurideae Genus Diuris Rank Species | |
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Diuris protena, commonly known as the early cowslip orchid, northern golden moth orchid or northern golden moths, is a species of orchid which is endemic to the state of Victoria in south-eastern Australia. It was discovered in 2006 in the Terrick Terrick National Park.
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Distribution and habitat
The orchid is known from sites in northern and north-western Victoria between Donald, Terrick Terrick and Elmore. It is found in remnants of Victoria’s native grassland and grassy woodland habitats. The largest population, of some 400 plants, was discovered at Bush Heritage Australia’s Nardoo Hills Reserves, 60 km south-west of Terrick Terrick, in Yellow Box woodland on the slopes of Mount Kerang. A likely pollinator of the orchid is a native bee that also pollinates bulbine lilies, similar in colour and size to the orchid, that are found in the same habitat.
Conservation
Almost all of the orchid’s habitat has been cleared for farming, with remaining sites threatened by weed infestation. In 2007 the population was estimated to comprise several hundred plants. The species is listed as endangered under Victoria’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.