Rhizanthella johnstonii
| South coast underground orchid | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Orchidoideae |
| Tribe: | Diurideae |
| Genus: | Rhizanthella |
| Species: | R. johnstonii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Rhizanthella johnstonii K.W.Dixon & Christenh.[1] | |
Rhizanthella johnstonii, commonly known as south coast underground orchid,[2] is a species of flowering plant in the orchid family and is endemic to the southwest of Western Australia. It is a subterranean herb that has a horizontal rhizome and a head of up to sixty small white flowers with a pink tinge, surrounded by relatively large, cream-coloured to pale pinkish cream bracts.
Description
Rhizanthella johnstonii is a leafless,
Taxonomy and naming
Rhizanthella johnstonii was first formally described in 2018 by
Distribution and habitat
Rhizanthella johnstonii is only known from the area around Munglinup where it grows in association with Melaleuca uncinata, M. hamata and an unnamed melaleuca of the M. uncinata complex.[3][5]
Ecology
As with other orchids in the genus Rhizanthella, all parts of the life cycle of R. gardneri, including flowering, are subterranean. The orchid obtains its energy and nutrients as a
Conservation status
Rhizanthella johnstonii is listed as "Threatened Flora (Declared Rare Flora — Extant)" by the Department of Environment and Conservation (Western Australia)[5] and has been nominated for listing as "critically endangered" under the Australian Government Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.[6]
References
- ^ "Rhizanthella johnstonii". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
- ^ ISBN 9780980348149.
- ^ .
- ^ "Rhizanthella johnstonii". APNI. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
- ^ "Threatened species nomination - Rhizanthella johnstonii" (PDF). Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Retrieved 27 September 2020.