Tourist Road Leek Orchid - a new species.

The "Leek Orchid" which I have written about on this blog, previously, is apparently an as yet undescribed species.

The experts tell me it is not the Wingecarribee Leek Orchid - based on microscopic analysis.

Prasophyllum appendiculatum
(Amended ID, by Dr Mark Clements)

(DJW EDIT 7 March 2012  
Identification subsequently confirmed on 7 March 2012 as Prasophyllum appendiculatum). At the time I originally published this blog, it was believed that this plant was so rare that the National Parks and Wildlife Service has listed it on the Endangered Species List, and it was thought, therefore. to be protected by legislation. 
References to this plant as an endangered species are no longer supported.

Bugger!

Prasophyllum appendiculatum
(Amended ID, by Dr Mark Clements)

When I was talking to David Tranter about this, the other day, he pointed out that if it is not yet described in the scientific journals - it is new to science.

A new species.

I guess that's not a bad result.

Prasophyllum appendiculatum
(Amended ID, by Dr Mark Clements)

Shame that the SCA is constructing the newest bore, on Tourist Road smack in the middle of the Leek Orchid colony.

You can just make out one of these plants here, beside my camera case. The case is there in an attempt to make the Leek Orchid stand out.







Riddle: When is a Leek Orchid not endangered?

When it is new to science, and and is about to be exterminated before it can be described. (DJW: no longer supported - 7 March 2012)

Without being described, it cannot then be classified as an endangered species.

*****

I understand this new bore is to be a "large diameter Production Bore".

Of course it will be, as that will enable them to take as much water as possible from under the farming land across the road - with their "draw down" of water expected to extend at least 2Km.

By one of those strange co-incidences of Nature, Tourist Road is about to be closed for a period of six weeks, for reconstruction of a bridge. Strangely, this bridge (which has always been noisy) suddenly is classed as being in need of urgent repair. It is to be replaced by a nice new concrete bridge, capable of handling heavy traffic.

Why would heavy traffic want to travel along the picturesque Tourist Road?

Well, just possibly it has got to do with the SCA wanting to do even more construction work in the bore field.

Isn't it interesting how, suddenly, the RTA, or the Wingecarribbee Shire Council, has found the money to do this construction right now - when that bridge has been deemed adequate for country traffic, for as long as anyone can remember.

Amazing what can be done when serious politics gets involved in an issue.

Trust me, this is serious politics.

This is a desperate Government, determined to get its own way, no matter at what cost - either in fiscal terms, or in terms of the environment.

It all goes back to Mr Iemma's simplistic and naive announcement back in February that he has "discovered the underground lakes".

Remember that?

I do, I have been blogging about it, since 13 February.

It is time some serious people stated to listen.

Matt Brown?
Peta Seaton?
Pru Goward, Liberal Party Candidate for the seat of Goulburn is starting to take an interest. This was reported in the Southern Highlands News on 10 November.

It is interesting that the SHN has a pathetically poor representation on the Web. You can get only a few headline stories, and then not always the full text of an article. For example, the article about the next member of parliament's views on the Kangaloon Aquifer did not make it to the web. Surely anything she says is newsworthy in Bowral. Sorry. Pru's statement only made it to page 5. What a hopeless "Newspaper".
It is just a local rag.