Australia So Much to See

Blue flowering Sun Orchids found in the South West region are:

Thelymitra cornicina, Lilac Sun Orchid, shade of purple to blue with faint striping, flowers 2.5 – 3 centimetres, and a narrow leaf. Tufts are held outwards on a prominent protrusion. Favours swampy areas.

Thelymitra crinita, Blue Lady Orchid, Queen Orchid, Lily Orchid (usually applied to the pale variation). Blue orchid, several six petalled flowers along upright stem which comes from a single broad leaf which cups the stem and is often reddish at the base. Flower has purple tufts in flower centre, with a speckled appearance on the post anther lobe (column apex or cap) which is an almost closed circle, no discernible scent. Pale variations may have a pink tassel, and pale lilac petals. Lower petal, which is actually the labellum, is narrower than the other five petals.  See this page.

Thelymitra graminea, Shy Sun Orchid, has a long and thinner leaf, the plant is shorter, flowers 2 centimetres. Shades of colours can vary. See this page.

Thelymitra macrophylla, Scented Sun Orchid, can have many flowers per stem, with flowers up to 4 centimetres. A wider thick and ridged leaf which can vary in length. Flower stalks can reach almost one metre. Purple-blue orchid, several flowers along upright stem which comes from a single elongated leaf with ridges. White tufts in flower centre, a plain dark post anther lobe (column apex or cap), a sweet scent may be discernible prior to fertilisation. Flower petals have a sharper point than Thelymitra crinita. Flower shades are variable, and colour on the tip of the column may be red or brown, particularly in the paler shade flowers. See this page.

Thelymitra mucida, Plum Orchid, has a tiny flower of 1 – 2 centimetres with striping evident. Pale yellow tufts appear course and straggly, and curl upwards. A narrow leaf.

Thelymitra paludosa, Plain Sun orchid, also has a thick and quite long leaf. Flower stalk can be tall. This is very similar to Thelymitra macrophylla but generally flowers later. Favours, but not confined to, winter wet areas and swamp edges.

Thelymitra petrophila, Granite Sun Orchid, has flowers of 2 - 3 centimetres in varying shades. Base of column tends to be white. Has a strappy leaf with a prominent central ridge, somewhat similar to Thelymitra macrophylla. It is the most common blue sun orchid in inland areas.

Thelymitra vulgaris, Slender Sun Orchid, found mainly in coastal areas, has flowers in blue to mauve shades with faint striping, and flowers to 2.5 centimetres. Tuft support curves upwards. Has a very long slender leaf (as long as the flower stem).

Thelymitra villosa, Custard Orchid

A large yellow sun orchid, with flowers around five to six centimetres across, on a stem up to sixty centimetres high.  Yellow flowers have fine brown spots radiating out from the centre, and amount of spotting can vary. Numerous flowers on stem and flowers each on stalk, held out from the main stem, giving the orchids an even larger appearance.  This is an outstanding and spectacular native orchid.  Leaf has slight hairiness, which is unique in Sun orchids.     

November

Bridgetown, South West region, Western Australia, and found in locations through the South West and Great Southern regions, into the Wheatbelt, and along the coastal strip near Esperance.  Favours winter wet flats particularly in Wandoo forests.