The Sun Orchids – Thelymitras

These are interesting orchids, as they do not have a labellum, as do many of the other genera of orchids, but have three sepals and three petals all similar in size and shape, and a column.  The column is different in each species and is used for identification.

When we think of Sun Orchids, we visualize bright sunny spring and summer days, which indeed these orchids require to open fully.  So what a pleasure it is, on a sudden burst of sunshine on a cold July day, to come across the beautiful purple/red/orange/gold Queen of Sheba – Thelymitra variegata – in full bloom.  She is one of the first of this lovely genus to flower.  A close relative – Curly Locks – Thelymitra spiralis, also flowers about this time.  It’s flowers range from red to purple but are not as brilliant as the Queen.  Both have a curious spirally twisted leaf.  The Lemon Scented or Vanilla Orchid – Thelymitra antennifera – with it’s little brown “rabbit’s ears” column lobes, also begins flowering in July.  The bright yellow blooms and lemon scent are most attractive on a winter’s day.

August sees the distinctive Twisted Sun Orchid – Thelymitra flexuosa – with little yellow flowers on a zig-zag stem.  The Scented Sun Orchid – Thelymitra macrophylla – with it’s fragrantly perfumed blue flowers and broad leathery leaf begins flowering now.  She is a real beauty, sometimes reaching 50cms. with a dozen or more flowers on one stem.

Early spring – September – and the pretty brown and yellow blotched Leopard Orchid – Thelymitra benthamiana – can be seen, the Custard Orchid – Thelymitra villosa, somewhat similar to the Leopard, but distinguished by being the only Thelymitra to have a hairy leaf.  September sees some beautiful blue Sun Orchids – the Azure Sun Orchid – Thelymitra azurea, with it’s blue/mauve colouring; the Shirt Orchid – Thelymitra campanulata – so named because of its light blue colour with distinct darker stripes, so like a pin-striped shirt.  Also, the lovely deep mauve Lilac Sun Orchid - Thelymitra cornicina, the brilliant blue - Blue Lady Orchid - Thelymitra crinita - with it's broad oval leaf, and the strange Slender Sun Orchid - Thelymitra  pauciflora – which is self-pollinating, opening only for very short periods in hot sunny weather.

November – and the striking Chestnut Sun Orchid – Thelymitra fuscolutea – begins to flower – so attractive with its brown and yellow blooms.  Also, the Plain Sun Orchid – Thelymitra aff. holmesii.  This beauty can reach 80cms. and have more than 20 flowers to a stem.  They can be blue, violet, pink or white.  It also has a sweet perfume – in fact, you often smell it before you see it!

The genus Thelymitra certainly has a host of lovely blooms, flowering for over seven months in many different habitats.  Many are as yet un-named and perhaps more to be discovered.  These named are just some to be found in our area.