Slender Sun-orchid

Images ©:
©Thelymitra pauciflora David Francis CC2.5

Thelymitra pauciflora

Widespread variable sun-orchid with small, blue flowers to 2 cm wide. The self-pollinating flowers often remain closed and only open on hot days.

Details
Flora Type
Lilies, orchids
Distinctive Features

Symmetrical petals so that they resemble lilies.
Biology

Perennial.
Native Status
Native
Taxonomy
Phylum
Tracheophyta (Vascular Plants)
Class
Magnoliopsida (Flowering Plants)
Order
Asparagales
Family
Orchidaceae
Genus
Thelymitra
Species
pauciflora

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

The Sun-orchids Thelymitra species have paired underground tubers with high levels of starchiness.

Interesting Facts
Similar Species

A number of undescribed forms exist.
Native Status
Native