Plants of the Castlemaine District

Great Sun Orchid - native (Thelymitra aristata)

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Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid family).

Native of south-eastern Australia.

It is an impressive orchid.

Recognise:

  • the large size, up to a metre tall
  • the large blue flowers (up to 4cm. across).

    • Rare. Recorded for Taradale. Often a grassland plant.

    Thelymitras have three sepals and three petals, which look alike, so that the orchid is apparently 6-petalled. Sun Orchids typically only open in sunshine.

    Thelymitra from Thelys = female; mitra = hat, referring to the hooded column of some species.

    Photos: Taradale.