Thelymitra pallidiflora, commonly called the pale sun orchid,[2] is a species of orchid that is endemic to Victoria. It has a single erect, channelled, leaf and up to ten white to very pale blue, self-pollinating flowers which only open on hot days.
| Pale sun orchid | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Orchidoideae |
| Tribe: | Diurideae |
| Genus: | Thelymitra |
| Species: | T. pallidiflora
|
| Binomial name | |
| Thelymitra pallidiflora | |
Description
editThelymitra pallidiflora is a tuberous, perennial herb with a single erect, channelled, linear to lance-shaped leaf 100–250 mm (4–10 in) long and 5–12 mm (0.2–0.5 in) wide with a purplish base. Between two and ten white to very pale blue flowers 10–30 mm (0.4–1 in) wide are arranged along a flowering stem 150–450 mm (6–20 in) tall. The sepals and petals are 10–20 mm (0.4–0.8 in) long and 3–8 mm (0.1–0.3 in) wide. The column is white or pale blue, 5–6.5 mm (0.20–0.26 in) long and 2.5–3.5 mm (0.098–0.14 in) wide. The lobe on the top of the anther is dark brown or black with a yellow tip, tubular and gently curved. The side lobes curve upwards and have, toothbrush-like tufts of white hairs. Flowering occurs in October and November but the flowers open only on warm to hot days, and then only slowly.[2][3][4]
Taxonomy and naming
editThelymitra pallidiflora was first formally described in 2004 by Jeff Jeanes and the description was published in Muelleria from a specimen collected near Bells Beach.[5] The specific epithet (pallidiflora) means "pale-flowered".[3]
Distribution and habitat
editThe pale sun orchid grows in woodland in the central south of Victoria, near Lysterfield, Anglesea and Crib Point.[2][3][4]
References
edit- ^ "Thelymitra pallidiflora". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- ^ a b c Jones, David L. (2006). A complete guide to native orchids of Australia including the island territories. Frenchs Forest, N.S.W.: New Holland. pp. 235–236. ISBN 1877069124.
- ^ a b c Jeanes, Jeffrey A. (2004). "A revision of the Thelymitra pauciflora R.Br. (Orchidaceae) complex in Australia" (PDF). Muelleria. 19: 44–47. Retrieved 20 May 2018.
- ^ a b Jeanes, Jeff. "Thelymitra pallidiflora". Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Retrieved 20 May 2018.
- ^ "Thelymitra pallidiflora". APNI. Retrieved 20 May 2018.