Thelymitra arenaria

Forest Sun-orchid

A clump forming orchid belonging to the T. pauciflora complex. See Thelymitra pauciflora for more details.

SynonymThelymitra sp. aff. nuda (Laverton), Thelymitra sp. aff. pauciflora (Laverton)
FamilyOrchidaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size20-40 cm high
Plant groupingOrchids
Flower colourPurple with darker veins
Flowering timeOctober to December
Flowers2-12 flowers, opening on hot days. The column mid-lobe is brown with a notched yellow tip. Column arms have a brush of white hairs along their length.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsWell drained soil.
Garden useUse of orchids in gardens is not recommended, unless they already occur naturally, in which case they need to be protected. Removing orchids from the bush usually results in their death and further depletes remaining wild orchid populations.
Commercially availableRarely
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Collected from Mt. Dandenong.
Aboriginal Use Food - tuber