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Thelymitra arenaria

Forest Sun-orchid

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

Additional information

  • 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
Photographer/s: 1, 4, 5 Colin Rowan ©; 2, 3 Cathy Powers ©

Plant Communities

  • 18 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 45)
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