Thelymitra flexuosa

Twisted Sun-orchid

Perennial herb with fleshy egg-shaped tubers. Stems are reddish, wiry and bent above sheathing bracts and leaf. Plants form massed displays, opening freely on warm days but self-pollinating.

Additional information

FamilyOrchidaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size10-30 cm high
Plant groupingOrchids
LeavesErect single narrow tapering leaf 5-20 cm x 1-4 mm, sheathing at base of stem; loosely sheathing stem bracts.
Flower colourPale yellow to cream
Flowering timeOctober
Flowers1-3 flowers to 15 mm across. Sepals and petals egg-shaped, bluntly pointed. Column tip brown; column arms inconspicuous; anther swollen, orange.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsWet areas on swamp margins of heathy woodland. Full sun, semi shade.
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. Known from a single site.
Aboriginal Use Food - tuber