Thelymitra ixioides
Spotted Sun-orchid
Perennial herb with fleshy egg-shaped tubers. Plants form massed displays.
Additional information
- FamilyOrchidaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size20-60 cm high
- Plant groupingOrchids
- LeavesErect single lance-shaped, channelled, fleshy leaf, often reddish base, 8-30 cm x 5-10 mm, sheathing at base of stem; 2-3 large, loosely sheathing stem bracts.
- Flower colourBlue with dark blue spots on top half
- Flowering timeOctober to November
- Flowers2-15 scented flowers to 35 mm wide. Column cup-shaped, blue with darker collar, tip yellow; mid lobe - rows of crowded finger-like warts (calli), side lobes toothed; column arms with dense terminal tuft of white hairs.
- Bird attractingNo
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist or well drained peaty to open soils in heathy woodlands and open forests. Full sun, semi shade. Flowers open freely on warm days.
- 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 statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
- Aboriginal Use Food - tuber
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 2, 4 Neil Blair, Royal Botanic Gardens Board ©; 3 Cathy Powers ©
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