Website of Tobias Westmeier

Range of Thelymitra benthamiana
Range of Thelymitra benthamiana.

Leopard Orchid
Thelymitra benthamiana Rchb.f. 1871

Synonyms

Notes

The Leopard Orchid is found across southern Australia, including south-western WA, south-eastern SA, southern VIC and north-eastern TAS. In Tasmania, the species is only known from a small area on Flinders Island in the Bass Strait. The orchids flower from mid spring until early summer and can be found in a variety of habitats, most commonly open forest, woodland and heath. They often occur in areas of excess moisture, such as winter-wet flats, drainage lines or run-off areas associated with granite outcrops.

In general, the Leopard Orchid is easily recognisable due to its pale-yellow flowers with large, brown blotches. However, the number and size of the blotches are highly variable, and flowers can range from almost uniformly yellow to almost entirely brown. In WA there are several similar species of Sun Orchid, in particular the Chestnut Sun Orchid (Thelymitra fuscolutea) and the Custard Orchid (Thelymitra villosa). They are most easily distinguished by their unique and characteristic column, while the colouration of the flowers can be very similar.

Photos

Thelymitra benthamiana
The species is easily recognised by its pale yellow flowers with large, brown blotches. (Lake Clifton, WA, 03 / 11 / 2017)
Thelymitra benthamiana
Tbd. (Leeuwin-Naturaliste NP, WA, 14 / 11 / 2009)
Thelymitra benthamiana
Tbd. (Leeuwin-Naturaliste NP, WA, 14 / 11 / 2009)
Thelymitra benthamiana
Tbd. (Leeuwin-Naturaliste NP, WA, 14 / 11 / 2009)
Thelymitra benthamiana
Tbd. (Canning Mills, WA, 11 / 11 / 2017)

References