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Wandoo Sun Orchid
Thelymitra latiloba Jeanes 2001

Notes

The Wandoo Sun Orchid is a relatively uncommon species that occurs in scattered populations across parts of the western and central Wheatbelt region of WA. As its common name suggests, the species is found in dry Wandoo woodland where the orchids usually grow in lateritic soil in deep leaf litter, with little other vegetation around. Flowering in October, the Wandoo Sun Orchid is often accompanied by the Frog Greenhood (Pterostylis sargentii), the Wandoo Beard Orchid (Calochilus stramenicola) and the Shy Sun Orchid (Thelymitra graminea).

While similar in appearance to other blue-coloured Sun Orchids, the Wandoo Sun Orchid is easily recognised by its striped flowers and unique column. It is closely related to, and could potentially be confused with, the similar Shirt Orchid (Thelymitra campanulata), Blue Sun Orchid (Thelymitra canaliculata) and Western Azure Sun Orchid (Thelymitra occidentalis). However, the Wandoo Sun Orchid is easily distinguished from these species by its different geographic range, dry Wandoo woodland habitat and small differences in colouration and column morphology.

Photos

Thelymitra latiloba
The flowers are largely blue with narrow stripes. (Jelcobine, WA, 16 / 10 / 2018)
Thelymitra latiloba
View of the characteristically striped, blue flowers. (Jelcobine, WA, 16 / 10 / 2018)
Thelymitra latiloba
Close-up view of the characteristic and unique column. (Jelcobine, WA, 16 / 10 / 2018)
Thelymitra latiloba
Large specimens can have up to a dozen flowers. (Jelcobine, WA, 16 / 10 / 2018)
Thelymitra latiloba
The colour varies from various shades of blue to purple. (Jelcobine, WA, 16 / 10 / 2018)
Thelymitra latiloba
Comparison with the size of a human thumb. (Jelcobine, WA, 16 / 10 / 2018)
Thelymitra latiloba
Wandoo Sun Orchids often grow in small groups at the base of trees. (Jelcobine, WA, 16 / 10 / 2018)
Thelymitra latiloba
The typical habitat: dry Wandoo woodland with a deep layer of bark and leaf litter. (Jelcobine, WA, 16 / 10 / 2018)

References