Thelymitra benthamiana Rchb.f.

Species Naming and Growth Form

Thelymitra benthamiana, commonly called the leopard sun orchid, is a tuberous, perennial herb.

Leaf Characteristics

It produces a single flat, lance-shaped to egg-shaped leaf that is 50–150 mm (2–6 in) long and 20–35 mm (0.8–1 in) wide.

Inflorescence and Flower Appearance

Between two and ten greenish yellow flowers, marked with brownish spots, blotches and patterns, grow on a 200–400 mm (8–20 in) tall flowering stem. Each open flower is 30–40 mm (1.2–1.6 in) wide.

Sepal, Petal and Labellum Features

Its sepals and petals are 15–20 mm (0.6–0.8 in) long and 6–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in) wide; the labellum, the lowest specialized petal, is usually narrower than the other petals and sepals.

Column Morphology

The plant's column is yellow or greenish, 6–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long and 3–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide, with broad, fringed wings. The lobe on the top of the anther has a club-like lump on its summit.

Flowering Period

Flowering occurs from September to December, and is much more prolific after fire the previous summer.

General Habitat

This orchid is widespread and common, growing in heath and forest. In Western Australia, it often grows around the edges of granite outcrops.

Geographic Distribution

Its recorded distribution spans Western Australia between Geraldton and Israelite Bay, southern and western Victoria, south-eastern South Australia, and Flinders Island in Tasmania.