About Thelymitra carnea R.Br.
Thelymitra carnea R.Br. is a tuberous, perennial herb that produces a single channelled, linear, almost cylinder-shaped leaf. The leaf measures 60–150 mm (2–6 in) long and 1–1.5 mm (0.04–0.06 in) wide. Up to four pale to deep pink flowers, each 8–15 mm (0.3–0.6 in) wide, grow on a wiry, zig-zag flowering stem that reaches 200–350 mm (8–10 in) tall. The sepals and petals are 5–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long and 3.5–4 mm (0.14–0.16 in) wide. The column of the flower is cream-coloured to reddish, 3–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) long and about 2 mm (0.08 in) wide. The lobe on the top of the anther is short, erect, yellow and tapered. The side lobes are narrow, yellow and have blunt teeth at their tips. Flowers open on humid, sunny days and are sometimes self-pollinating. Flowering takes place from September to November. Commonly called the tiny sun orchid, this species is widespread and common. It most often grows in moist places alongside low shrubs, grasses and sedges, but sometimes occurs in drier open forest habitats. It is found on the coast and tablelands of New South Wales, in all regions of Victoria except the north-west, in south-eastern Queensland, in Tasmania, and on both the North and South Islands of New Zealand.
