About Thelymitra flexuosa Endl.
Thelymitra flexuosa Endl., commonly called the twisted sun orchid, is a tuberous, perennial herb. It produces a single wiry, linear leaf that measures 60–150 mm (2–6 in) long and 3–4 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide. Between one and four cream-coloured to canary yellow flowers, each 10–15 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide, are borne on a flowering stem 200–350 mm (8–10 in) tall. The sepals and petals are 5.5–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long and about 4 mm (0.2 in) wide. The labellum, the lowest petal of the flower, is shorter and narrower than the other petals and sepals. The column is white to cream-coloured, 4.5–5 mm (0.18–0.20 in) long and about 2.5 mm (0.1 in) wide, with four lines of short hairs on its back. The lobe on the top of the anther is short, with a few brown glands on its back. The side lobes are bright yellow and covered in short hairs. The flowers are short-lived and self-pollinating, and only open slowly on hot, humid days. Flowering occurs from September to November. This species is widespread and common across its range. It grows alongside sedges and low shrubs in moist locations such as swamp edges. It occurs in southern Victoria, south-eastern South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia. In Western Australia, it is found between Kalbarri and Israelite Bay.
