About Thelymitra holmesii Nicholls
Thelymitra holmesii is a tuberous, perennial herb. It produces a single erect, fleshy, channelled, linear leaf that measures 70–350 mm (3–10 in) long and 3–10 mm (0.1–0.4 in) wide, with a purplish base. Between one and nine purplish blue to mauve flowers, each 12–22 mm (0.5–0.9 in) wide, are arranged on a flowering stem that grows 200–650 mm (8–30 in) tall. There are two bracts present on the flowering stem. The sepals and petals are 6–15 mm (0.2–0.6 in) long and 3.5–8 mm (0.1–0.3 in) wide. The column, a structure in the center of the orchid flower, is pale to dark mauve or pink, and measures 4.5–5.5 mm (0.18–0.22 in) long and 2.5–3.5 mm (0.098–0.14 in) wide. The lobe on the top of the anther is dark purple to almost black, with a curved, deeply notched yellow upper section. The side lobes have loose tufts of white, toothbrush-shaped hairs. The flowers of this species are self-pollinated, only open on hot days, and open slowly even when conditions are suitable. Flowering occurs between October and December. This species, commonly known as the blue star sun orchid, grows in winter-wet or swampy locations, and can sometimes be found in disturbed areas, forest, woodland, or heath. It occurs in southern Victoria, near Bundanoon in New South Wales, in the southeast of South Australia, and in scattered populations across Tasmania.
