Thelymitra ixioides Sw.

Species Naming and Growth Habit

Thelymitra ixioides, commonly known as the spotted sun orchid, is a tuberous perennial herb.

Leaf Shape

It produces a single dark green leaf that is channelled or corrugated, ranging from thread-like to lance-shaped.

Leaf Dimensions

The leaf measures 200–300 mm (8–10 in) long and 10–15 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide, with a purplish base.

Flowering Stem Characteristics

Between two and ten flowers are borne on a flowering stem that grows 300–600 mm (10–20 in) tall.

Primary Flower Color and Size

Most flowers are blue to purple with small darker blue spots, and each flower is 30–40 mm (1–2 in) wide.

Flower Color Variations

Flowers may sometimes be pinkish, greenish or white, and occasionally lack spots.

Sepal and Petal Dimensions

Its sepals and petals are 15–20 mm (0.6–0.8 in) long and 9–12 mm (0.4–0.5 in) wide.

Column Characteristics

The column of the orchid is white or blue, 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) long and about 3 mm (0.1 in) wide.

Anther Lobe Morphology

The lobe on top of the anther is yellow with a dark blue band on its back, and bears several rows of crowded, finger-like glands with yellow or orange tips.

Side Lobe Morphology

The side lobes have dense, toothbrush-like tufts of white, pink or bluish hairs.

Pollination Mechanism

Flowers are sometimes self-pollinating, but are more commonly insect pollinated.

Flowering Period

Flowering occurs from September to December.

General Distribution

This species is widespread and common in Australia, and less common in New Zealand.

Habitat Preferences

It grows in a wide range of habitats, but is most common in heath and forest.

Australian Distribution

In Australia, it is found in the Darling Downs of Queensland, on the coast and tablelands of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, across most of Victoria, in south-eastern South Australia, and in Tasmania.

New Zealand Distribution

In New Zealand, it occurs on both the North Island and the South Island.