Thelymitra longifolia J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.

Taxonomic Identity

Thelymitra longifolia J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. is a tuberous, perennial herb.

Leaf Morphology

It produces a single ribbed leaf that is linear to lance-shaped, between 50 and 380 mm (2 to 10 inches) long and 10 to 40 mm (0.4 to 2 inches) wide.

Flowering Stem

Its flowering stem can sometimes grow up to 1,000 mm (40 inches) tall, and bears up to five or more flowers.

Flower Color and Size

Each flower is white or very pale pink with a reddish green back, and measures 8 to 18 mm (0.3 to 0.7 inches) wide.

Sepal and Petal Morphology

The three sepals and three petals, including the specialized labellum, are similar in appearance, with only the dorsal sepal being slightly wider than the others.

Column Coloration

The orchid's column is white or brown near its base, and dark brown to black near its tip.

Anther Lobe Morphology

The lobe on the top of the anther is usually rounded and yellow, while the side lobes have dense, tangled white hairs.

Flowering Period

Flowering of this species occurs from September to February.

Common Name and Habitat

This orchid, commonly called the white sun orchid, typically grows in sunny open areas amongst scrub, but it is sometimes found growing in dense forest.

New Zealand Distribution

It is distributed across the North, South, Stewart, Three Kings, Chatham and Auckland Islands of New Zealand.

Norfolk Island Record Status

While it has been reported to grow on Norfolk Island, there is doubt that the collections made from that location match the original type specimen of this species.