About Thelymitra megcalyptra Fitzg., 1879
Thelymitra megcalyptra Fitzg., 1879 is a tuberous perennial herb. It produces a single erect, leathery, fleshy, channelled leaf that is dark green, linear to lance-shaped, and measures 100–350 mm long and 5–20 mm wide, with a purplish base. Between two and fifteen flowers are arranged on a flowering stem that is 200–600 mm tall. The flowers are blue to purplish, and sometimes lilac, pink, or white, and they are 25–45 mm wide. There are usually two bracts along the flowering stem. The sepals and petals are 15–22 mm long and 5–11 mm wide. The column is pale blue, white, or pinkish, and measures 6–8 mm long and 3–4.5 mm wide. The lobe on the top of the anther is dark brown to blackish, with a yellow tip and a V-shaped notch. The side lobes curve forwards and have white, toothbrush-like tufts at their ends. The flowers are scented, long-lived, insect-pollinated, and only open on sunny days. Flowering occurs between August and November. This species grows in forest, heath, and scrubland, and sometimes forms large colonies. Its distribution ranges from south of Mount Kaputar National Park in New South Wales, through the Australian Capital Territory, to drier areas of Victoria and the south-east of South Australia.
