About Thelymitra nervosa Colenso
Common Name and Growth Form
Thelymitra nervosa, commonly called the spotted sun orchid, is a tuberous perennial herb.
Leaf Morphology
It produces a single channelled leaf that is 60–200 mm (2–8 in) or longer, and 8–20 mm (0.3–0.8 in) wide.
Flowering Stem
Up to ten flowers grow on a flowering stem that can reach 600 mm (20 in) in height.
Flower Color and Size
Flowers range in color from pale to dark blue, mauve, and are sometimes pink or white, they usually have dark blue spots, and are up to 18 mm (0.7 in) wide.
Column Characteristics
The plant's column is 3–6 mm (0.1–0.2 in) long, pale pink at its base and dark purple near the top. The arms on the sides of the column have dense tufts of white hairs.
Anther Lobe Morphology
The lobe that sits on top of the anther is dark purple, curves forwards, and has a yellow, horseshoe-shaped tip.
Flowering Period
Flowering takes place between October and February.
Habitat Preferences
This orchid grows in sunny locations within forest, scrub, and grassland habitats.
Distribution Range
It occurs on the North, South, Stewart, and Chatham Islands of New Zealand.
