About Thelymitra petrophila Jeanes
Thelymitra petrophila is a tuberous, perennial herb. It produces a single erect, leathery, channelled, glaucous, light green leaf that is linear to lance-shaped, measuring 100–600 mm (4–20 in) long and 4–12 mm (0.2–0.5 in) wide. Between two and ten or more pale blue to mauve or pink flowers, each 20–30 mm (0.8–1 in) wide, grow arranged along a flowering stem that is 100–700 mm (4–30 in) tall. The sepals and petals of the flowers are 10–15 mm (0.4–0.6 in) long and 3–8 mm (0.1–0.3 in) wide. The central column of the flower is white to pale blue or pale pink, 5–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long and 2–4 mm (0.08–0.2 in) wide. The lobe on the top of the anther is brown to reddish or yellow, with an inflated tube shape and wavy edges. The side lobes bear toothbrush-like tufts of white hairs. Flowering occurs from August to November. This orchid, commonly called the granite sun orchid, grows in shallow soil pockets on granite outcrops. It occurs in the drier parts of Western Australia, including the Great Victoria Desert.
