Thelymitra nuda
R. Br.
Scented sun orchid, Plain Sun Orchid
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Summary
Source: WikipediaThelymitra nuda, commonly known as plain sun orchid is a species of orchid that is endemic to eastern Australia. It has a single fleshy, channelled leaf and up to twelve dark blue to purplish, sometimes white or pinkish flowers with white tufts on top of the anther. It grows in a range of habitats and sometimes forms large colonies.
Description
A slender orchid. The leaf is narrow and sword shaped. It is 20-30 cm long by 7-10 mm wide. It has channels and ribs along it. It is dark green with a reddish base. The flowering stem is 25-60 cm high. There are 1-8 flowers. There are 2 or 3 loose sheathing bracts. The flowers are self pollinating and often are only open for a short time on hot days.
Edible Uses
The tubers and roots are edible.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It grows in heathland and open forest. It is usually in coastal areas. It needs a well-composted, well-drained soil. It needs a protected, sunny position. It is sensitive to drought and frost.
Where It Grows
Australia*, Tasmania*,
Cultivation
It can be grown by division.
Notes
There are about 70 Thelymitra species mostly in Australia and the Pacific. Possibly also Thelmitra rubra See Gilfedder, L et al, 2003, The Nature of the Midlands. Midlands Bushweb. PO Box 156 Longford, Tasmania. p 107
References (10)
- Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 977
- Collier, P., 1993, Orchids of Tasmania. Plant Identikit. Society for growing Australian Plants. Tasmania. p 78
- Dashorst, G.R.M., and Jessop, J.P., 1998, Plants of the Adelaide Plains & Hills. Botanic Gardens of Adelaide and State Herbarium. p 206
- Grieg, D., 2002, A photographic guide to Wildflowers of South-eastern Australia. New Holland. p 95
- Jones, D., Wapstra, H., Tonelli, P., and Harris S., 1999, The Orchids of Tasmania. Miegunyah Press, MUP, Victoria, Australia. p 280
Show all 10 references Hide references
- Lim, T. K., 2015, Edible Medicinal and Non Medicinal Plants. Volume 9, Modified Stems, Roots, Bulbs. Springer p 81
- Low, T., 1992, Bush Tucker. Australia’s Wild Food Harvest. Angus & Robertson. p 121
- Mallee Wildflower Committee, Flowers of the Mallee. p 22
- Minchin, R.F., Tasmanian Wildflowers. A Field Guide. Volume one. Regal Publications, Launceston p 26
- Tasmanian Herbarium Vascular Plants list p 79
