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Blue sun orchid

Thelymitra sp.

Photo by MartinL
Published on Project Noah
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-37.2328, 145.91

Field Notes

Description:

This one of several possible species of blue sun orchids

Habitat:

On a roadside reserve rich in wildflowers and other heathland palnts.

Notes:

Looks like the slender sun orchid
Thelymitra vulgaris – Slender Sun Orchid

Reference Links:

Blue Sun Orchids » The Orchids of Western Australia

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (3)
MartinL
I never knew these were so complex. Your assessment is convincing. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelymitra_pauciflora I've added about 20 botanical sightings to your mission.
Vinny
Wow, the Blue Thelymitra sp. are so very similar. Couldn't find any records of T. vulgaris outside of WA. Assuming the second photo shows all buds/open flowers T. peniculata may be ruled out, the flora of Melbourne suggests it has a min. of 4 flowers. T. holemsii and T. nuda both flower in Nov (although this is probably variable and a soft I.D character). T. holemsii occurs in swampy area or moist depressions, perhaps habitat could rule that one out? T. pauciflora is looking good, has smaller flowers than T. nuda (20mm rather than 35mm.
MartinL
I found your mission Vinny and added them.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Wild Orchids

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Photographed
PublishedOctober 6, 2014

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