Thelymitra petrophila

Thelymitra petrophila Jeanes

Thelymitra aff. macrophylla

Granite Sun Orchid

Thelymitra macrophylla (Blue Sun Orchids)

Jeffrey Jeanes in Muelleria 31:10-13, Fig. 1d (2013)

Mullewa to Balladonia with a disjunct population at Blacksone, growing in soil pockets on granite outcrops, rocky hills and breakaways.

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A rock-inhabiting species 100–350 mm high with a narrow, smooth leaf 80–150 mm long by 4–6 mm wide and up to 10 blue, purple, pink or white flowers 20–30 mm across. Plants at the eastern end of its geographic range between Norseman and Balladonia are shorter and have smaller flowers.

It is distinguished from the related Shy Sun Orchid (Thelymitra graminea) and Scented Sun Orchid (T. macrophylla) by its generally shorter inflorescence, inland distribution and granite outcrop habitat.

Not Listed