Family: Orchidaceae
Common Name: Sun Orchid

These 50 species of terrestrial orchids are found mainly in Australia, though they extend to New Zealand, New Caledonia, New Guinea, Indonesia and the Philippines. Thelymitra species are generally known as sun orchids as many open only for a few hours in the middle of the day. Unlike most orchids, the sepals and petals are alike and there is no lip.

Species

These are unlikely to be available out-side their countries of origin.

T. ixioides occurs naturally in temperate regions of Australia and New Zealand. It has a single, stem-clasping leaf, the stem bearing three to nine flowers, 4-5 cm (1½-2 in) in diameter. They are mostly violet, but may be mauve, blue, pink and occasionally white, and are usually marked with darker dots. This is the species most often grown, but T. pauciflora and T. venosa are worth trying.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow in pots of terrestrial orchid compost in an inter-mediate greenhouse or conservatory. Provide maximum light, to ensure the flowers open. During the growing period, water freely, but taper off towards autumn, as growth dies down, and keep plants virtually dry in winter, apart from the occasional watering to prevent desiccation of the tubers. Propagate from seed sown as soon as ripe.

Climate

Zone 10.