Reflexed sun orchid facts for kids

Thelymitra reflexa, also known as the reflexed sun orchid, is a special type of orchid that only grows in Victoria, Australia. It has a single tall, thick leaf and pretty bluish-purple flowers. These flowers are unique because their petals and sepals (which look like petals) strongly bend backward. This bending happens especially on hot days when the flowers open up.

What Does the Reflexed Sun Orchid Look Like?

The reflexed sun orchid is a tuberous plant, meaning it grows from a small, round underground part like a potato. It's also a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years and has soft, green stems instead of woody ones.

It has one leaf that stands straight up. This leaf is thick and has a channel, like a shallow groove. It can be from 100–250 mm (4–10 in) long and 3–10 mm (0.1–0.4 in) wide. The bottom of the leaf is often a bit purplish.

Up to six bluish-purple flowers grow on a stem that can be 170–450 mm (7–20 in) tall. Each flower is about 15–20 mm (0.6–0.8 in) wide. The sepals and petals of the flower are 5–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in) long and 2.5–5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide. They bend strongly backward towards the ovary (the part of the flower that holds the seeds).

The central part of the flower, called the column, is usually pink or purplish. It's about 4–5.5 mm (0.16–0.22 in) long. The top part of the anther (where pollen is made) is dark greenish-black. It's gently curved and has a deep notch. The side parts of the column curve upwards and have fluffy, mop-like tufts of white (sometimes pink) hairs.

When Do the Flowers Open?

The reflexed sun orchid flowers in October and November. However, its flowers are special because they are self-pollinating. This means they can pollinate themselves without needing insects to carry pollen. The flowers only open widely on very hot days.

How Did It Get Its Name?

The reflexed sun orchid was officially described in 2005 by a scientist named Jeff Jeanes. He published his description in a scientific journal called Muelleria. The first plant he studied was found near Crib Point.

The scientific name reflexa comes from a Latin word. It means "bent or turned back." This name was chosen because the sepals and petals of the flower strongly bend backward. Even though the flowers only open on very hot days, this bending is a key feature.

Where Does the Reflexed Sun Orchid Live?

The reflexed sun orchid grows in a type of forest called heathy woodland. This kind of woodland has many heath plants, which are often small, shrubby plants. This orchid is only found in two specific places in Victoria: the Mornington Peninsula and French Island.