Shy sun orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shy sun orchid |
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| Thelymitra graminea in Helms Arboretum near Esperance | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Thelymitra
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| Species: |
graminea
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The shy sun orchid (scientific name: Thelymitra graminea) is a special type of orchid that grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. It's called "shy" because its flowers often stay closed! This unique plant has one tough, grooved leaf and can grow up to ten small, blue flowers. These flowers are quite clever because they can pollinate themselves. They also have cool white, bristly tufts that look a bit like tiny toothbrushes on top of their pollen-making parts.
Contents
What Does the Shy Sun Orchid Look Like?
The shy sun orchid is a perennial plant, which means it lives for more than two years. It grows from a tuber (a bit like a potato) hidden underground.
- Leaf: Each plant has one strong, upright leaf that feels a bit like leather. It's grooved, about 6 to 15 centimeters (2.4 to 5.9 inches) long, and 0.5 to 0.8 centimeters (0.2 to 0.3 inches) wide. The bottom part of the leaf is often purplish.
- Flowers: The plant can have between two and ten flowers. They are usually dark blue to purplish and sometimes smell quite strong! Each flower is about 1.5 to 2 centimeters (0.6 to 0.8 inches) wide. They grow on a tall stem that can reach 20 to 50 centimeters (7.9 to 19.7 inches) high.
- Petals and Sepals: The flower's petals and sepals (which look like petals) are about 0.7 to 1 centimeter (0.3 to 0.4 inches) long.
- Column: Inside the flower, there's a part called the column, which is white, light blue, or pinkish.
- Special Hairs: The top part of the flower's pollen-making structure is brownish or yellow. The side parts curve inwards and have those cool white, toothbrush-like tufts of hair!
When Does it Flower?
Shy sun orchids usually bloom in September and October. However, their flowers are a bit particular! They only open up on warm, sunny days. This is because they are self-pollinating, meaning they don't always need insects to help them spread pollen.
This orchid looks a lot like another species called Thelymitra macrophylla. However, Thelymitra macrophylla has narrower leaves, smaller flowers, and blooms a bit later in the year.
Where Does the Shy Sun Orchid Live?
The shy sun orchid is quite common in its home range. You can find it growing in different places across the south-west of Western Australia:
- In areas with lots of shrubs (shrubland).
- In forests and woodlands.
- On rocky granite outcrops.
It grows in a wide area, from Jurien Bay all the way down to Esperance.
How Was it Named?
The shy sun orchid was first officially described in 1840 by a botanist named John Lindley. He studied a plant collected by James Drummond. The scientific name graminea comes from a Latin word that means "grassy" or "of grass."
Is the Shy Sun Orchid Safe?
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has looked into the shy sun orchid. They have classified it as "not threatened," which means it's not currently in danger of disappearing.
