Thelymitra albiflora facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White sun orchid |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Thelymitra
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| Species: |
albiflora
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The white sun orchid (Thelymitra albiflora) is a special kind of orchid. It's found only in South Australia. This orchid has a single, tall, narrow leaf. It also has up to ten small white flowers. These flowers have unique white, brush-like tufts on top of their pollen parts.
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What the White Sun Orchid Looks Like
The white sun orchid grows from a tuber (a kind of underground stem). It's a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years. It has one tall, green leaf that is 100–300 mm (4–10 in) long and 1–3 mm (0.04–0.1 in) wide. The bottom of the leaf is often a bit purple.
Up to ten white or light blue flowers grow on a stem. This stem can be 100–500 mm (4–20 in) tall. Each flower is about 15–20 mm (0.6–0.8 in) wide. The outer parts of the flower, called sepals and petals, are 6–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in) long and 3–6 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide.
Flower Details
The central part of the flower, called the column, is white or light blue. It is about 4–5.5 mm (0.16–0.22 in) long and 2–2.5 mm (0.08–0.1 in) wide. The top part of the anther (where pollen is made) curves forward. It is reddish-brown with a thin purple line and a yellow tip.
The side parts of the column curve upwards. They have long, white, brush-like hairs on top. These flowers are a bit shy! They only open slowly when the day is warm and sunny. You can usually see them flowering from September to November.
How the White Sun Orchid Got Its Name
The white sun orchid was officially named Thelymitra albiflora in 2004. Jeff Jeanes was the person who first described it. He found a sample of the orchid in the Spring Gully Conservation Park. The description was then published in a science journal called Muelleria.
The second part of its name, albiflora, comes from Latin words. "Alba" means "white" or "pale." "Floris" means "flower." So, albiflora means "white-flowered," which perfectly describes this orchid!
Where the White Sun Orchid Lives
The white sun orchid grows in areas of South Australia that get a lot of rain. You can find it in different types of plant communities. These include heathlands, forests, and woodlands.
