Thelymitra vulgaris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slender sun orchid |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Thelymitra
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| Species: |
vulgaris
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The slender sun orchid (also known as the common sun orchid) is a special type of orchid. Its scientific name is Thelymitra vulgaris. This beautiful flower grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia. It has one tall, dark green leaf and can have up to nine small flowers. These flowers can be blue, purple, or white.
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What Does the Slender Sun Orchid Look Like?
The slender sun orchid is a tuberous plant. This means it has a swollen, underground stem that stores food. It is also a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years and has soft, green stems.
Leaves and Stems
Each orchid has one tall, dark green leaf. This leaf is shaped like a line or a narrow spear. It can be from 100 to 300 millimeters (about 4 to 12 inches) long. The leaf is also about 4 to 12 millimeters (about 0.16 to 0.47 inches) wide.
The flowers grow on a stem that stands tall. This stem can be from 100 to 400 millimeters (about 4 to 16 inches) high.
Flowers
The slender sun orchid usually has between two and nine flowers. These flowers can be blue, purplish, or white. Each flower is about 15 to 25 millimeters (about 0.59 to 0.98 inches) wide.
The parts of the flower, called sepals and petals, are about 6 to 13 millimeters (about 0.24 to 0.51 inches) long. They are also about 2.5 to 5 millimeters (about 0.098 to 0.20 inches) wide.
Flower Parts
The central part of the flower, called the column, is pale blue or white. It is about 4 to 5 millimeters (about 0.16 to 0.20 inches) long and 2 millimeters (about 0.079 inches) wide.
The top part of the anther (which holds pollen) is reddish-brown with a yellow tip. It is gently curved and shaped like a tube. Its tip has a deep notch.
The side parts of the column curve upwards. They have white hairs that look like a toothbrush. These hairs have a special gland at their tip.
How They Reproduce
These orchids are self-pollinating. This means they can make seeds using their own pollen. The flowers open slowly, even when it's hot. You can see these orchids flowering from September to November.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The slender sun orchid was officially described in 2004. This was done by a scientist named Jeff Jeanes. His description was published in a scientific journal called Muelleria.
The second part of its scientific name, vulgaris, comes from a Latin word. It means "common" or "commonplace." This name was chosen because this orchid is the most common and widespread sun orchid in Western Australia.
Where Does This Orchid Grow?
The slender sun orchid can grow in many different places. It likes areas that are wet in winter, like swamps. It also grows in small pockets of soil found on granite rocks.
You can find this orchid from Geraldton all the way to Esperance. It is especially common in swampy areas between Manjimup and Mount Barker.
Is the Slender Sun Orchid Safe?
The Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife has looked at the slender sun orchid. They have classified it as "not threatened." This means it is not currently in danger of disappearing.
