Thelymitra megcalyptra
1 Swollen Sun Orchid at Hackett, ACT
Identify this sighting
| Thelymitra megcalyptra | DerekC | 15 Nov 2022 | |
| Thelymitra sp. (nuda complex) | Tapirlord | 13 Nov 2022 | |
| Unverified | Louisab | 13 Nov 2022 |
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5 comments
14 Nov 2022
Hi Tapirlord
The 3 species of Sun orchid,: Plain, Slender and Trim look all similar to me. Is there any feature to distinguish them and of which a photograph should be taken to help with id?
The 3 species of Sun orchid,: Plain, Slender and Trim look all similar to me. Is there any feature to distinguish them and of which a photograph should be taken to help with id?
14 Nov 2022
Waltraud I can only be so helpful off of common names, but I think i'm correct in saying we are talking about T.nuda, T.pauciflora & T.peniculata. T.nuda has a larger flower than the other two (20-50mm across) the others are <20mm across, it is also said to have a pleasent scent.
T.pauciflora and T.peniculata are supposedly seperated based on the column arms curving up at a 90 degree angle in T.pauciflora while in T.peniculata the column arms extend straight out. T.pauciflora is also said to have a deeply channeled leaf.
However, Thely's experience a great deal of variation throughout their occurence within our region. My understanding is that there is some taxonmy that is yet to be resolved, I think Mark Clements believes that what we have in Canberra are mostly a variation of T.peniculata but would need to check that. Derek will know.
T.pauciflora and T.peniculata are supposedly seperated based on the column arms curving up at a 90 degree angle in T.pauciflora while in T.peniculata the column arms extend straight out. T.pauciflora is also said to have a deeply channeled leaf.
However, Thely's experience a great deal of variation throughout their occurence within our region. My understanding is that there is some taxonmy that is yet to be resolved, I think Mark Clements believes that what we have in Canberra are mostly a variation of T.peniculata but would need to check that. Derek will know.
14 Nov 2022
Oh also, to ID a couple of images showing the column (preferably from multiple angles), if you could include a ruler in those shots that is also helpful. Additionally an image of the leaf and commentary on whether or not it is channeled or ribbed.
14 Nov 2022
thanks yes these are the 3 sun orchids.
Louisa the column is the bit in the centre with the orange-brownish hood and the two white tufts.
Louisa the column is the bit in the centre with the orange-brownish hood and the two white tufts.
15 Nov 2022
Waltraud this most likely T. megcalyptra. It is a larger larger blue flowering species even though we have no scale to consider. This basically means it is part of the T. nuda complex and includes T. alpina, T. megcalytra and T. nuda. These all have larger flowers 40 mm, 45 mm and 35 mm respectively, measured across the flower. Knowing the flower dimensions helps but is not conclusive as is the stem height helpful. This plant is reported to be very short but I suspect not measured. Having a photo of the leaf would have been very useful but not always conclusive.
The main distinguishing feature in identifying/separating out T. megcalyptra is that the flowers when fully open, the petals do not overlap the sepals and while this can be true it is not always the case nor the case as the flower opens or closes.
In photo of these flowers this separation may be true but it is difficult to be sure considering the angle to each flower. A close up photo of the most open flower from several angles would always help but should include one from the front preferably with a scale or a suggested dimension.
I will confirm this as T. megcalyptra.
The main distinguishing feature in identifying/separating out T. megcalyptra is that the flowers when fully open, the petals do not overlap the sepals and while this can be true it is not always the case nor the case as the flower opens or closes.
In photo of these flowers this separation may be true but it is difficult to be sure considering the angle to each flower. A close up photo of the most open flower from several angles would always help but should include one from the front preferably with a scale or a suggested dimension.
I will confirm this as T. megcalyptra.
Location information
- Places Hackett, ACT
Sighting information
- 4 - 15 Abundance
- Louisab Recorded by
- 10cm to 30cm Plant height
- Yes In flower
Collections
Species information
- Thelymitra megcalyptra Scientific name
- Swollen Sun Orchid Common name
- Sensitive
- Rare or uncommon native
- Non-invasive or negligible
- Up to 1485.25m Recorded at altitude
- External link More information
Seasonal activity
-
In flower
JFMAMJJASOND
Record quality
Quality score
5 / 7
- Images or audio
- More than one media file
- Verified by an expert moderator
- Nearby sighting(s) of same species
- Additional attributes
- GPS evidence of location
- Description