Sun Orchids 1

Widely Distributed Species


Thelymitra cyanea
 
Thelymitra formosa
 
Thelymitra hatchii
 
Thelymitra longifolia
Swamp Sun Orchid
Thelymitra cyanea
Taurewa - Volcanic Plateau
Photo: Michael Pratt

Flowers November - March
Found in swamps throughout the country,
mainly at higher altitudes in the north.
Flowers blue, white, & sometimes pink,
with blue stripes on the petals.


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Sun Orchid
Thelymitra formosa
Horopito - Mt Ruapehu
Photo: Michael Pratt

Flowers November - February
Found in scrubland at scattered localities
throughout the country. Has long narrow
blue or mauve tepals, often with yellowish
tips. A tall robust species.


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Sun Orchid
Thelymitra hatchii
Horopito - Mt Ruapehu
Photo: Michael Pratt

Flowers November - February
Found in scrubland and tussock at
scattered locations throughout NZ.
Flowers are pale to deep mauve. Petals
often a deeper colour than the sepals.


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Common Sun Orchid
( Maikuku )
Thelymitra longifolia
Horopito - Mt Ruapehu
Photo: Michael Pratt

Flowers October - January
Common in scrubland and roadside
cuttings throughout NZ. Has up to 20
white flowers, 1 - 1.5 cm across.


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Thelymitra aff longifolia
 
Thelymitra nervosa
 
Thelymitra pauciflora
 
Thelymitra pulchella
Sun Orchid
Thelymitra aff longifolia
Horopito - Mt Ruapehu
Photo: Michael Pratt

Flowers October - January
There are a number of undescribed
varieties that have affinities with
T longifolia. They are multi-flowered
with scented white or pink flowers.


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Spotted Sun Orchid
Thelymitra nervosa
Rainbow Mountain - Waiotapu
Photo: Michael Pratt

Flowers October - January
Found in scrubland and tussock in the
Central North Island, Wellington,
and North-West Nelson.
Has distinctive spotted flowers.


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Sun Orchid
( Maikaika, Maika )
Thelymitra pauciflora
Photo: Eric Scanlen
Flowers November - January
A robust Sun Orchid found in scrubland
at scattered localities throughout
the country. Flowers range from blue
to light or dark mauve to magenta.


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Striped Sun Orchid
( Maikaika, Mamaika )
Thelymitra pulchella
Desert Road - Mt Ruapehu
Photo: Michael Pratt

Flowers October - January
Found in scrubland at scattered locations
throughout NZ. This is a highly variable
species with vividly striped flowers.


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