thelymitra

Illustration of nine West Australian orchids, by Emily Pelloe.

Thelymitra, [thel-ee-my-tra ], from thelys, a woman, and mitra, a cap; referring to the hooded column which bears a fanciful resemblance to a woman’s headdress.

Some of the most showy and beautiful of West Australian orchids belong to this genus, represented by many species, commonly called “Sun Orchids,” with variously coloured flowers, often sweetly scented, in a terminal raceme.

The flowers, unlike the usual orchid type, have, sepals and petals nearly equal in length, with the lip similar to and spreading with them. This striking characteristic occurs among Australian orchids only in this genus.

Many interesting experiments and observations were made and recorded by R. D. Fitzgerald in regard to the fertilisation of the various species of Thelymitra (some of which are capable of self-fertilisation while others are wholly dependent on insects) by artificial pollination with the aid of a pin, and the use of a bell-glass placed over a plant in the early stages of its development, thus precluding the possibility of insect fertilisation, and proving in many cases, the presence of the power of self-fertilisation.  … Read more

Thelymitra crinita, commonly known as the Blue Lady Orchid, is a species of orchid which is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It grows to 70 cm in height and produces blue flowers between September and November (spring) in its native range.