The Orchids of Western Australia

Star Orchids

 

Thelymitra fuscolutea – Chestnut Sun Orchid

This orchid was named by Robert Brown in 1810 from specimens collected at King George Sound by Ferdinand Bauer in January 1802. It was, for some time, regarded as a form of the more common and widespread Leopard Orchid, Thelymitra benthamiana.

Chestnut Sun Orchid Chestnut Sun Orchid Chestnut Sun Orchid Chestnut Sun Orchid Chestnut Sun Orchid Chestnut Sun Orchid Chestnut Sun Orchid Chestnut Sun Orchid Chestnut Sun Orchid


 

Thelymitra stellata – Star Orchid

This species was named by John Lindley in 1840 from specimens collected by James Drummond in 1839. It was then reduced to a variety of the Chestnut Sun Orchid, Thelymitra fuscolutea but, following a more recent revision, has once again been recognised as a species.

Star Orchid


 

Thelymitra benthamiana – Leopard Orchid

First collected by James Drummond in the 1840s and named by Heinrich Reichenbach in 1871 it was confused for a long time with the less common Chestnut Sun Orchid, Thelymitra fuscolutea.

Leopard Orchid Leopard Orchid Leopard Orchid Leopard Orchid Leopard Orchid Leopard Orchid Leopard Orchid Leopard Orchid leaf


 

Thelymitra dedmaniarum – Cinnamon Sun Orchid

Discovered at Gidgegannup by B. T. Goadby in 1931 and for some time was thought to be a form of Thelymitra stellata.

Cinnamon Sun Orchid Cinnamon Sun Orchid


 

Thelymitra magnifica – Crystal Brook Star Orchid

Although recognised for many years, this orchid was considered to be a form of the Star Orchid, Thelymitra stellata. However its flowering period is earlier and the crest at the top of the column is intermediate in size between that orchid and another closely related species, Jackson’s Sun Orchid, T. jacksonii.

Crystal Brook Star Orchid Crystal Brook Star Orchid Crystal Brook Star Orchid Crystal Brook Star Orchid Crystal Brook Star Orchid Crystal Brook Star Orchid

More about Crystal Brook Star Orchid


 

Thelymitra jacksonii – Jackson’s Sun Orchid

It is closely related to the Star Orchid, Thelymitra stellata and the Crystal Brook Star Orchid T. magnifica and similarly, has golden-brown flowers. Found in 1988.

Jackson's Sun Orchid


 

Thelymitra yorkensis – York Sun Orchid

This orchid, which was discovered by Les Robson in 1991, was at first thought to be Thelymitra dedmaniarum. It is related to the Star Orchid, T. stellata.

Bronze Orchid Bronze Orchid Bronze Orchid Bronze Orchid York Sun Orchid

 

More about York Sun Orchid

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *