A range of teacher professional learning programs will be developed to accompany the Biodiversity of the Western Volcanic Plains online outreach...
Grassland Sun-orchid
Thelymitra basaltica
Thelymitra basaltica
Sun-orchids are deciduous terrestrial orchids with a single erect basal leaf. In this species the leaf is long, very fleshy and distinctly ribbed. The leaf is generally longer than the inflorescence. The labellum is the same shape, size and colour as the sepals and petals. Characteristics of the column generally assist in distinguishing between Thelymitra species.
| Details | Description |
| Type | Graminoid |
| Group | Orchid |
| Former Scientific Name | Thelymitra sp. aff. Pauciflora |
| Identifying Characteristics | |
| Distinctive Features | The column is pale-pink to purple with a hooded, shallowly V notched to entire post-anther lobe which is dark purplish to reddish-brown. The apex is yellow and the lateral lobes have long toothbrush-like tufts of white hairs. |
| Life Form Group | Graminoid |
| Life Form Codes | Medium to Tiny Non-tufted Graminoid (MNG) |
| EVC types | EVC 132_61: Heavier-soils Plains Grassland |
| Native Status | Native to Australia |
| Taxonomy | |
| Phylum | Charophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Thelymitra |
| Species | basaltica |
Endemic to Victoria, restricted to remnant native grassland on the basalt plains.
Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.
Source: Atlas of Living Australia
| Endangered Status | |
| DEPI Advisory List | Endangered |
| FFG Act | Not listed |
| EPBC Act | Not listed |
The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.
The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.
The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.
