A range of teacher professional learning programs will be developed to accompany the Biodiversity of the Western Volcanic Plains online outreach...
Scented Sun-orchid
Thelymitra megcalyptra
Thelymitra megcalyptra
Sun-orchids are deciduous terrestrial orchids with a single erect basal leaf. In this species the leaf is leathery and distinctly ribbed, approximately half the length of the flower spike. The labellum is the same shape, size and colour as the sepals and petals. Characteristics of the column assist in distinguishing between Thelymitra species. The flowers generally only open on warm, humid days.
| Details | Description |
| Type | Graminoid |
| Group | Orchid |
| Identifying Characteristics | |
| Distinctive Features | The column has a curved, hooded, post-anther lobe which is greatly inflated and deeply cleft at the apex. The column arms have dense 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 | megcalyptra |
Endemic to Australia. Grows in a range of habitats including grasslands, woodlands, open forests and open mallee scrublands. Found in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.
Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.
Source: Atlas of Living Australia
| Endangered Status | |
| DEPI Advisory List | Not listed |
| 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.
