About Thelymitra crinita Lindl.
Thelymitra crinita is a tuberous, perennial herb that produces a single dark green, broadly lance-shaped leaf. The leaf measures 50–150 mm (2–6 in) long and 10–45 mm (0.4–2 in) wide. Between two and fifteen flowers, each 30–45 mm (1–2 in) wide, are borne on a flowering stem 200–750 mm (8–30 in) tall. The flowers are usually brilliant blue, and can range in shade from pale to dark blue. The sepals and petals are 15–22 mm (0.6–0.9 in) long and 6–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in) wide. The column of the flower is blue with a yellow crest, 4–5 mm (0.2–0.2 in) long and about 2.5 mm (0.1 in) wide. The lobe on the top of the anther is short and densely covered with short, finger-like yellow glands. Flowering occurs from September to November. The flowers are insect pollinated and open only on sunny days. This species is similar to Thelymitra cornicina, but has a much broader leaf than T. cornicina. This orchid, commonly called the blue lady orchid, grows in coastal and near-coastal forest, and sometimes grows in swampy places. It is found between Gingin and Esperance in the Esperance Plains, Geraldton Sandplains, Jarrah Forest, Swan Coastal Plain and Warren biogeographic regions, growing on grey-white sand and loamy clay.
