About Thelymitra macrophylla Lindl.
Thelymitra macrophylla is a tuberous herbaceous perennial plant. It produces a single thick, leathery, strap-like leaf that measures 150–500 mm (6–20 in) long and 5–25 mm (0.2–1 in) wide. Between two and twenty-five dark blue to purplish flowers, each 25–50 mm (1–2 in) wide, grow on a flowering stem 300–900 mm (10–40 in) tall. Its sepals and petals are 10–25 mm (0.4–1 in) long and 10–12 mm (0.4–0.5 in) wide. The column of this orchid is white to pale blue or pinkish, 5–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long and 3–5.5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide. The lobe on top of the anther is 3.5–5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) long and 2–3 mm (0.08–0.1 in) wide, and is dark brown with a yellow tip. The side lobes have toothbrush-like tufts of white hairs. The flowers are strongly scented, insect pollinated, and only open in sunny weather. Flowering occurs from August to October. This species, commonly called the large-leafed sun orchid, is widespread and common between Perth and Albany, where it grows in jarrah forest and wandoo woodland.
