About Thelymitra pulchella Hook.f.
Thelymitra pulchella Hook.f. is a tuberous, perennial herb. It produces a single erect, fleshy, channelled leaf that is 80–240 mm (3–9 in) long and 6–20 mm (0.2–0.8 in) wide. Up to fourteen blue, and sometimes pink or white, flowers 10–18 mm (0.4–0.7 in) wide grow on a flowering stem that can reach up to 800 mm (30 in) in height. The petals, and sometimes also the sepals, have dark blue stripes. The plant's column is dark blue, pink, mauve or white, and measures 6–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long. The arms on the sides of the column are reddish brown, and sometimes have red or yellow teeth. The lobe on top of the anther varies in both colour and shape, but often has irregular teeth. Flowering takes place between October and January. This species, commonly called the striped sun orchid, grows in open shrubland and frequently occurs in wetland habitats. It is found on the North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands.
