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Range of Thelymitra antennifera
Range of Thelymitra antennifera.

Vanilla Orchid
Thelymitra antennifera (Lindl. 1840) Hook.f. 1858

Synonyms

Notes

The Vanilla Orchid, also known as the Lemon-scented Sun Orchid, is one of the most common and widespread Sun Orchids of Australia. It is predominantly found in winter-wet areas, in particular around granite outcrops, throughout the southern parts of the country, including south-western WA, southern SA, and VIC. It is listed as endangered in TAS where is is restricted to a few coastal areas in the north and east of the island.

The Vanilla Orchid is easily recognised by its characteristic yellow colour and prominent brown column wings. The orchids usually stand between 10 and 20 cm tall and can often be seen growing in large groups in shallow soil pockets on granite rocks. The flowers will only open on warm and sunny days and otherwise remain closed, revealing the characteristic red and yellow underside. The peak flowering season lasts from late winter until mid spring.

Photos

Thelymitra antennifera
The Vanilla Orchid is one of the most common Sun Orchids of Australia. (John Forrest NP, WA, 28 / 09 / 2013)
Thelymitra antennifera
The characteristic brown column wings make this species unmistakable. (Brookton, WA, 23 / 08 / 2015)
Thelymitra antennifera
Each plant usually carries only one or two flowers. (John Forrest NP, WA, 28 / 09 / 2013)
Thelymitra antennifera
When closed, the flowers reveal their characteristic red and yellow underside. (John Forrest NP, WA, 28 / 09 / 2013)
Thelymitra antennifera
Vanilla Orchids often grow in large colonies on granite outcrops. (Lesmurdie Falls NP, WA, 10 / 08 / 2014)
Thelymitra antennifera
Tbd. (Lesmurdie Falls NP, WA, 10 / 08 / 2014)
Thelymitra antennifera
View of the whole plant. (Lesmurdie Falls NP, WA, 10 / 08 / 2014)
Thelymitra antennifera
Occasionally, specimens with three or more flowers can be found. (Flynn, WA, 16 / 08 / 2015)

References