Unnamed Hybrid
Thelymitra crinita × Thelymitra macrophylla
Notes
Despite the fact that both species are abundant and widespread across south-western Australia and often share the same habitat, hybrids between the Queen Orchid (Thelymitra crinita) and the Scented Sun Orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla) are fairly uncommon. They can be encountered all across south-western WA in places where both parent species occur and are a spectacular sight due to their generally large size and often deep-blue flowers. The hybrids flower at the same time as their parent species, typically between late September and early November.
While the blue flowers could easily be mistaken for either of the two parent species, hybrids are readily identified by their unique column which has the same general morphology as that of the Scented Sun Orchid, but with the unique, fluffy texture that characterises the Queen Orchid’s column. Likewise, the column tufts resemble those of the Scented Sun Orchid, but often share the purple colour of the Queen Orchid’s tufts.
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