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Notes

The Chestnut Sun Orchid is endemic to south-western WA and occurs mostly in near-coastal areas from Perth to Esperance, although it is most common along the south coast between Augusta and Albany. It prefers slightly moister, shadier habitats and is most commonly found in forests and along the edges of seasonal swamps. Being one of the last Sun Orchids to flower each season, its characteristic ochre flowers emerge as early as November near Perth, but often not until late December or early January along the south coast. The broad, elongated leaf looks similar to that of other Sienna Sun Orchids and is usually withered at flowering time.

While somewhat similar to the generally more common and widespread Leopard Orchid (Thelymitra benthamiana), the Chestnut Sun Orchid is usually readily identified by its characteristic ochre-coloured flowers and its cream-white column with fairly wide, fringed wings and long, club-like lobe at the top. In addition, it flowers several weeks after the Leopard Orchid in places where both species grow alongside each other. The flowers are generally quite variable, though, and the extent of the ochre to brown markings in particular can vary quite substantially, even within the same population. Due to its subdued colours and only modest size, the Chestnut Sun Orchid can be quite difficult to locate, particularly in shady forest habitats with a dense undergrowth.

Photos

References

• Thelymitra fuscolutea in the Australian Plant Name Index
• Thelymitra fuscolutea in the Atlas of Living Australia
• Thelymitra fuscolutea in the Western Australian FloraBase