Native Orchids

Sun orchids – Thelymitra……

In New Zealand there are at least a dozen varieties of Thelymitra and several in the Tangihua ranges, but you need to be an expert to pick which they are.

Native Orchids or Sun orchids of the Tangihua forest are found.

Sun orchids can be found on the side of tracks and in small open spaces around the lodge

The one in the photo is probably Thelymitra tholiformis or Domed Sun Orchid.

Description

Thelymitra tholiformis ranges from Te paki to the Waikato. The flower is about thumb nail sized and a much deeper purple compared to the over exposed photo.

Domed Sun Orchid are usually associated with kauri forest remnants and gumland and can be seen around the lodge on the side of tracks.

They can grow on a stalk up to 0.6m tall

References

New Zealand plant conservation network

Jack Warden New Zealand Native Plants Enthusiasts