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Thelymitra antennifera
lemon-scented sun orchid
Overview
Thelymitra antennifera is a small terrestrial tuberous orchid growing 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) tall, producing a single narrow, channelled leaf 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long from an underground tuber. The wiry stem carries 1 to 6 lemon-yellow flowers, each 0.6-1 inch (15-25 mm) across, sometimes with a reddish-brown stripe on the outer surface of the segments. Unlike most orchids, the flowers are radially symmetrical and resemble a star, and the column bears a pair of brown, antenna-like appendages that give the species its name. The flowers are lemon-scented and open only in warm, sunny weather, staying closed on cool or overcast days. Flowering occurs in spring. After flowering the plant dies back to its tuber and stays dormant through summer. Growth depends on a symbiotic soil fungus, and the orchid rarely survives transplanting or cultivation outside its natural habitat.
Native Range
Native to southern Australia, across Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, and New South Wales. Grows in heathland, mallee, and open woodland on well-drained sandy and gravelly soils, often in open sunny patches among low vegetation.Suggested Uses
Grown by terrestrial-orchid specialists in containers that replicate its seasonal wet-dry cycle and fungal associations. Occurs in bushland conservation and heathland settings rather than general garden beds. Not suited to mixed borders or shaded, moist positions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread2" - 4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowers in spring, mainly August to November depending on region, with blooms opening only on warm, sunny days. Each plant flowers over 2-4 weeks. Cool or cloudy weather keeps the flowers closed, so the display is intermittent.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Emerges from a dormant tuber in autumn, grows through winter, flowers in spring, and dies back by early summer. It needs moist, well-drained sandy soil and full sun during active growth, and dry conditions through summer dormancy. The orchid depends on a specific mycorrhizal fungus, which makes cultivation outside its native habitat difficult. Flowers open only when warmed by direct sun. Plants are sensitive to soil disturbance and decline when groundcover or topsoil is removed.Pruning
No pruning is applicable. The single leaf and flowering stem wither naturally as the plant enters summer dormancy, and the dry material can be left over the tuber.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons