Scented Sun Orchid

Thelymitra macrophylla is a tuberous herbaceous perennial with a single thick, leathery, strap-like leaf 150–500 mm (6–20 in) long and 5–25 mm (0.2–1 in) wide. Between two and twenty-five dark blue to purplish flowers, 25–50 mm (1–2 in) wide are borne on a flowering stem 300–900 mm (10–40 in) tall. The sepals and petals are 10–25 mm (0.4–1 in) long and 10–12 mm (0.4–0.5 in) wide. The column is white to pale blue or pinkish, 5–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long and 3–5.5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide. The lobe on the top of the anther is 3.5–5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) long, 2–3 mm (0.08–0.1 in) wide and dark brown with a yellow tip. The side lobes have toothbrush-like tufts of white hairs. The flowers are strongly scented, insect pollinated and open in sunny weather. Flowering occurs from August to October.

Large-leafed sun orchid is widespread and common between Perth and Albany, growing in jarrah forest and wandoo woodland.