Prior names
Thelymitra mucida ssp. orientalis
Common names
Plum Sun-orchid
Horay Sun-orchid
Etymology
Thelymitra from Greek 'thelys' meaning a bishop and 'mitra' meaning a headwear, hat, hence a bishop�s mitre, referring to the sometimes plumed or decorated wings of the column, which is usually produced behind and over the anther in a hood-like projection. Orientalis from Latin meaning east, alluding to its distribution in eastern Australia, compare to the similar species Thelymitra mucida found in Western Australia.
Distribution and status
Found on Kangaroo Island and the lower South-east in South Australia, growing in damp heathy flats and seepage areas on leached peaty white sands. Also found in Victoria. Native. Very rare in South Australia. Very rare in Victoria.
Herbarium regions: Kangaroo Island, South Eastern
NRM regions: Kangaroo Island, South East
AVH map: SA distribution map (external link)
Plant description
Flowering between late October and early November.