lots of people don’t know we have so many - or any - native orchids in Aotearoa! we have around 120 species of native orchid in several different genera, and several undescribed species as well. these are a few of my favourite native species from the last year or so :)

Thelymitra variegata

18-SEP-2025

Going by the large size and pale colour, Thelymitra crinita, commonly known as the blue lady orchid, queen orchid or lily orchid but there's at least two other similar species in the area.

Like other Sun Orchids, the flowers only open in bright sun. It can be locally common in its range between Jurien Bay and Esperance, in shrubland, woodland and forest or on granite outcrops. This one was in the car park opposite Sullivan Rock.

Sun Orchids are most diverse in Australia, but there's a few in NZ and elsewhere. Those species that don't self-pollinate apparently deceive pollinators that mistake them for lilies.

(1977)

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A fun floral painting!! Took me about six hours but was definitely worth it :))

© tabbysandtulips 2020

Find it on my redbubble shop!

I really enjoy photographing with dark field microscopy, just look at the difference!

Thelymitra epipactoides

18-SEP-2025