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Description
Thelymitra Antennifera, commonly known as the Rabbit Ears Sun Orchid, is a native Australian orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It is a terrestrial, perennial herb that can grow up to 40cm tall. The plant has a single, erect, and unbranched stem that bears a few narrow leaves at its base. The flowers of Thelymitra Antennifera are its most distinctive feature. They are large, showy, and have a bright blue-violet color. The petals and sepals are similar in shape and size, forming a hood-like structure over the column. The lip is three-lobed and has a fringed margin. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and bloom from September to November.
Taxonomic Information
Domain | Eukarya |
---|---|
Kingdom | Plantae |
Phylum | Spermatophyta |
Class | Liliopsida |
Order | Asparagales |
Family | Orchidaceae |
Genus | Thelymitra |
Appearance
Thelymitra Antennifera has a single, erect stem that can grow up to 40cm tall. The stem bears a few narrow leaves that are up to 20cm long and 1cm wide. The leaves are green and have a smooth surface. The flowers of Thelymitra Antennifera are large, showy, and have a bright blue-violet color. The petals and sepals are similar in shape and size, forming a hood-like structure over the column. The lip is three-lobed and has a fringed margin. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and bloom from September to November.
Care Guide
Water: Thelymitra Antennifera prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering.Fertilization: Fertilize Thelymitra Antennifera with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: Thelymitra Antennifera prefers a well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Thelymitra Antennifera prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to poor flowering.Hardiness Zones: Thelymitra Antennifera is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Thelymitra Antennifera is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, avoid overwatering and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Thelymitra Antennifera is native to Australia and can be found in a variety of habitats, including heathlands, woodlands, and grasslands. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Thelymitra Antennifera?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Thelymitra Antennifera?
A: Thelymitra Antennifera is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 10.Q: Is Thelymitra Antennifera susceptible to any pests or diseases?
A: Thelymitra Antennifera is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot.Q: What is the best soil type for Thelymitra Antennifera?
A: Thelymitra Antennifera prefers a well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter.
Related Plants
- Thelymitra Cyanea
- Thelymitra Epipactoides
- Thelymitra Flexuosa
- Thelymitra Nuda
- Thelymitra Pauciflora
References
- “Thelymitra Antennifera.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). https://anpsa.org.au/t-ant.html
- “Thelymitra Antennifera.” Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/plants/thelymitra-antennifera
- “Thelymitra Antennifera.” PlantNet. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Thelymitra~antennifera