Scientific Name
Thelymitra antennifera (Lindl.) Hook.f.
Common Name(s)
Rabbit Eared Sun Orchid, Rabbit Ears, Rabbit's Ears, Lemon Orchid, Lemon Scented Sun Orchid, Vanilla Orchid, Antenna Thelymitra
Synonym(s)
Macdonaldia antennifera
Scientific Classification
Family: Orchidaceae
Subfamily: Orchidoideae
Tribe: Diurideae
Subtribe: Thelymitrinae
Genus: Thelymitra
Origin
Thelymitra antennifera is native to Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and northern parts of Tasmania.
Flower
Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Late winter and spring
Description
Thelymitra antennifera is a tuberous perennial herb with yellow flowers. It grows up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall. Its leaf is circular in cross-section and up to 5 inches (12 cm) long.
The inflorescence consists of 1 to 4 yellow flowers on a wiry, zig-zagged, often pinkish stem. Each flower is up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) across, with a lemon or vanilla scent. The column is up to 0.25 inches (6 mm), with dark brown arms that are ear-like and held high above the column.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Sun Orchids can be very tricky in cultivation. However, most are fairly amenable, and some are very easy. All plants are summer dormant and rest as tuberoids. Plants emerge in late summer and flower in late winter, spring, and early summer.
Culture as sunny as possible. In milder climates, garden culture is possible. Frost hardy up to 23°F (-5°C). Regular watering during the growing period is essential. Fertilize monthly until flowering. Reduce watering with the onset of flowers and stop as the leaves die back. Completely dry during dormancy. Occasionally a light spray of water for small plants and seedlings to prevent dehydration. If grown inside, move plants temporarily outside in late summer, as cool nights and some rain will stimulate plants into the new growing season.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Sun Orchids.
Links
- Back to genus Thelymitra
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
