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Thelymitra sp.
This one of several possible species of blue sun orchids
On a roadside reserve rich in wildflowers and other heathland palnts.
Looks like the slender sun orchid Thelymitra vulgaris – Slender Sun Orchid
Spotted on Oct 6, 2014
Submitted on Oct 6, 2014
3 Comments
I never knew these were so complex.
Your assessment is convincing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelymitra_...
I've added about 20 botanical sightings to your mission.
Wow, the Blue Thelymitra sp. are so very similar.
Couldn't find any records of T. vulgaris outside of WA.
Assuming the second photo shows all buds/open flowers T. peniculata may be ruled out, the flora of Melbourne suggests it has a min. of 4 flowers.
T. holemsii and T. nuda both flower in Nov (although this is probably variable and a soft I.D character). T. holemsii occurs in swampy area or moist depressions, perhaps habitat could rule that one out?
T. pauciflora is looking good, has smaller flowers than T. nuda (20mm rather than 35mm.
I found your mission Vinny and added them.