BSA Plant Images Online - Lemon-scented Sun Orchid, Thelymitra antennifera Relies on Deceit to Attract Pollinators
Lemon-scented sun orchid, Thelymitra antennifera. Members of Thelymitrinae rely on deceit to attract pollinators. This species blooms at the same time as a similar lilioid flower that offers a reward. The generalized floral morphology seen in Thelymitra probably represents the plesiomorphic state for Diurideae, but members of the subtribe often have highly modified columns adorned with brush-like appendages to assist in pollen presentation, a simple form of which can be seen in this species.