lemon-scented sun orchid

Thelymitra antennifera is a tuberous, perennial herb, 10–25 cm tall with yellow flowers from July to October. Its leaf is circular in cross–section, 5 to 12 cm long and 2 to 3 mm wide. The inflorescence consists of one to four yellow flowers on a wiry, zig-zagged often pinkish stem. Each flower is 20 to 40 mm across with a lemon or vanilla scent. The sepals and petals are 12 to 20 mm long and 4 to 6 mm wide, the sepals having a broad, reddish–brown band on their outer surface. The column is 5 to 6 mm long and 2 to 3 mm wide with dark brown arms that are ear-like and held high above the column. As with others in the genus, it reproduces by seeds but is unusual in that it is one of the few that develops tubers on the end of stolon-like roots, allowing it to form new colonies. The flowers are insect pollinated and open readily, even on cool days and are long-lasting.

The species occurs in the South–West and Eremaean botanical provinces of Western Australia. It is also found South Australia and Victoria. In Tasmania it only occurs in a few small areas and is classified as an endangered species in that state. Elsewhere it is widespread and common, growing in many habitats, especially shrub, heath and mallee. It sometimes forms dense, extensive colonies, flowering freely, especially after fire.

Thelymitra antennifera is the emblem of the Peninsula Field Naturalists' Club (Mornington Peninsula, Victoria). The species was chosen as the club's emblem in 1962 because it was so common around Frankston. However, in their 60th anniversary newsletter (2012), the club reports that the species is now rarely seen in the area.

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