SPECIES: Thelymitra kangaloonica — Kangaloon Sun Orchid
CLASSIFICATION: Critically endangered
Critically endangered and endemic to a very small area in NSW is the Kangaloon Sun Orchid. The plant itself produces 2-15 and even up to 40 deep blue and strongly scented flowers that open on sunny days - a characteristic of Sun Orchids. The species is presumed to be a short-lived perennial plant, capable of self-pollination if not fertilised by other means (usually by insects).
The Kangaloon Sun Orchid is known from three locations in the Southern Highlands and current population estimates are unknown. Largely under threat by reduction of their habitat - draining and subsequent drying out of swamp area where the plants are found, fire and grazing by livestock. Oh, but what a rare beauty.