Botanical name:

Thelymitra longifolia

Common name(s):

White sun orchid, māikuku

About:

The commonest species of this particular plant can be found thriving throughout New Zealand, ranging from sea level up to an impressive altitude of 1200m. It is characterised by a single long, fleshy leaf that is quite distinctive. During the summer months, it bears elegant stems that showcase 10 or more small, delicate white orchid flowers. This plant is known to be fairly easy to cultivate in a diverse range of soils and environmental conditions. Notably, the flowers tend to open wider when they receive ample exposure to full sunlight.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to subalpine (up to 1200m). Occupying a wide range of habitats from open ultramafic talus to dense forest. However, it is most common in shrub-lands. This species is extremely variable and it is likely that following taxonomic revision, a number of forms, some with distinct ecologies, may be formally segregated.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Three Kings, North, South, Stewart, Chatham and Auckland Islands. Also on Norfolk Island.

Height: Up to 1m

Flowering: 

September – February with a reddish pink to white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

October – April

Uses:

Bee food, Riparian plantings, Flowers & Container’s

How to grow:

Moderately easy to grow by seed, or division of older plants. Does well in a pot. Should not be removed from the wild. This species often naturalises into gardens adjoining indigenous vegetation. It is sometimes seen as a pot contaminant of commercial plant lines.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though