Photograph: R. Orr Thelymitra megacalyptra is commonly known as the Scented Sun-orchid.
The mauve or lavender flowers appear 3 to 8 on a stem in October
and open only in the sunshine. There are a number of very similar sun orchids in the Box-Ironbark forests.
In a good year, this very common species can colour whole patches of bush
with its glorious purle/blue colour.
Orchids produce their pollen in several packets called pollinia. These are relatively large structures, easily visible with the unaided eye. The pollinator usually gets one or two pollinia glued to its body when visiting the flower at the right time. The pollina contain thousands of pollen grains.
As sun orchids only open in bright sunshine, it may be possible that self pollination is a last minute resort for those flowers that did not open during their life time. The major pollinating agent is unknown but small flies, gnats and midges are often seen around orchid flowers.
Pollen images
light microscopy
electron microscopy
Orchids produce their pollen in several packets called pollinia. These are relatively large structures, easily visible with the unaided eye. The pollinator usually gets one or two pollinia glued to its body when visiting the flower at the right time. The pollina contain thousands of pollen grains.
As sun orchids only open in bright sunshine, it may be possible that self pollination is a last minute resort for those flowers that did not open during their life time. The major pollinating agent is unknown but small flies, gnats and midges are often seen around orchid flowers.
Pollen images
light microscopy
electron microscopy