Wallum sun orchid

Thelymitra purpurata is a tuberous, perennial herb with a single ribbed, linear to lance-shaped leaf 100–250 mm (4–10 in) long and 2–4 mm (0.08–0.2 in) wide. Between two and ten bluish purple flowers without spots, 20–25 mm (0.8–1 in) wide are borne on a flowering stem 150–350 mm (6–10 in) tall. The sepals and petals are 12–17 mm (0.5–0.7 in) long and 5–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) wide. The column is bluish to pinkish, 4.5–5.5 mm (0.18–0.22 in) long and 2.5–3 mm (0.098–0.12 in) wide. The lobe on the top of the anther is short, yellow with a dark blue band and with many finger-like calli. The side lobes have dense, mop-like tufts of white hairs. The flowers are insect-pollinated, open on sunny days and often have the petals and sepals turned backwards. Flowering occurs from July to September.

Wallum sun orchid is common in heath in coastal Queensland south of Fraser Island to Myall Lakes in New South Wales.