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Northern Queen of Sheba
Thelymitra pulcherrima

Notes

The Northern Queen of Sheba is one of three species of Queen of Sheba that occur in south-western Australia, the other two being the Southern Queen of Sheba (Thelymitra variegata) and the Eastern Queen of Sheba (Thelymitra speciosa). The Northern Queen of Sheba is easily distinguished by its distinct pink petals and reddish sepals and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful orchids of Australia. Unlike most other Sun Orchids, it flowers during the winter in July and August. The Northern Queen of Sheba is restricted to a small area between Perth and Geraldton where the orchids can be found growing in sandy soils amid low shrubs.

Photos

Thelymitra pulcherrima
The Northern Queen of Sheba is easily identified by its pink petals and reddish sepals. (Eneabba, WA, 22 / 08 / 2013)
Thelymitra pulcherrima
Each flower stem usually carries 2 – 5 flowers, rarely more. (Eneabba, WA, 22 / 08 / 2013)
Thelymitra pulcherrima
The orchids grow in dense shrubland where they can be difficult to spot. (Eneabba, WA, 22 / 08 / 2013)

References