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
References
- Thelymitra pulcherrima in the Atlas of Living Australia
- Thelymitra pulcherrima in the Western Australian FloraBase