Thelymitra speciosa Jeanes
WANOSCG Orchid Fact Sheet
Thelymitra speciosa
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Name and Authority
Synonyms (previous names)
Thelymitra aff. variegata
Common Name
Eastern Queen of Sheba
Complex Name
Thelymitra spiralis/variegata (Lobed Sun Orchids, the Queens)
Originally Described by
Jeffrey Jeanes in Muelleria 27:166-168, Figs. 8, 12a-c (2009)
Distribution and Habitat
Cranbrook to Condingup and northwards to Southern Cross, growing in sandy-clay soils in shrublands.
Flowering Months
· · · · · Jun Jul Aug Sep · · ·
Description
An attractive species 100–200 mm high with a narrow, smooth leaf 30–70 mm long by 4–8 mm wide at its widest point and up to two purple and golden-yellow flowers 30–50 mm across.
Distinguishing Features
It is distinguished from the related Southern Queen of Sheba (Thelymitra porphyrosticta) by its fewer flowered inflorescence, more northerly and easterly distribution and preference for sandy-clay rather than sandy soils.
WA Conservation Code (Threatened Status)
Not Listed
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