Thelymitra speciosa

Thelymitra speciosa Jeanes

Thelymitra aff. variegata

Eastern Queen of Sheba

Thelymitra spiralis/variegata (Lobed Sun Orchids, the Queens)

Jeffrey Jeanes in Muelleria 27:166-168, Figs. 8, 12a-c (2009)

Cranbrook to Condingup and northwards to Southern Cross, growing in sandy-clay soils in shrublands.

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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.

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.

Not Listed