Northern Queen of Sheba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northern Queen of Sheba |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Thelymitra
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| Species: |
pulcherrima
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The northern Queen of Sheba (scientific name: Thelymitra pulcherrima) is a beautiful and rare type of orchid. It grows only in the southwestern part of Western Australia. This special orchid has a unique spiral leaf and produces up to seven shiny, colorful flowers. Each flower is a mix of reddish or purplish colors with cool streaks and blotches. It's known for its bright yellow or orange "arms" that stick out from the center of the flower.
What Does It Look Like?
The northern Queen of Sheba is a plant that grows from a tuber (like a small underground storage part). It's a perennial herb, meaning it lives for many years and doesn't have a woody stem. It has one upright, dark green leaf that starts wide at the bottom (which is purplish) and then twists into a spiral shape. This leaf is about 40 to 70 mm (1.5 to 2.5 inches) long and 5 to 12 mm (0.2 to 0.5 inches) wide.
This orchid can grow up to seven glossy, colorful flowers on a stem that is 150 to 350 mm (6 to 14 inches) tall. Each flower is about 25 to 35 mm (1 to 1.4 inches) wide. The sepals and petals (which look like petals) are 12 to 17 mm (0.5 to 0.7 inches) long and 5 to 8 mm (0.2 to 0.3 inches) wide. They have different colors and patterns.
The top sepal is usually purple with yellow edges and has reddish-brown spots. The side sepals are mostly yellow with reddish-brown marks. The petals are mostly purplish with darker lines and blotches. The central part of the flower, called the column, is similar in color to the petals. It has tiny finger-like glands on its back. There are also two bright yellow or orange parts on the sides of the column that look a bit like ears.
These flowers are pollinated by insects. They open up wide on hot days to attract them. You can usually see them flowering from June to August.
How It Got Its Name
The northern Queen of Sheba was officially described in 2009 by a scientist named Jeff Jeanes. He found a sample of the plant near a place called Eneabba. The description was then published in a science journal called Muelleria.
The plant's scientific name, pulcherrima, comes from a Latin word. It means "prettiest." This name was chosen because it's a very beautiful and showy orchid.
Where It Lives
Thelymitra pulcherrima grows in open areas with shrubs. You can find it between the towns of Lancelin and Dongara in a natural area known as the Geraldton Sandplains.
Protecting This Orchid
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife has listed Thelymitra pulcherrima as "Priority Two." This means that not much is known about this orchid, and it has only been found in a few places. Because it's rare and its locations are limited, it's important to protect it so it can continue to thrive.
