Thelymitra variegata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Queen of Sheba |
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Thelymitra
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| Species: |
variegata
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The Queen of Sheba orchid, also known as Thelymitra variegata, is a beautiful type of orchid. It belongs to the Orchidaceae family. This special flower grows only in the south-west part of Western Australia.
This orchid has a single, tall, dark green leaf that spirals upwards. Its base is a bit purplish. The flowers are glossy and have many colors, like reddish, purplish, or violet. They often have darker spots and blotches, with yellowish edges. Inside the flower, there are two bright yellow or orange parts that look like arms.
Contents
What the Queen of Sheba Orchid Looks Like
The Queen of Sheba orchid is a perennial herb. This means it lives for more than two years and has soft stems, not woody ones. It grows from a tuber, which is like a small underground storage organ.
Its Unique Leaf
The plant has one dark green leaf. It starts out egg-shaped near its purplish base. Then, it quickly becomes narrow and twisted like a spiral. This leaf can be about 40–100 mm (2–4 in) long and 7–12 mm (0.3–0.5 in) wide.
Its Colorful Flowers
Each plant can have up to five glossy flowers. These flowers are a mix of reddish, purplish, or violet colors. They often have darker spots and blotches, and their edges are yellowish. Each flower can be about 30–50 mm (1.2–2.0 in) wide.
The flowers grow on a stem that can be 100–350 mm (4–10 in) tall. The sepals and petals, which are like the flower's "leaves," are about 15–25 mm (0.6–1 in) long and 6–10 mm (0.2–0.4 in) wide.
Inside the Flower: The Column
The central part of the flower is called the column. It's usually the same color as the petals. The column is about 5–7 mm (0.2–0.3 in) long and 2 mm (0.08 in) wide. On its back, it has tiny finger-like glands.
There are also two bright yellow or orange parts on the sides of the column. These look a bit like ears. The flowers are pollinated by insects. They open up wide on hot, sunny days to attract them. You can see these orchids flowering in August and September.
How the Queen of Sheba Orchid Got Its Name
The Queen of Sheba orchid has an interesting history behind its name.
First Description
The first time this orchid was officially described was in 1840. A scientist named John Lindley gave it the name Macdonaldia variegata. He wrote about it in a book called A Sketch of the Vegetation of the Swan River Colony.
Name Change
Later, in 1865, another scientist named Ferdinand von Mueller changed its name. He renamed it Thelymitra variegata. This change was published in his work called Fragmenta phytographiae Australiae.
Meaning of the Name
The second part of its scientific name, variegata, is a Latin word. It means "of different sorts, especially colors." This perfectly describes the orchid's many beautiful colors and patterns.
Where the Queen of Sheba Orchid Lives
The Queen of Sheba orchid grows in the south-west of Western Australia. It likes to live among low shrubs and grasses. You can find it in woodlands, forests, and heathlands.
Specific Locations
This orchid is found in several different areas between the cities of Perth and Albany. These areas include the Geraldton Sandplains, Jarrah Forest, Mallee, Swan Coastal Plain, and Warren biogeographic regions.
The flowers rely on insects to help them reproduce. They open up on sunny days, which helps the insects find them.
Protecting the Queen of Sheba Orchid
The Queen of Sheba orchid is a special plant, and it needs our help to survive.
Conservation Status
The Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife has given Thelymitra variegata a special classification. It is listed as "Priority Two".
What "Priority Two" Means
"Priority Two" means that this orchid is not very well known. It has only been found in a few places. This makes it important to protect these locations and learn more about the plant. Protecting it helps make sure this beautiful orchid continues to grow in Western Australia.
