Thelymitra pulcherrima, commonly known as the northern Queen of Sheba, is a terrestrial orchid endemic to the open shrublands and sandy heathlands of southwestern Western Australia, particularly in the Geraldton Sandplains region. This orchid is deciduous, emerging from tubers and producing a single dark green leaf with a purplish base each growing season. It typically grows to a height of 20-40 cm. The northern Queen of Sheba is renowned for its up to seven glossy, variegated flowers, which exhibit a striking array of colors, including shades of blue, pink, and purple, with contrasting bright yellow or orange arms on the column. The flowers are showy and bloom from June to August, attracting a variety of insect pollinators.

In cultivation, Thelymitra pulcherrima is appreciated for its stunning, vibrant flowers and is often grown by orchid enthusiasts. It requires well-drained, sandy soil, mimicking its natural habitat, and thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. While it can be a challenge to grow due to its specific soil and moisture needs, success is often found in pots where conditions can be more easily controlled. It is not commonly used in general landscape planting due to its specialized requirements and rarity. Potential problems include fungal diseases, which can arise in overly moist conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0