Curly Locks
Thelymitra spiralis
Synonyms
- Macdonaldia spiralis
- Thelymitra maculata
Notes
The Curly Locks is a relative of the Queen of Sheba (Thelymitra variegata), but its flowers are usually pink rather than purple with only indistinct markings. Like the Queen of Sheba, it has just a single, tiny, spiral-shaped leaf sitting at the base of the flower stem. While its pink colour in combination with the characteristic, yellow column makes it almost unmistakable, Curly Locks occasionally form hybrids with the Lemon-scented Sun Orchid (Thelymitra antennifera) which have a similar appearance. The variety pulchella, which is found throughout Western Australia’s Wheatbelt and is characterised by its more strongly marked flowers, has been described as a separate species named Thelymitra maculata.
While generally rare and local, Curly Locks are widespread throughout south-western WA from Kalbarri in the north to near Esperance in the east, although they appear to be absent from the high-rainfall areas of the lower South West. Flowering in late winter and early spring, Curly Locks are found in a range of different soils and habitats, including sandplains, winter-wet flats, Sheoak (Allocasuarina) woodlands and runoff areas around granite outcrops.
Photos
References
- Thelymitra spiralis in the Australian Plant Name Index
- Thelymitra spiralis in the Atlas of Living Australia
- Thelymitra spiralis in the Western Australian FloraBase