Queen of Sheba Orchid Earrings. Made in Australia from our original hand painted design, these earrings are printed with eco-friendly inks, onto light weight sustainably grown hoop pine and finished with gold or silver stainless steel hoops, perfect for sensitive ears! Theylmitra variegata, the Queen of Sheba orchid is a small, tuberous, perennial plant that grows in a limited area of south-western W.A. among low shrubs and grasses in forests, woodlands and heath. It can take between 7-10 years to bloom and produces stunning purple, blue and yellow spotted flowers for a brief period in late winter and spring. They are sun orchids which require bright midday sunlight to open and close at night or on cloudy cold days. Now extremely rare, listed as endangered and one of the state's most protected species. Their survival is threatened by habitat loss, land development, damage from trampling and illegal collection. Named after the exotic biblical queen who was known for her rarity, wealth, power, wisdom and beauty.