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Queen of Sheba orchid documentary to share the fascination and fight for the survival of the rare bloom

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Shannon SmithAlbany Advertiser
Thelymitra variegata, Queen of Sheba orchid and, below, Pollination biologist Daniela Scaccabarozzi during fieldwork.
Camera IconThelymitra variegata, Queen of Sheba orchid and, below, Pollination biologist Daniela Scaccabarozzi during fieldwork. Credit: Supplied

There is a fascination with the Queen of Sheba orchid that drives people into the bush in search of floral royalty.

With the striking purple blooms starting to show their faces in biodiversity hotpots across the region, orchid hunters are hitting the bush in search of the Queen.

To help people in the hunt and share the mysteries behind the elusive orchid, a documentary that explores its rarity will screen in Albany next week.

Search for the Queen of Sheba was shot in southern WA with Stirling Range National Park and Gull Rock National Park featuring heavily in the film.

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It follows world-renowned orchid taxonomist Stig Dalström, along with award-winning filmmaker and composer Darryl Saffer who travel to the region in search of rare plants and animals.

Pollination biologist Daniela Scaccabarozzi accompanied the film producers to share her expertise on the various Queen of Sheba species.

Pollination biologist Daniela Scaccabarozzi during feild work in the region.
Camera IconPollination biologist Daniela Scaccabarozzi during feild work in the region.

She will lead a discussion at the Albany screening, about an orchid she describes as among the “most beautiful, popular and rare terrestrial orchids on Earth”.

“The pollination of these orchid species is highly specialised and few pollinator types are able to transfer the pollen and allow the fecundation,” she said.

“The orchid populations are subjected to decline due to habitat fragmentation.

“Currently, there is no conservation plan for the (Queen of Sheba), even though they are rapidly disappearing due to threats.”

The orchid flowers from June to September but in Albany, the season generally starts in late July-early August and finishes in September.

Ms Scaccabarozzi has undertaken field work in the region, spending time at the Stirling Range National Park and Bremer Bay looking at the pollination of the species.

The documentary will screen at Albany Public Library from 5.30-7pm on July 22.

To book, contact the library.

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