The specific epithet velleioides is a reference to how sterile material of this species resembles Velleia spathulata.

Inflorescences are 15–25 cm long and produce pink flowers that bloom from March to November in their native range.

S. velleioides is endemic to tropical Queensland from Mount Surprise to St Lawrence.

Its typical habitat has been reported as along creekbanks and seepage areas in eucalypt woodlands.

It is also related to S. debile, which has bracteoles present, racemose inflorescences, and shorter columns and posterior petals.