It is one of the most widespread and common orchid species in Australia, growing in all states except Western Australia and the Northern Territory, and also in New Zealand including Chatham Island.

Thelymitra pauciflora is a terrestrial, tuberous herb growing up to 60 cm high when in flower.

It has a single erect, fleshy leaf, 30 cm long by 6 mm wide, ribbed on the outer side and channelled on the inner.

[2][3][4][5] The species was first formally described by botanist Robert Brown in 1810 in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae.

[6] The specific epithet (pauciflora) is derived from Latin, paucus, "few" and flos, "flower".