Elythranthera is a genus in the Orchidaceae family endemic to Western Australia. The two species are terrestrial, growing from tubers, and with a solitary hairy leaf and one to three flowers on the hairy erect stem. Taxonomic work by MA Clements, CG Howard CG1, and JT Miller published in 2015 concluded that none of the current taxonomic treatments for Caladenia were satisfactory. They suggested a return to Lindley's concept of Caladenia (1830-1840) but also including Glossodia and Elythranthera. The Wayback Machine has archived a previous post with information about this genus when it was accepted as a separate genus and not part of Caladenia.
Elythranthera brunonis (Endl.) A.S.George in 2023 is considered to be a synonym of Caladenia brunonis (Endl.) Rchb.f. Commonly known as the purple enamel orchid, it is found in coastal woodlands and sand plains in southwestern Western Australia. Plants grow from 15 to 40 cm tall. Flowers are from 1 to 3 cm long and wide. The upper surface of the sepals is a glossy purple and the lower surface is spotted purple or reddish purple. It blooms in spring. The pictures below were taken by Bob Rutemoeller and Mary Sue Ittner September 2007 on several different days in areas within an hour’s drive of Albany, Western Australia. We found variations in the color of the flowers and even some that looked pink, instead of purple, but appeared to be this species.
Elythranthera emarginata (Lindl.) A.S.George in 2023 is considered to be a synonym of Caladenia emarginata (Lindl.) Rchb.f. Known as the pink enamel orchid, it has pink shiny flowers a little larger than the other species. It grows to about 20 cm tall and has flowers that are about 35 mm across. Also endemic to southwestern Australia, it is found on coastal plains and in open woods and rocky slopes. It too flowers in spring, usually a little later than the other species. The picture below was taken by Bob Rutemoeller at a wildflower show in Albany, Western Australia September 2007.
