This orchid is about 20cm tall and widespread throughout south western Australia. It is also one of the most easily recognised having glossy purple petals and the distinctive mottled pattern underneath. It is thought to share a common ancestry with Cyanicula and Caladenia species and does form occasional inter-generic hybrids with Cyanicula sericea (Silky Blue Orchid).

I don't know whether genetic work has been done on these orchids but in the UK it was shown that the morphologically distinct species Coeloglossum and Dactylorhiza were in fact genetically all Dactylorhiza. This explained immediately why the assumed inter-generic hybrids were so readily found - they weren't actually inter-generic. Perhaps Cyanicula and Elythranthera will eventually be shown to be genetically similar enough to be classified as the same genus.

Anyway whatever the taxonomists eventually find, it's a lovely orchid to discover on a walk.

Elythranthera brunonis Purple Enamel Orchid Macrocarpa walk near Kulin, Australia 15th September 2007 Previous   Next	Elythranthera brunonis Purple Enamel Orchid Macrocarpa walk near Kulin, Australia 15th September 2007 Previous   Next
Elythranthera brunonis	Elythranthera brunonis

W.A. Flower Society Tour: Macrocarpa walk near Kulin, Australia 15th September 2007

Added on 12th December 2007, updated 26th December 2008, updated 29th March 2010, updated 1st April 2013