Leafless orchid | |
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Praecoxanthus aphyllus growing near Pinjarra | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Orchidaceae |
Subfamily: | Orchidoideae |
Tribe: | Diurideae |
Subtribe: | Caladeniinae |
Genus: | Praecoxanthus Hopper & A.P.Br. |
Species: | P. aphyllus
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Binomial name | |
Praecoxanthus aphyllus (Benth.) Hopper & A.P.Br.
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Synonyms[1] | |
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Praecoxanthus aphyllus, commonly known as leafless orchid, is the only species of the flowering plant genus Praecoxanthus in the orchid family, Orchidaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. Plants in flower lack a true leaf, although those plants that are not flowering do possess a green leaf. This species is one of the first orchids to flower each year and its creamy white, fragrant flower easily distinguishes it from other species.