Praecoxanthus
| Leafless orchid | |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Binomial name | |
| Praecoxanthus aphyllus (Benth.) Hopper & A.P.Br. | |
| Synonyms | |
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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.