A 'jewel orchid' that does not meet your expectations

Currently in bloom at the plant junkyard is this Erythrodes wenzelii which, despite its plain green leaves, is a member of subtribe Goodyerinae tribe Cranichidae- the tribe where the jewel orchids belong. While the 'jewel orchid' designation has also been used for totally unrelated plants particularly Crepidium (subtribe Malaxidinae tribe Malaxideae thus related to Liparis), it perhaps should be kept in mind that since the original application was for the members of the cranichids- think of Ludisia and Macodes, among others- then it follows that only those from that tribe deserves recognition as 'jewel orchids.'

Or does it? Because like in the case of our plant here, it can hardly be called a 'jewel orchid' due to the unadorned foliage. In fact, many members of the cranichids have non-descript leaves. One can argue that any terrestrial orchid with flashy leaves can be a jewel orchid. However, once we try to be politically correct then it's a can of worms from there. Since jewel orchids have also been found on trees, we might as well wake up one day to people calling Phalaenopsis schilleriana as 'jewel orchids' too. Quite a stretch, admit I must, but in today's mangled philosophies where just about anything must be circumvented to conform to anyone's will, then anything is possible.

Pretty thick stuff. Enough of that shite.

My inclination dictates that I should refer to a plant using its binomial. I'd call this an 'Erythrodes wenzelii', an 'Erythrodes', or simply a 'wenzelii'. If I am talking to a group of neophytes, then I might refer to it as being from the 'jewel orchid group', so they'll have a nice visual assistance to picture how similar it is to its cousins. But not a jewel orchid. I acquiesce that a 'jewel orchid' should possess brightly patterned leaves, but I also am aware that many of its cousins don't, so let's keep it tight.

Despite the homely appearance, this is a very easily grown subject. And since I see the modest collection as a botanical collection rather than one that is primarily horticultural, this species is perfectly at home here and free of subjective evaluations dictated by horticulture. I have seen it once growing along a roadside in loamy/rocky soil in bright, filtered light. However, it is most certainly artificial and main populations are found rooted within leaf litter in the shade, usually on flat terrain. But there is one aspect of this species which might make it interesting to more advanced orchidists: the flowers emit a sharp scent. Scent, whether pleasant or not, is a true rarity within the cranichids. Due to the size of the blooms- 9 mm. across- you will have to come close to it to detect anything. I can smell the fragrance at a distance of about 50 cm. A bit of a warning, though: some specimens give off a scent that is both pungent and sweet at the same time. It might not be to everyone's liking. But since, as mentioned, the blooms are small then it has no capabilities of overpowering even a modest space.