Elythranthera emarginata is a terrestrial, perennial, deciduous, sympodial herb with a few inconspicuous, fine roots and a tuber partly surrounded by a fibrous, multi-layered protective sheath and often forms colonies.

[2][3][4] The pink enamel orchid was first formally described in 1839 by John Lindley who gave it the name Glossodia emarginata in A Sketch of the Vegetation of the Swan River Colony.

[7] The specific epithet (emarginata) is a Latin word meaning "notched at the apex"[8] referring to the two labellum calli.

[9] Elythranthera emarginata is found as far north as Jurien Bay and as far east as Ravensthorpe, often forming colonies or clumps in swamps, near creeks and in dense heath.

[2][3][4][10] Elythranthera emarginata is classified as "not threatened" by the Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife.