Alphabetical Listing - C -
| CADETIA
Gaudich. 1829
| (None) Named in honor of Charles Louis Cadet de Gassicourt
There are about 55 small epiphytic species in this genus most distributed in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands with a few species found in southeast Asia and Australia growing in tufts or small clumps. Although allied to genus Dendrobium and are often included in that genus, species vegetative appearance is more like genus Pleurothallis than Dendrobium. Species of Cadetia are seldom seen in cultivation except for C. taylori. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CALADENIA
R.Br. 1810
SYNONYMS
| (Calda.) Gr. kalos,beautiful; adenos,gland. Common name: "Spider Orchid" This is a genus of more than 120 species of distinctive looking terrestrial orchids distributed mostly in Australia, with a few species found in Indonesia, New Caledonia, and New Zealand. Photo courtesy of Australasian Native Orchid Society (ANOS) | ||||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CALANTHE
R.Br. 1821 (IK) Ker Gawl. 1821 (APNI)
SYNONYMS
| (Cal.) Gr. kalos,beautiful; anthe,flower; alluding to the beautiful flowers
of most species. Common name: "Christmas Orchid" There are about 150 shade loving medium to large terrestrial species in this genus distributed throughout tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, and Australia. Species are also found in Japan, Indonesia, New Guinea, and Tahiti. Some species are deciduous. Species produce an arching or erect raceme bearing few to many flowers of nearly every imaginable color. Species are very popular among collectors and are extensively used for hybridization. Photo courtesy of Australasian Native Orchid Society (ANOS) | ||||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CALANTHIDIUM Pfitzer 1888 |
See Calanthe |
| CALCEARIA Blume 1825 |
Synonym of Corysanthes R.Br., See Corybas |
| CALCEOLARIA Heist. 1748 |
illegitimate later homonym See Cypripedium |
| CALCEOLUS Adans. 1763 |
See Cypripedium |
| CALLIPHYLLON Bubani 1901 |
See Epipactis |
| CALLISTA Lour. 1790 |
See Dendrobium |
| CALLITHRONUM Ehrh. 1789 |
See Cephalanthera |
| CALLOSTYLIS Blume 1825 |
See Eria |
| CALOCHILUS
R.Br. 1810
| (Clchs.) Gr. calos,beautiful; cheilos,lip.
Common name: "bearded orchids" alluding to the colorful hairs on the labellum. There are about twelve terrestrial species in this genus found mainly in Australia, with some species found in New Guinea, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. Species produce an erect inflorescence bearing from four to twenty large flowers. Some species have false eyes at the base of the flower column and a hairy, "bearded" lip making the blossom appear to be a strange human-like face. Unfortunately, species in this genus are usually difficult to grow and best left to the most dedicated growers. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CALOGLOSSUM Schltr. 1918 |
See Cymbidiella |
| CALOPHYLLUM L. |
illegitimate later homonym See Epipactis |
| CALOPOGON
R.Br. 1813
SYNONYMS
| (Cpg.)
Common name: "Grass-Pink Orchid" There are only about six terrestrial species in this genus distributed in the southeastern United States and one species found in eastern Canada. Growing primarily in bogs, wet spots, and meadows, they produce large intricate flowers in which the lip is uppermost. This lip configuration differs to most other North American orchids. | ||||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CALORCHIS Barb.Rodr. 1877 |
See Ponthieva |
| CALYPSO
Salisb. 1807
SYNONYMS
| (None) Named for Kalypso, the sea nymph daughter of the mythical giant Atlas, one of the Titans.
This flower's beauty is compared to that of Calypso's, which enchanted and kept the legendary Ulysses on her island for seven years.
Common name: "Fairy Slipper Orchid" There is only two varieties of one terrestrial species in this genus distributed in damp, marshy areas of coniferous forests throughout the North Temperate regions of the world including North America, Europe, Asia, and Japan. Photos courtesy of Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison: Calypso | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CALYPSODIUM Link 1829 |
See Calypso |
| CAMARIDIUM Lindl. 1824 |
See Maxillaria |
| CAMAROTIS Lindl. 1833 |
See Micropera or Sarcochilus |
| CAMELOSTALIX Pfitzer 1907 |
See Pholidota |
| CAMILLEUGENIA Frapp. ex Cordem. 1895 |
See Cynorkis |
| CAMPANULORCHIS Brieger 1981 |
See Eria |
| CAMPYLOCENTRUM
Benth. 1881
SYNONYM Todaroa 
| (None)
Common name: "Bent-Spur Orchid," "Thick-Root Orchid" (Florida) There are around 35 species of small plants in this genus distributed in the West Indies, Central America, and South America. Some species have leaves along their stems while others lose their leaves and become leafless, appearing as a large tangled mass of green-colored roots which serve the duel purpose of acquiring nutrients and processing them through photosynthesis. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CANACORCHIS Guillaumin 1964 |
See Bulbophyllum |
| CAPANEMIA
Barb.Rodr. 1877
| (None) Named in honor of Guillermo Schuch de Capanema, a Brazilian naturalist.
There are about 20 dwarf or miniature epiphytic species in this genus distributed in the tropical forests of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay growing on mossy trees. Species produce small white or greenish flowers. Photo courtesy of Hideto Yamasaki at Brazilan Orchids | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CARDIOPHYLLUM Ehrh. 1789 |
See Listera |
| CARTERETIA A.Rich. 1834 |
See Doritis |
| CATACHAETUM Hoffmanns. 1842 |
See Catasetum |
| CATASETUM
Rich. ex Kunth 1822
SYNONYMS
| (Ctsm.) Gr. kata,down; L. seta,bristle. For the two appendages or antenna-like
processes of the
column,
which are turned downwards in the male flowers of most species.
There are about 70 epiphytic species in this genus distributed from the West Indies to Mexico southward to Argentina. Species produce separate and distinctive male and female flowers. Male flowers are usually colorful and display an unusual pollinarium-ejection mechanism. Female flowers, on the other hand, are usually yellowish green and fairly uniform in appearance. Several species of Catasetum with hermaphroditic flowers have been moved to Clowesia and Dressleria. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CATHEA Salisb. 1812 |
See Calopogon |
| CATTLEYA
Lindl. 1824
SYNONYMS Maelenia 
| (C.) The genus Cattleya is dedicated to William Cattley, a 19th century English horticulturist;
one of the earliest persons to build a collection of exotic orchids and who "discovered" the
first Cattleya among some packing material.
Generally called The Queen of Flowers" many of the individual Cattleya species have their own nicknames, in particular, Cattleya labiata, the "Corsage Orchid" There are about 48 epiphytic species in this genus distributed throughout tropical America. They are usually found residing in the tops of the wet forest trees from sea level to 5,000 feet. When you say "Orchid" to the average person, it's the well known Cattleya blossom that will come to mind... and that blossom is most likely a hybrid. The popular Cattleya genus is perhaps the most hybridized of the Orchid genera resulting in a very wide variation in blossom color and form. Cattleya hybrids are one of the primary interests and challenges to orchid enthusiasts with many specializing exclusively in this genera and its hybrids. Photo courtesy of Hideto Yamasaki at Brazilan Orchids | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CATTLEYOPSIS
Lem. 1854
| (Ctps.)
This genus has about eight brilliantly flowered epiphytic or lithophytic orchids distributed only in Cuba. They are allied to Broughtonia and to Laeliopsis. They are among the most delightful and free flowering of the smaller members of the Cattleya group. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CAULARTHRON
Raf. 1837
SYNONYMS Diacrium
| (Clrth.) Gr. kaulos,stem; arthron,joint; in reference to the jointed
pseudobulbs.
There are less than ten epiphytic species in this genus distributed in the West Indies, Central and South America, and Trinidad. Some species are occasionally classified in genus Diacrium. Species are allied to genus Epidendrum. It is quite common for colonies of ants to make the pseudobulb internodes their nest. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CENTRANTHERA Scheidw. 1842 |
illegitimate later homonym See Pleurothallis |
| CENTROCHILUS Schauer 1843 |
See Habenaria |
| CENTROGENIUM Schltr. 1919 |
See Stenorrhynchos |
| CENTROSIA A.Rich. 1828 |
See Calanthe |
| CENTROSIS Thouars 1822 |
See Calanthe |
| CEPHALANTHERA
Rich. 1818
SYNONYMS
| (Ceph.) Gr. kephale,head; anthera,anther.
Common name: "Phantom Orchid," "Helleborine Orchid" There are about a 14 mostly woodland terrestrial species in this genus distributed in the temperate regions of North Africa, southern Himalaya, Japan, and Europe. Several of them are handsome leafy plants with mostly white, red or green flowers. The plants prefer a calcareous soil. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CERAIA Lour. 1790 |
See Dendrobium |
| CERATANDRA
Eckl. ex F.A.Bauer 1837
| (None)
There are only two species in this genus distributed in South Africa. They are terrestrial orchids and are quite unusual plants. Fairly rare in cultivation. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CERATIUM Blume 1825 |
See Eria |
| CERATOCENTRON
Senghas 1989
| (Crtn.)
Crtn. fesselii is a relatively new discovery from the Philippines in 1989. It closest relative is Amesiella philippinensis which was discovered in 1907 by Garay. It grows much like Schoenorchis fragrans. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CERATOCHILUS
Blume 1825
| (None)
There are only two small epiphytic species in this genus. One species is distributed in Java and the other in Borneo. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CERATOPSIS Lindl. 1840 |
See Epipogium |
| CERATOSTYLIS
Blume 1825
SYNONYMS Ritaia 
| (None) Gr. kerato,horn; stylis,style; alluding to the fleshy
horn-like appearance of the flower column.
There are about 60 to 100 small epiphytic species in this genera distributed mostly in New Guinea (some 50 species) with other species found in the Himalaya of India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia to New Caledonia. Species produce a short inflorescence bearing one to several flowers in a small cluster. There is relatively little interest in species of this genus due to their relatively small and insignificant flowers. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CESTICHIS Thouars 1822 |
See Liparis |
| CHAMAEANGIS
Schltr. 1915
| (None)
There are about fifteen monopodial epiphytic species in this genus distributed in Africa, Madagascar, and the Mascarene Islands. Interestingly, the type species for this genus, hariotiana, was reclassified to genus Microterangis by Senghas in 1985. It is not uncommon to find M. hariotiana (and M. coursiana, which was also moved) still listed as Chamaeangis. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CHAMAEANTHUS
Schltr. ex J.J.Sm. 1905
| (None) Gr. chamai,lowly, prostate; anthos,flower; alluding to the dwarfness of the flower.
There are about eight small inconspicuous epiphytic species in this genus distributed in lowland forests of southeast Asia, Malaysia, Java, New Guinea, New Caledonia, Philippines, and the Pacific islands. Species produce tiny flowers. In 1988 Senghas moved ten species from this genus to form the genus Gunnarella. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CHAMAEREPES Spreng. 1826 |
See Herminium |
| CHAMORCHIS
Rich. 1818
| (None) Gr. chamae,dwarf, low; referring to the short stature of the species.
There are only three very tiny species in this genus distributed in the Alps of Europe. They are very inconspicuous and often missed unless they are blooming. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CHAUBARDIA
Rchb.f. 1852
| (None) Named in honor of Chaubard, a 19th century French botanist.
There are only three epiphytic species in the genus distributed in the wet South American lowland forests east of the Andes from Surinam to Bolivia. Species can be distinguished from other related genera because they have pseudobulbs. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CHAUBARDIELLA
Garay 1969
| (Chbl.) Gr. iella,similar to, referring to genus Chaubardia.
Garay established this genus when he moved four species to this genus from Stenia, Kefersteinia, Chondrorhyncha, and Chaubardia. in 1969. There are now over eight epiphytic species in the genus distributed on the slopes of the Andes from Surinam to Peru and also found in Costa Rica. They like a moist intermediate growing condition. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CHEIROPTEROCEPHALUS Barb.Rodr. 1877 |
See Malaxis |
| CHEIRORCHIS Carr 1932 |
See Cordiglottis |
| CHEIROSTYLIS
Blume 1825
SYNONYMS
| (None) Gr. cheir,hand; stylis,style; alluding to the anther-bearing
part of the column
being lobed and bearing a fanciful resemblance to a hand.
There are about twenty somewhat inconspicuous deciduous terrestrial or lithophytic species in this distributed in tropical Africa, Asia, New Guinea, and Australia. Species have thick caterpillar-like rhizomes which do not develop roots but have minute hairs on the concave contact surface of the rhizome used to cling to wet rocks. Species produce a small raceme bearing small flowers. Species are closely allied to genus Zeuxine. | |||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CHELONANTHERA Blume 1825 |
See Pholidota |
| CHELONISTELE
Pfitzer 1907
SYNONYM Sigmatochilus
| (None)
There are about eleven epiphytic species in this genus distributed from the Himalaya to Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, Java and the Philippines. Five species were initially moved from genus Coelogyne by Pfitzer to establish genus Chelonistele. | ||||||
SPECIES
| |||||||
| CHILOGLOTTIS
R.Br. 1810
| (None) Gr. cheilos,lip; glottis,the mouth of the windpipe.
Common name: "Bird Orchid" There are about 21 terrestrial species in this genus distributed mostly in Australia and New Zealand. These species have interesting-looking blossoms which mimic the appearance of insects. Pollination is achieved when male wasps attempt to mate with the lip of the flower. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CHILOPOGON
Schltr. 1912
| (None) Gr. cheilos,lip; pogon,beard
There are only three very rare epiphytic species in this genus distributed in the mossy mountain forests of New Guinea. Although Schlechter segregated three species from genus Appendicula in 1912 based differences in flower structure, genus Chilopogon is not always recognized as a separate valid genus, rather listing Chilopogon as a synonym of genus Appendicula. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CHILOSCHISTA
Lindl. 1832
| (Chsch.) Gr. cheilos,lip; schistos, cleft; alluding to the cleft
lip
in this species.
There are about 20 leafless, dwarf epiphytic species in this genus distributed in the Himalaya, India, Burma, South-east Asia Indonesia and Australia. They are usually found as an entangled mass of roots, from the center of which arise graceful inflorescences bearing leaf-like bracts and small, but showy, intricate flowers. Species in this genus were formerly placed in genus Sarcochilus. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CHOERADOPLECTRON Schauer 1843 |
See Habenaria |
| CHLOIDIA Lindl. 1840 |
Synonym of Corymbis, see Corymborkis |
| CHLORAEA
Lindl. 1827
SYNONYMS
| (None)
There are over 100 very pretty terrestrial species in this genus distributed in the southern half of South America, mostly in Chile and Argentina. Species produce large bright flowers. Taxonomically, these species are very unusual and have very few relatives in the Orchidaceae family. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CHONDRADENIA Maxim. ex Makino 1902 |
See Orchis |
| CHONDRORHYNCHA
Lindl. 1846
SYNONYMS Warscewiczella
| (Chdrh.) Gr. xhonseoa,cartilage; rhynchos,nose or beak; alluding to the beak-like
rostellum.
There are about 31 epiphytic species in this genus distributed in the cloud forests from Mexico south to Brazil, the Andes of Colombia and Bolivia. Species are also found on the island of Cuba. The genus is subdivided into two subgenera based on the extent of fringing of the lip structure of the blossoms: Chondroscaphe (sometimes listed as a valid segregate genus rather than a subgenus), and Chondrorhyncha. This genus is closely allied to Bollea and Huntleya. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CHRONIOCHILUS
J.J.Sm. 1918
| (None)
This is a small genus of about seven species distributed from Malaysia and the nearby islands to Southern Thailand. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CHRYSOBAPHUS Wall. 1826 |
See Anoectochilus |
| CHRYSOGLOSSUM
Blume 1825
| (None) Gr. chrysos,golden; glossa,tongue
There are about ten pretty terrestrial species in this genus distributed in the mountain forests of India, Ceylon, China, southeast Asia, New Guinea, Philippines, and the Fiji islands. Species produce an erect multi-flowered inflorescence. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CHYSIS
Lindl. 1837
SYNONYMS
| (Chy.) Gr. chysis,melting; alluding to the fused appearance of the
pollinia
prior to opening of the flowers in
autogamous
forms.
Common name: "Baby orchid" There are only about five epiphytic species in this genus distributed in the wet forests from Mexico to Peru. | ||||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CHYTROGLOSSA
Rchb.f. 1863
| (None)
There are only three rare dwarf epiphytic species distributed in Brazil. The plants are fan-shaped and have small but very attractive flowers. These species are quite rare in collections. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CIONISACCUS Breda 1827 |
See Goodyera |
| CIRIPEDIUM Zumagl. 1829 |
See Cypripedium |
| CIRRHAEA
Lindl. 1832
SYNONYMS
| (None) L. cirrus,tendril; alluding to the prolonged
rostellum.
There are only six epiphytic species in this genus all distributed in central and southern Brazilian forests at lower elevations. Species should be cultivated like species in the Gongora genus. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CIRRHOPETALUM
Lindl. 1830
SYNONYMS
| (Cirr.)
Common name: "Daisy Chain" orchid There are about 150 epiphytic species in this genus distributed throughout Asia to India and many Pacific islands. Species produce several small usually violet or purple flowers set in a semicircular arrangement. Species are closely allied to Bulbophyllum and are often misnamed as such. Some authors, infact, do not consider genus Cirrhopetalum to be a recognized valid genus, listing this genus as a synonym of Bulbophyllum. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CISCHWEINFIA
Dressler & N.H.Williams 1970
| (Cisch.) Named in honor of Charles Schweinfurth, a 20th century American botanist.
Composite of Ci (C.), schwein abbreviation of Schweinfurth, ia (of).
There are about seven epiphytic species in this genus distributed from Costa Rica to Bolivia. They are miniature plants with colorful flowers that reside in the very wet cloud forest trees. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CLADERIA
Hook.f. 1890
| (None) Gr. klados,a branch; erion,wool; alluding to the plant's
epiphytic habit.
There are only two terrestrial species in this genus. C. viridiflora is found in Malaysia and C. papuana is found in New Guinea and surrounding areas. Species produce a slender inflorescence bearing medium-sized green flowers. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CLADOBIUM Lindl. 1836 / Schltr. 1920 |
illegitimate later homonym See Stenorrhynchos and Scaphyglottis |
| CLEISOCENTRON
Bruhl 1926
| (Clctn.)
There are only four species in this genus most of which were originally considered to be part of genus Saccolabium. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CLEISOSTOMA
Blume 1825
SYNONYMS
| (Cleis.)
Gr. kleistos,closed; stoma,mouth;
alluding to a solid fleshy protuberance which almost blocks the mouth of the spur.
There are about 100 small-flowered epiphytic species in this genus distributed in tropical lowland forests from India through southeast Asia, New Guinea, the Pacific islands, and Australia. Species produce a multi-flowered inflorescence that may be short or long, simple or branched, erect or pendent. The flowers are typically fleshy with a 3-lobed spurred lip. From 1912 to 1972 many species of genus Cleisostoma were generally placed in genus Sarcanthus. Garay's 1972 discussions in the Botanical Museum Leaflets of Harvard University however, made the case that these species properly belong to the genus Cleisostoma and that Sarcanthus is a later homonym. | ||||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CLEISTES
Rich. ex Lindl. 1818/1840
| (None)
Common name: "Rosebud Orchid" There are between 25 to 50 species left in this genus. Many have been moved to other genera. Some of the species are very pretty terrestrial orchids. Most of the species are found in Brazil but there are also a few found in tropical America. Cles. divaricata, commonly called the "Rosebud Orchid" is found from New Jersey southward. Several species were formerly in the genus Pogonia. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CLOWESIA
Lindl. 1843
| (Clow.) Named in honor of Rev. Clowes, a 19th century English cultivator of orchids
There are five or six epiphytic species that have been moved to this genus in 1975 from the genus Catasetum by Dodson. The Catasetum synonyms will continue to be used in hybrid registration. The main difference between the two genera is the continuation of non-male and female flowers in Clowesia species. Photo courtesy of The Orchid Photo Page | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CNEMIDIA Lindl. 1833 |
See Tropidia |
| CONCHIDIUM Griff. 1851 |
See Eria |
| COCCINEORCHIS Schltr. 1920 |
See Stenorrhynchos |
| COCHLEANTHES
Raf. 1836
| (Cnths.) Gr. cochlos,snail shell; anthos,flower; alluding to the shell-like
appearance of the flower.
Common name: "Fan-Shape Orchid" There are about fifteen epiphytic species in this genus distributed in the cloud forests from Costa Rica to Peru. Cochleanthes species have often been placed in other genera such as Zygopetalum and Chondrorhyncha. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| COCHLIA Blume 1825 |
See Bulbophyllum |
| COCHLIODA
Lindl. 1853
| (Cda.) Gr. cochlos,snail shell; alluding to the snail-shell
appearance of the hard thick area of the
lip.
There are only about ten species in this genus. They have been used extensively by breeders. The blossoms are rather large and typically brilliant scarlet. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| COELIA
Lindl. 1830
SYNONYMS Bothriochilus 
| (None)
There is some argument about the correct classification of some species in this genus resulting in several of them being listed under two genera. Lemaire established genus in Bothriochilus in 1856. Lindley, however had already listed several species in the genus Coelia which was established by him 1830. Dressler has sided with Lindley because of his earlier publication date as to which should be correct and therefore lists Bothriochilus as a synonym genus. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| COELIOPSIS
Rchb.f. 1872
| (None) Coelia,a genus; Gr. opsis,appearance; alluding to the similarity
to species in genus Coelia.
There is only one epiphytic species, C. hyacinthosma, in this genus distributed in Costa Rica and Panama. C. hyacinthosma produces a short pendent inflorescence bearing fleshy white flowers with an orange-brown spot in the throat. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| COELOGLOSSUM
Hartm. 1820
SYNONYMS
| (None) Gr. koilos,hollow; glossa,tongue.
Common name: "Frog Orchid" There is only one terrestrial species, C. viride, in this genus. This orchid is perhaps the most widespread of all temperate orchids and the most overlooked due to its prepossessing small stature and unnoticeable green blossoms. The species is found throughout the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, North America, and, surprisingly, is also found in Greenland within the Arctic Circle! Photos courtesy of Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| COELOGYNE
Lindl. 1825
SYNONYMS
| (Coel.) Gr. kolios,hollow; gyne,female; alluding to the deeply set
stigmatic cavity found in the genus.
There are more than 100 epiphytic or lithophytic species in this genus distributed in temperate to tropical regions from India through China and Indonesia and the Fiji Islands. Species produce an inflorescence bearing showy, delicately colored flowers. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CODONOSIPHON
Schltr. 1913
| (None) Gr. kodon,bell; siphon,tube; alluding to the
fused (connate) sepals
which form a bell-shaped tube.
There are three epiphytic species in this genus. Two species are distributed in New Guinea and one species, C. codonanthum, in Celebes. Species are small and produce an inflorescence bearing dark carmine red flowers. Species are related to genus Bulbophyllum. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| COELANDRIA Fitzg. 1822 |
See Dendrobium |
| COGNIAUXIOCHARIS (Schltr.) Hoehne 1944 |
See Stenorrhynchos |
| COILOSTYLIS Raf. 1836 |
See Epidendrum |
| COLAX Lindl. 1826 |
See Pabstia Colax is an illegitimate later homonym (the name was previously given to a synonym of Lycaste). Genus Pabstia was created by Garay in 1973 to replace it. |
| COLOMBIANA Ospina 1973 |
See Pleurothallis |
| COMPARETTIA
Poepp. & Endl. 1836
| (Comp.) Named in honor of Andero Comparetti, a 19th century Italian botanist.
Common name: "Snail Orchid" There are about ten to twelve epiphytic species in this genus distributed in the Andes of Colombia and Ecuador. One member, falcata, extends to the West Indies and Mexico. The flowers are proportionately large and brilliantly colored. Unlike most epiphytic orchids which will attach themselves to most any tree, species of this genus are most often found living only in guava trees. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| COMPERIA
K.Koch 1849
| (None) Named after Komper
There is only one terrestrial species, C. comperiana, in this genus distributed on the Greek islands of Kos, Lesbos, and Rhodes, the Crimea in Russia, southern Anatolia in Turkey, northern Lebanon, northern Iraq, and Iran. C. comperiana produces spectacular flowers with a lip that has three lobes the ends of which taper into four long thin filaments. C. comperiana is becoming rare due to over collecting in Turkey because the tubers are used to make a national beverage, salep, and for salep ice cream. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CONCHOCHILUS Hassk. 1842 |
See Appendicula |
| CONOSTALIX (Kraenzl.) Brieger 1881 |
See Eria |
| CONSTANTIA
Barb.Rodr. 1877
| (Const.) Named in honor of Constanca Barbosa Rodrigues, wife of the author.
There are about five species in this genus distributed in Brazil. Species often inhabit the trunks of Vellozia bushes, and are almost impossible to transplant once they are removed from the host plant making them very difficult to cultivate. Species of Constantia were once mistakenly considered to be members of the Sophronitis genus. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CORALLORHIZA Chatel. 1760 |
orthographic variant See Corallorrhiza |
CORALLORRHIZA
Gagnebin 1755
SYNONYMS Corallorhiza 
| (None)
Common name: "Coralroot Orchid" There are about twelve saprophytic epiphyte species in this genus broadly distributed in North America, Mexico, Northern Asia and Europe. These are some of the more unusual orchid species in that they are leafless, appearing as a large tangled mass of green-colored roots which serve the duel purpose of acquiring nutrients and processing them through photosynthesis. Species produce very showy flowers. Photos courtesy of Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CORDIGLOTTIS
J.J.Sm. 1922
SYNONYMS Cheirorchis
| (None)
There are only about seven small monopodial epiphytes are listed in this genus distributed in southern Thailand, Sumatra, and Borneo. The flowers of these species only last one day. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CORDULA Raf. 1836 |
See Paphiopedilum |
| CORDYLA Blume 1825 |
illegitimate later homonym See Nervilia or Pogonia |
| CORDYLESTYLIS Falc. 1842 |
See Goodyera |
| CORYANTHES
Hook. 1831
SYNONYMS
| (Crths.) Gr. korys,helmet; anthos,flower; in allusion to the helmet-like
shape of the lip
epichile.
Common name: "Bucket Orchid" There are about 30 epiphytic species in this genus distributed throughout the tropical lowlands of America. The flowers are remarkably adapted for pollenation by insects. Pollinated by bees which are attracted by a strong female bee sex odor produced by the plant. Each species produces a distinctive odor thus attracting different pollinating species of bee. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CORYBAS
Salisb. 1807
SYNONYMS
| (None) Named for a Corybant or dancing priest of the goddess Cybele in
Phrygia. The name "Corybas" has no apparent relationship with these orchids and it
is unclear why Salisbury chose the name.
Robert Brown attempted to change the name to Corysanthes (from the
Greek korys, "helmet" and anthos, "flower") and published the new name in 1810.
Because of botanical laws governing prior to publication, however, Salisbury's inappropriate
name must be used.
Common name: "Helmet Orchids" alluding to the helmet-shape of the flower. There are about 100 terrestrial species distributed in the Himalaya of northern India, in southern China, the Philippines, Malaysia, New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand and on various Pacific islands. These are very tiny but fascinating orchids. Species bear a solitary heart-shaped leaf which lies flat on the ground and produces a stalkless single large flower. Genus Corybas has the distinction of having the most southern orchid species, dienemus (D.L.Jones 1993) which is found on Australia's sub-antarctic island of Macquarie Island where the mean annual temperature range is from one to five degrees Celsius. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CORYCIUM
Sw. 1800
| (None)
There are about 14 terrestrial and lithophytic species in this genus distributed in South Africa. Species are very robust plants with small flowers. Species are closely allied to Pterygodium with the only major difference is general flower shape. Plants this genus are difficult to grow and are not very sought after because their flowers are small. | ||||||
SPECIES
|
| CORYMBIS Thouars 1822 |
See Corymborkis |
| CORYMBORCHIS Thouars 1855 |
See Corymborkis |
| CORYMBORKIS
Thouars 1809
SYNONYMS
| (None) Gr. corymbos,clustered; orchis,testicle
There are about eight terrestrial species in this genus distributed throughout the tropical regions of the world. Species produce an auxiliary inflorescence bearing many white or greenish-white flowers. The flower sepals, petals and lip are narrow and of equal length. The flowers of species C. veratrifolia have a spicy fragrance. | ||||||||
SPECIES
|
| CORYSANTHES R.Br. 1810 |
See Corybas
Robert Brown coined the name "Corysanthes" for the genus Corybas from the Greek korys, "helmet" and anthos, "flower" and published the new name in 1810. Because of botanical laws governing prior to publication, however, Salisbury's name, "Corybas" name must be used and the new name was not accepted as valid. |
| COSTARICAEA Schltr. 1923 |
See Hexisea |
| COTYLOLABIUM Garay 1982 |
See Stenorrhynchos |
| CRANICHIS
Sw. 1788
SYNONYMS
| (None)
Common name: "Helmet Orchid" There are about 40 mostly terrestrial species in this genu |