Herbs, terrestrial (rarely on rocks or epiphytic), erect. Stems modified into pseudobulbs, often densely congested, concealed by overlapping fibrous sheaths, 1[–3]-leaved. Leaves persistent; blade not imbricate or plicate, usually leathery, often patterned. Inflorescences lateral, arising from base of pseudobulb, racemes or panicles, erect. Flowers resupinate, inconspicuous; sepals and petals distinct and free, spreading; lip deeply 3-lobed, base spurred; column erect, curved, produced into conspicuous foot, oblique at base; anther terminal, operculate; pollinia 2, with short or aborted caudicles attached directly to viscidium. Fruits capsules.

Distribution

Tropical regions, North America, West Indies, Central America, South America, Africa (including Madagascar, the Mascarene Islands, and the Seychelles).

Discussion

Species 31 (1 in the flora).

Selected References

Garay, L. A. and P. Taylor. 1976. The genus Oeceoclades Lindl. Bot. Mus. Leafl. 24: 249–274.

Lower Taxa

Oeceoclades maculata