Greek kysis – melting; an allusion to the fused pollinia in the self-pollinating type species C. aurea Lindl.
Epiphytic or epilithic herbs, sympodial, with short stout rhizomes. Stems thickened into clubbed or spindle-shaped pseudobulbs, pendent, jointed, with papery sheaths, dense. Leaves lateral and apical, several, thin to fleshy, pleated, deciduous. Inflorescences basal or lateral racemes, arching, with bracts. Flowers resupinate, 2-10, small to large, fragrant, white, yellow, orange or pink. Sepals similar,dorsal free, laterals fused to column foot forming a pouch. Petals smaller than sepals, free. LABELLUM3-lobed, fleshy, side lobes embracing column, tip straight or curved under, often notched. Column short, 2-winged, with a long foot. Pollinia 8, often fused to column causing self pollination.
About 4 species from Mexico, C and S America.
Pendent pseudobulbs that lose their leaves after the first season.
Source: (2005). Orchidaceae. In: . Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.
